So this week I received a new companion down here in Lynchburg. I was hoping they would send a veteran, to help me considering the Lynchburg audience. They actually sent Elder Houghton. He has been out about 9 months and spent most of it in the country of West Virginia. He is originally from Fresno, California We get along, we have our differences and struggles, but as long as we are obedient as a companionship we have seen successful in doing the Lord's work. It has been really different compared to the last 6 weeks. I have been riding shotgun (metaphorically) all last transfer occasionally throwing out directions in a lesson, but now I am in charge of knowing the ward, the streets and the investigators. It has been an incredible growing experience the past few days.
This week our focus was really on Brian. He has been progressing extremely well and is constantly amazing with his thoughts already being in line with the gospel. We found out last night that when he was in 10th grade he ordered a Book of Mormon or what he calls, "one of your bibles." He never really got into it or anything, but I truly think it was one of the steps to prepare his heart for the future. He invited us to breakfast at his house, where we taught and discussed the role prophets. Last night we really let the cat out of the bag, by discussing word of wisdom and then the 10 commandments. Most importantly, we explained the healing process of the atonement. The Spirit was stronger in this lesson then it had ever been. It was amazing to see the joy and the freedom that comes from these commandments and the forgiveness of sin. We invited him to repent and allow Christ to remove the burden that weighs so heavily on his heart. He is attempting to quit smoking today, but it is a long process ahead. We are really relying on the Lord to help him through this hard time.
We were fasting yesterday for his brother, Brandon, as well. He is in prison and Brian really wants God to touch his life. He is already looking to spread the "good news". The Lord fulfills his promises we showed our commitment to our investigators by fasting and we were blessed with two dinners. It may not seem like a big deal, but it was clear that it was no coincidence. A less active member is a cab driver and invited us over after one of the people he taxied around paid in him spare ribs. Oh the south... I have gained a stronger testimony of fasting with that experience.
We had a harder week with a lot of people not interested in meeting anymore, but with each challenge comes a blessing. Some may think that Satan is the one behind hard times, when really the Lord is the author of our trial. He has a plan for us. One of my favorite scriptures comes from Romans 8:18 - "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Heavenly Father loves us and is dedicated to supporting each of us personally.
"If the Lord is my Light then why should I fear?"
Love y'all and look forward to the coming week,
Elder Dumke
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