September 7, 2015
Family and Friends,
It has been an exciting week to say the least. We have been running around left and right and trying to prepare for the next couple of days. This week is......drum roll please......is transfer week. I'm very grateful to stay here in Yakima and continue with Elder Archibald. It's been an absolute privilege serving with him and working closely with President and Sister Lewis.
This past week we were blessed with a powerful MLC. MLC is when the leadership of the mission gathers together and we give training's based on the needs of the mission. Our training was on the importance of teaching the gospel simply. At the beginning of our training, I started with a rant about my numark mixdeck (a mixer board that I used back at home for DJ'ing). All of the missionaries jaws dropped in confusion and everything went in one ear and out the other. Elder Archibald then talked about speaker systems. It was one of the most fun training's I have given on my mission. After explaining how to teach simply, we had a surprise. We had called a 10 year old boy to come and assist us. We then called up a couple of companionship's to teach this young boy simply. It was an incredible experience. We learned that confusion hinders conversion. MLC was wonderful.
Tomorrow, we will be receiving 26 new missionaries. That means 12 more proselyting areas have been formed. The Lord is definitely hastening His work in this part of His vineyard. Next transfer brings about 30 more new missionaries! We feel so blessed to be a part of this growth. Tomorrow, we will pick these new missionaries up from the airport and have a long, spiritually packed day with them at the mission home. Every time, I can't help but reflect my first experience stepping on Washington soil as a missionary. THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN SERVING A MISSION!My life has been changed these last 20 months because of one large reason, the love that my Heavenly Father has given me. I notice myself striving to become a better person. When push comes to shove, it's always about inward conviction. I'm far from perfect, but I hope and pray everyday that I can become a more sanctified and consecrated servant. It seems as if I have many days where I do fall short. That's when repentance comes in. Isn't the gospel just wonderful in every aspect?!
Well, I love you all very much and appreciate your examples.
Love Always,
Elder Smith
