Thanks

Thanks 10/17/11

What a glorious surprise it was to come home after church and a long day and see two packages from Mom and Dad. I loved it. Thanks for all the candy and even halloween decorations. I already put up the stick ums on the window. Sorry I haven't commented too much on Elder Maxwell. He is a stud. Hate to pick favorites, but we get along really well and we teach in unity. So far some of the most fun I have had. We are similar in thinking styles, but pretty different in personality. 
 
Yesterday at church, the chapel was full for the first time since I have been there! 5 of the less active families we visited the last two weeks came! Plus Wayne came, although he had to leave part way through, because he was so sick. I will spare you the details. We are also teaching this 12 year old kid Jacob, who came with his inactive Mom. We had a Zone meeting discussion as well. Instead of the usual Zone leaders get up and preach we all sat in a circle and discussed two topics, discouragement and the atonement. After the discussion we went in a circle bearing our testimonies. It was one of the most powerful hours yet, and showed the reality of the unstoppable force missionary work can be. 
 
Wayne and Sarah still aren't quitting smoking, and coffee has proven too be equally addictive. Greg didn't come to church despite him telling us literally 12 hours before that he would be there, even bought a white shirt for it. Darn that agency. Chruch was good though. After having only one lesson this past week with a member we set up at church for 8 members to come to our lessons this week. We are making an attempt to serve the ward, that includes stretching them spiritually to receive blessings. As a companionship we have a mindset of 'determination for invitation. Invite everyone to do something. We have been really blessed as we have showed our willingness to serve. The early morning seminary teacher for the ward is in the hospital this week, so the ward has asked us to teach it this week! This morning was our first time. It was a little rough considering this year is the old testament, but it was fun. I have a lot more respect for seminary teachers, that is for sure. 
 
We went on exchanges this week too. While doing a little finding, who found a nice Catholic couple, unsatisfied with their church and receptive to our message. We also taught a vietnam vet named clinton, we found a couple weeks back.  His wife wasn't open to the message so we taught in his garage. When we walked in he was watching vietnam videos with old rock n roll music playing. He could tell he was a cool dude back in the day. As we taught, I was in an office chair, he was riding his mower and elder maxwell was on a low to the ground work stool. The spirit was strong. We came to find out later that he had had missionaries stop by a lot in the past, but was not willing to hear the message. After the seed being planted years ago and being sown for years, We had the great opportunity to teach him.
 
Saturday was our only day we didn't have a dinner appointment planned. As we finished a little tracting we were getting in the car to grab a bite and we got a call from a less active member. She said she didn't know why but she decided to make a bunch of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, even though it was way more than she could ever eat. We eat 10 minutes later. We would have been fine grabbing food, but it was a confirming reminder that the Lord is watching over us.
 
Things are going well and I look forward to gaining some good weight. Love yall
 
Elder Dumke