End of another Transfer

This is Crawford Jones getting baptized in three weeks.

Dear Everybody -
This week we had another cool lesson with Fausto. We went with another Spanish speaking member who just returned from her mission in Chile. We taught Faith thru Alma 32. We recently found an old missionary guide book in spanish so in preparation for the lesson we pulled a few phrases to memorize to help the lesson go more smoothly. It went very well. I have never felt my Spanish vocabulary brought to remembrance with such ease. It certainly wasn't perfect and I must have soon esta bien 3 dozen times, ha.
 
We taught Wayne midway through the week as well. We introduced the Word of Wisdom and he was on board, but recognized the long road ahead. He had had some issues with partaking of the sacrament the last few weeks and wanted to know how he could feel worthy. He explained some of the things he had to do as an officer in Vietnam. We testified of the healing power of the atonement. He felt the Spirit and felt at peace that baptism would wash away his sins.
 
As for the new training program - We had a meeting with President Pitt where he introduced the new worldwide program. It is something the church has been working on for a long time to have a universal set training schedule. It includes us having a personal DVD player and a few videos to watch every morning. Our studies are extended to 3 hours daily. It is pretty intense, but already has revealed many ways we can improve. As a result of this program I will be staying with Elder Havertz for another transfer, which I am excited about. This area has many promising faces!

 On Sunday we had Scott and Robin at church. It was fast and testimony meeting, so kind of a gamble, but it went well. Scott used to be a preacher and is real evangelical so he would repeat Amen throughout each testimony. I really love his enthusiasm and love of the Savior. We had another lesson with him yesterday, where we talked about church with them. It was kind of different for them, but they are intrigued. We talked more about temple work and showed them "Why Mormons build temples" on mormon.org. He expressed how beautiful the work for the dead was. He brought out the concern we had been searching for. He has a problem with organized religion, because he wants everyone to be focusing on Christ, not just relying on the structure of church. It was a valid point. It was a good reminder for me of why we have the Book of Mormon, Bible or even church. It is strengthen our faith in Christ so we can continually repent and follow the commandments he has given us. I love those insights.
 
I am grateful for this gospel. I thankful for my Savior and I feel so blessed to be right here, right now!
 
Love yall
Elder Dumke
 

Six Month Mark

Hey Hey Hey,

Another great week in Roanoke Virginia. I cannot believe I have already been out 6 months. The time has seriously flown by as I reflect on past companions, investigators and areas. I cannot imagine my life without these two years dedicated to the Lord, and this past week has helped me realize that.

On Thursday we had an appointment cancel on us so we went to follow up with someone we had given a Book of Mormon to. She let us right in and enlightened us on her background. She was Irish, Jewish, Cherokee and a Catholic. She had begun reading the Book of Mormon and was fascinated by its history, as she should be, they are her ancestors... basically. We explained that the story begins with a Jewish family in Jerusalem, who then travelled to the Americas and whose descendants are a portion of the Native American population. She was intrigued and exicted. Pretty cool side note.

My personal motto for my mission here has been, "Plant seeds, but hit the garden hard!" A few days ago we were able to see the often unseen good. We were tracting a holler neighborhood last saturday and weren't having very good success finding anyone home. As we approached one particular house we saw a man look at us and then go in and come back out before we arrived. He had a long pony tail and large can of beer in hand. We talked for maybe 5 minutes about his dogs, bikes, health etc. before bringing up we were missionaries. He was friendly enough, but told us he wasn't too interested in hearing what we had to say. We left feeling a little disapointed, thinking he seemed so open and friendly what was the hold up? As we made our way back down the country road he came out chasing us and yelling for us to stop. His run must have been painful, with him going in for hip surgery just a few days later. He came to us and said,
"I want yall to know, that your work is not in vain. I woke up this morning having just the "worst" day. Then I saw yall comin and I was ready to let you have it. I poked in and told my wife to hand me a beer cuz I was going to tear these boys up. Then you came and I felt somethin. I want you to know that I felt it, I really did."

And then he headed back on his way. We stood there in awe, amazed at the experience. I am grateful God let me see an early stage of the harvest.

Yesterday we had Wayne at church again. It was great! He was excited to be there and he told us that in 2 weeks he is bring two of his friends to church that he has been talking to about us. Right before the Service started he leaned over to me and said, "I forgot to bring my baptismal clothes. Can I get baptized later this week instead." Ha I don't know why he thought he needed to be baptized that day, but we let him know we will work towards a day where he can make that step. We still have to work out a few things with him is all. I am really excited about it.

We were also able to make contact with Phyllis this week. She fell of the radar and had been avoiding us for a bit. Turns out she got overloaded with Anti material. We are trying to visit her again, she no doubt has felt the Spirit testify.

And finally, this morning instead of playing the usual basketball with the other missionaries, we went on a hike. It was supposedly the 2nd highest waterfall in Virginia, but I don't what they call a waterfall out here, because it was just a spring dripping down the side of a mountain. So that part was a huge dissapointment, but the rest of hike wandered through Bottom Creek Gorge, which was somewhat of neighborhood in the mountains set up by Civil War Deserters. There were lots of old homes and cemeteries throughout. Such rich history.

Well I love ya and things are going well. I will be with my greenie for another transfer because the church is implementing a new training program. And President wants us to be the guinea pigs with it. I will find out more about it later this week. Thanks for the Love. 6/24!

Much Love,
Elder Dumke