The Lord Blesses Us

5/21/12 Dear Fam,   This week was incredible. After seeing Luke Sunday night we saw him again Tuesday. He had showered, cleaned off the dining table with the Book of Mormon open and was ready for the lesson. He said that he read it and enjoyed it. We continued discussing it and explained the importance of it. Just a side note. The table also had fossils and lots of rocks he had pulled out. He had a story behind each one. Some found in West Virginia, others found overseas in Oman and Iraq. He talked about how he is searching for the truth, and we explained the path to follow and the entrance to the gate is baptism. He expressed that he would like to be baptized. It was pretty surprising, but so exciting! We saw him again Thursday and explained the commandments that Heavenly Father has given us, and he was receptive to them and is going to work towards a date in June. He wants his son baptized with him. He couldn't make it to church because he got sick. But he should still be on track.   We gave Brother Dorsey a call this week to see if we could help him paint his house. He said he had some workers already, but wanted us to come to the house he was building (he is a contractor) and teach his "heathens." When we arrived they were all sitting around literally waiting for the paint to dry. I was on exchanges with a younger elder and so it was tough teaching. I felt like I was in Hyde Park soapboxing the Restoration. It was a new experience. One of them was interested and we referred them to the other missionaries. Sister Dorsey came to church, but isn't confident with her date. Probably have to push it back.   And finally the coolest thing of the week. While on exchanges with the Assistants I began to study the importance of nourishing physically and spiritually. Unknowingly Elder Crane likewise studied compassion and mercy. Realizing this was no coincidence we set a goal to bless someone today by showing mercy and love to those who really needed it. More specifically we prayed to find someone we could take to lunch that day. We had a wonderful morning teaching and with just 10 minutes before lunch, we prayed to know where we needed to go to fulfill this purpose. Elder Crane felt Walmart, so we headed that way, took a wrong turn and there stood a man looking worn out and homeless. We asked him to join us for lunch. He walked over to Chick Fil A with his wife and we bought some lunch. His wife had been meeting with missionaries the last 6 months in North Carolina and had attended the ward Christmas party as well as other functions over the past few months. They were so grateful for some food, they said they hadn't much over the last few days. The miracle of being able to meet Tracy and Crystal was how willingly the Lord blessed us. Our desire was purely to bless someones life and He granted that to us. How quickly the Lord will bless if our desire align with his will or command. We were ecstatic. Just to put a cherry on top the dinner appointment we had that night, felt they needed to give us some extra food. If there was any loss in the situation it was on our wallets, which was then almost immediately doubly made up, by the members giving us a pot roast and frozen salsbury steaks.   I am so grateful to have seen the Lord's hand so prevalent in our week. Sure love yall   Much Love, Elder Dumke   PS - The mission has 97 baptismal dates this week. That is a record for mission history! The zone has 21, which is also a record!