Grace

I remember having a special training with the former mission president
of the Boston Massachusetts Mission my second transfer. Elder N
and I were sitting there, getting our minds blown away by a brother
who was fresh off of the mission field. But one of the most powerful
things he said was when he discussed how he worked with disobedient
missionaries. Why were disobedient missionaries disobedient? Was it
strict rules, struggling testimony, anything like that? No, it was
because they weren't busy. When they felt like they had nothing to do,
they felt they couldn't apply the rules anymore. Very interesting
thought process.
Well, I am here to tell you I have been obedient to the rules, because
I have been busy. Between the three wards that we cover there is too
much space in between and not enough miles on the car-
Wait, before I go on, I just have to say this. We have a car! Yes, a
real car with an electric motor with a steering wheel and air
conditioning! First time in a long time. It's good to be back
Anyways, there's a lot going on, so we have to be wise with our time.
This week we began to teach a new family of 6. They have met with
missionaries on and off for about four years now and haven't been
baptized because they've had a hard time keeping commitments. Elder
Yale and I decided to drop by a few weeks ago and they scheduled an
appointment. We were on a triple split that night, so Brother Parker
and I taught them. Turns out they've been wanting to meet with
missionaries again and are preparing for baptism and confirmation! It
was one of those moments that you never dream of because the dream is
too good. It was the best. My favorite moment came when I asked them
plainly if they believe Joseph Smith was a prophet, to which they
said, "Yes he is." Well there you go. If they are not even members,
and their testimony of Joseph Smith is sound, then you know that this
is a special family. More news on them soon.
We also have begun teaching a 9-year old who will be baptized with his
8 year old sibling in July. I didn't even know this family existed
until the Pflugerville bishop shot us an email halfway through the
week. The situation is a little interesting, but after meeting with
the kids a few times we can tell that they are ready for baptism. They
have been regularly attending church with some of their extended
family, and I guess their parents finally jumped on board with having
them baptized.
On top of that, we have started the lessons with the returning active
Bice family, to help their children prepare for baptism. We plan on
having the three kids baptized and confirmed in the next month, and to
get the parents ready to attend the temple by next June. I love this
family. I hope that they can endure to the end.
A woman came to church for the fourth time in the past month or so.
She is best friends with our organist. She came to church this week
instead of driving to Houston to put flowers on her fathers' grave.
She is what we call, "All In." It was touching to see how happy she
was to be here, in the front row of a packed chapel, smiling to the
sound of the organ.
These are just a few of the many people we are working with.
personally, I think these people have been prepared specifically for
this time to partake in the first fruits of the gospel, and to enter
into covenant with their God. Very exciting times.
This has simply been a week of miracles. Next week, I'll have
surpassed my year mark, which makes me feel much older than what I
really am. But be prepared for the annual mission recap, where I'll
highlight the best parts of my mission, as well as the most memorable
parts of my mission. Can you believe, that this is day 361? A year ago
Elder A was out for only 10 months this time around. Elder T
was still in Randolph, and I was still umpiring baseball games!
That'll be a great email.
And before I go, I wish my Dad a belated Father's Day. My Dad is a
very goofy man, and it is part of what makes him great. I love you,
Coach.

Elder Richard Hall

1. The Dads in my family