Sister Henson-Happy Mother's Day!

Well, I apologize for all those who didn’t get to talk to me yesterday on Mothers Day because I’m afraid I feel like I have nothing to say now. But it was worth it, it was good to hear everyone’s voice, except Kasey’s, because he still doesn’t sound like my brother. That is going to take some time for me to get used to. Sorry KC!
I did want to update everyone on our investigators and recent converts very quickly. Trever blessed the sacrament yesterday at church! I was brimming with pride and joy! He was pretty nervous, you could tell, but felt really excited to have a responsibility at church. After it was over he began telling me that his new calling was to organize the sacrament, to make sure there was bread and people to pass, etc. At first he didn’t seem very excited but I explained to him that the sacrament is one of the most important ordinances in the church. I think now he is excited to have such an important responsibility. Justin is doing great, long story short, he cannot be baptized until May 20th, and his birthday is the 23rd so he decided to be baptized that day. Freido came to all three hours of Church and loved it. We will be teaching him today and he is progressing well. He was very involved in the classes and felt the love of the members.
Have I told you about my two new favorite investigators, Eric and Will? They claim to be atheist. We have taught them several times now and it’s amazing to see the Spirit work with them. They are both about 21 and they are very smart and logical. At the beginning of every lesson they want to debate God or some aspect of the Gospel. They often visit anti-Mormon websites so we often have to resolve those issues. As the lesson progresses and we begin to teach true principles that the Spirit is then able to testify of, we see them, almost physically, begin to be confounded by the Spirit. Meaning they go from being very bold and boisterous to not having a word to say. You can’t argue with truth, they are quickly learning that. By the end of the lesson, they seem almost passive and softened and readily accept any commitments we extend. It’s been a new experience for me to start at level one with an investigator. Usually they have some sort of foundation or faith, but these two have lost whatever faith they had. Eric comes from a Catholic background and Will from a non-denominational background. As I have thought about them, my mind goes to Alma Chapter 32 where we learn about the seed of faith. I have come to the conclusion that they were given a seed of faith at one point in their lives, but because their previous Faiths did not have the fullness of the Gospel, they felt something lacking. The seed that they planted didn’t produce the fruit that was “sweet about all that is sweet” (32:42). They naively believed then that God didn’t exist (I am sure that some other factors contributed). But still, not their fault, the seed that they were given wasn’t one of complete Truth, one that would bring the fruit that they were seeking. I imagine that is the case with most people who are passive in their belief about God or his Son, Jesus Christ. The seeds that they have planted so far haven’t had the power or truth to bring the fruit that brings a fullness of joy. It might be that they are tired of having their hands dirty, taking care of this seed that doesn’t do much for them. My prayer for them is that they consider planting the seed of THIS Gospel. The complete, fullness of truth. I know that if they did so, they would find the seed begin to swell, grow and enlarge their understanding. It would bring forth fruit that makes the work worthwhile. I believe Eric and Will are rolling up their sleeves, getting the soil ready to plant that seed.
We have another busy week ahead of us. In fact, we don’t get much of a preparation day today, too many appointments. That’s a missionaries dream, too many appointments ;) We are striving for the Zone of Excellence this week, we were so close last time, I’m sure the Lord will lead us to those who are hungry and want some fruit ;)
So remember us in your prayers, especially you Mom. We all know God listens to you more quickly than the rest of us, haha!
I love you, Sister Henson

By the way, I do have the greatest Mother in the history of Mothers. Just so you know. I hope you are open to the Spirit right now so that He can testify to you that I speak the truth :)

Love, Sister Henson