Jurassic Sandwiches and Cowboy Church
8/26/2024
Nathan and Elder Roberts have been struggling to find investigators to teach. They did find one named Judy but spend most of their time trying to talk to new people.
We are learning a lot about the area, from giant cow statues to Cowboy Church with a gun range and Jurassic Sandwiches, where Nathan likes the Brontosaurus Sandwich. He is definitely in the deep South.
There are 2 other sets of male missionaries and they do exchanges and also hang out on Pday to play card games or pickleball.
I spoke in church so I sent Nathan my talk on perseverance and having a covenant relationship with Christ. One of my favorite quotes is President Russell M. Nelson in “Joy and Spiritual Survival”
Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before endured the cross. Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on the earth, our Savior focused on joy!
And what was the joy that was set before Him? Surely it included the joy of cleansing, healing and strengthening us; the joy of paying for the sins of all who would repent; the joy of making it possible for you and me to return home-clean and worthy-to live with our Heavenly parents and families.
If we focus on the joy that will come to us, or to those we love, what can we endure or persevere that presently seems overwhelming, painful, scary, unfair, or simply impossible?”
Nathan's response was he loved the talk! Enoch's interaction with God are some of my favorite scriptures. I also really loved the part about covenants not just being a list of things to do, but a personal relationship with Heavenly Father. That's been something I've been learning while out on the mission. I also liked the comparison to the love tree (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days movie), how a relationship (especially a covenant relationship) needs tender love and care, but it will eventually bring fruits. Thank you for sending me the talk.
Nathan also called Elyse for her birthday. He enjoyed hearing her latest adventures. And Elyse remembered we took Nathan to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for his Senior birthday so you can only imagine where Elyse wanted to go.
