11 January 2012

Tonight our two Elders, Ellingson and Naruo, came over to talk with us in the evening because they were discouraged.  They said there is a new program in the mission which counts their sit-down discussions only with investigators, not with members any more.  We seniors don’t ever have to report any numbers, so we aren’t kept in the loop very much as to the procedures and policies.  But Elder Ellingson said that he hadn’t had very many serious discussions with people since he came out about 3 months ago.  (After they left, we counted at least 18 lessons we have given to non-members, so we have been truly blessed, and we can certainly understand how these young men can get discouraged.)  We fed them milk and cookies and spent some time talking to them, and they really seemed to appreciate it.  They hugged my companion when they left.  He has such a gift for making people feel loved and cared about, especially young people, because he treats them with such respect.  He promised them that we will be praying for them.  I think it’s easier somehow for people to talk to senior couples than to professional-looking young men.  They’re not afraid of old people…!

We had a pretty good week in Bridgetown, except for making contact with the Stuarts.  We talked to all 4 children at different times, but the parents were not home whenever we called or went by.  We even left our phone number, but we didn’t receive a response from them.  We were very disappointed because we had prayed and prepared a lesson for them. 

But we did get to give a lesson to the Lakes.  They are reading the Book of Mormon!  Ray had a very good visit with Les Williams and talked with his cohort, Anne Busanich, quite sternly on the phone about not saying negative things about our new mission president.  We had a little barbeque at our home for Mark Morrison and his kids.  They loved our yard and house.  We invited the Ellefsons to join us, which was nice, and good for her to get out.  He loved the meal and ate lots.

On our way home from Bridgetown, we stopped in Manjimup to look up a few members which are on our rolls, but have not been heard from in a long time.  We met a lady at a motel out on a lonely road near there with whom we were able to have a very nice discussion and introduce the Book of Mormon.  Elder Ashby had noticed her beautifully restored antique car, which helped us break the ice.  I gave her a pass-along card, and we are going to go back there on our way through town next time.  She was so nice to us, offering us water and the use of a bathroom, and internet connection if we wanted.   We will surely try to talk to her again and give her a BoM.