Teaching and Training

12/16/12

This last week was a very very busy. Monday thru Saturday we traveled to 6 different zones, each a few hours apart, doing training with the missionaries. We really didn't get to proselyte in our area, but it was really fun to be able to work with literally all of the missionaries in the mission. Elder Klain and I got to work with each companion on their teaching. Our focus was on inviting investigators to attend church. We talked about giving a vision of church before extending the commitment. We explained the principle, demonstrated it, and then had them role play, stopping periodically to help them re-practice and evaluate. It was really neat to see how their teaching improved. It was a stretch to try and be a coach on that kind of thing. A tender balance of building up on the things you do well and direct and clear suggestions on things they can work on and re-practice. It proved to be very beneficial and we are excited to see the results of it all.

Today at church was really incredible. Marcie was called to be the gospel principles teacher after being a member for only a month and today was her first time teaching. She did AMAZING! She reads her Book of Mormon every night along with Preach My Gospel and is learning so quickly. Tomorrow is John's baptism and he is really excited. The ward has caught fire of missionary work and it is incredible to witness. Today there were 4 baptisms, tomorrow there is one and there are two more on the 30th. There used to be such a distinct line between families from Utah and WV families in the ward, now everyone is united and happy. It is excellent to see how SHARING the gospel does that.

This week is transfers, so it will be crazy again, but we are getting a 3rd companion with Elder Klain and I. We will work together until I go home. Sister Pitt is going back to Utah for their son's wedding from the 29th to the 7th, so i will probably be President's companion during that time. I am pretty excited about that. Things are going extremely well and so it is hard to think of going home so soon, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Thank you for the Christmas Package and notes. I love being able to read your testimonies and experiences time and time again. Time is going way to quickly. Love yall

Much Love

Elder Dumke