Elder M. lives with the Swensons. Here's Brother Swenson on his John Deere. Looks green and pretty, doesn't it?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Elder McMullin's District -- June 2009
Front: Elder Hunt (Elder McMullin's companion from Las Vegas) & Elder McMullin. Back: Elder Richmond (serving in Watseka, from California), Elder Church (serving in Bourbonnais, from Orem, Utah), Elder Hunt (serving in Bourbonnais, from Fredonia, Arizona), and Elder Bradsher (serving in Watseka, from Memphis, Tennessee)
Mission Update -- 6/17/09
Here's the update. It was fun getting a few pictures this week!
Hello,
Thanks for the letters, emails, and prayers! I hope all's going well. I'm doing well out here in Frankfort! I don't have my old planner, so I can't remember exactly what we did last week. I know that our P-Day was really short though, because the only time we could meet with the Cravens was at 4 PM on Wednesday. We were happy to do that though, and helped them create a Baptismal Calendar - A calendar with daily reading assignments for them to read and pray about as a family. After that, we went over to the Fredins for ribs. They were great! We discussed how to teach the word of wisdom to Bob, then went out to an appointment with President Fredin. The appointment kind of fell through, so we ended up stopping by a few families' homes.
Thursday was good. Why? I can't remember. We probably visited Jim Blaney, the Portwoods, and some other people. Oh yeah, the Browns too! Megan Brown was there, and it went really really well.
Friday was probably good too. I know we had a great lesson with Bob Cancialosi. He knows the Book of Mormon is true, and is excited for his baptism. The best part is that his only word of wisdom issue is decaf green tea. He's progressing very well, and we're excited for him. We also had a meeting with JoAnne at Sister Carlsons home to help her find some names to take to the temple for baptisms. Her membership number hadn't come in yet, so it was a pretty unsuccessful lesson. We later visited Sharon, and had a good lesson there. She's not doing well at all... Her drug addict son keeps breaking into her home. Say a prayer for her please! I can't remember what else happened Friday... Probably a dinner, and a lesson or two.
Saturday was pretty slow actually. We were pretty unsuccessful at finding anybody for the whole day, then eventually went over to Lisa Young's home for dinner and a lesson. Brett fell through a mirror when getting out of bed, and had to get a ton of stitches. He got pretty hurt, but is getting his stitches out pretty soon.
Sunday was great. We only had 5 investigators at church. Bummer. We'd got up to 7, and were hoping for that many yesterday. The standard is 1, I believe, so it's pretty nice to be disappointed when surpassing that by 400%. The Branch is going crazy about missionary work now. It's awesome! One member, Brother Giese, has had a deal up for at least 6 years - he'll take any missionaries that can get 2 baptisms out for steaks. We're going to be the first! We're grateful the Lord has blessed us and the Branch! After church, Brother Giese fed us, and then took us to teach a couple of people. We had some good discussions with Dan Spencer, and Sister DeLaney. That was pretty much it for the day.
Monday was pretty good. We started off the day with a lesson at the Cancialosi's home. Brother Erickson came with us, and was great. Bob is progressing very well! After that lesson, we planned, and got a lot of stuff set up for the week. We had dinner that evening at the Johnson's home. We had hamburgers, and some mushrooms that made me really ill. I felt bad for the rest of the day.
I woke up feeling not so good still. We had President's interviews in the morning. They went well. President and Sister Roach brought us a pie too! The first transfer I was in Frankfort, the said they'd bring a pie if every area in the district had a baptism... It took 3 transfers, but we got our pie! After that, we came back for a lesson with the less active Austin Kramer. It went pretty well. After that, we hurried over to the Cravens. We had a good lesson over there, and started to set up the program for their baptism. We'll finalize that Friday, and then get their baptismal clothes ready for the 27th! After that, we came home and cooked that pizza you sent me in the mail. The bag said it had 2 crusts in there, but it only had one... Until we picked it up to see if they were just smashed together, and it ripped in half to make 2 semi circle pizza crusts! It was funny, but tasted good. Send me more of those please! After that, we went over to the Hunsakers to go out with President Hunsaker. We visited the Portwoods, and had a good chat with them about where they want to be spiritually, and how to get there. She'll get baptized when her husband is ready to perform the ordinance. They're doing very well now. After that, we unsuccessfully tried to visit another guy, then came home.
Today should be good. We're going to play frisbee golf with the district. We'll probably do best disc teams, because that's all Elder Hunt and I do on P-Day. After golf, we're going to go to the part member Cammaratas for dinner, then to Lisa Young's for a lesson with her, Brett, and Sharon.
Well, there's the week! I hope you have a great week, and have fun getting ready for San Diego! For a while I was thinking I'd be pretty sad when you're all at the beach, and I'm out here... But I'm happy to be in Frankfort! This place is the best. I love you all though, and am excited to be in Sandy Ogie [our family "nickname" for San Diego -- that's how Tay said it when she was a little kid] with you in a couple years!
Love,
Elder Bradley Edward McMullin
Hello,
Thanks for the letters, emails, and prayers! I hope all's going well. I'm doing well out here in Frankfort! I don't have my old planner, so I can't remember exactly what we did last week. I know that our P-Day was really short though, because the only time we could meet with the Cravens was at 4 PM on Wednesday. We were happy to do that though, and helped them create a Baptismal Calendar - A calendar with daily reading assignments for them to read and pray about as a family. After that, we went over to the Fredins for ribs. They were great! We discussed how to teach the word of wisdom to Bob, then went out to an appointment with President Fredin. The appointment kind of fell through, so we ended up stopping by a few families' homes.
Thursday was good. Why? I can't remember. We probably visited Jim Blaney, the Portwoods, and some other people. Oh yeah, the Browns too! Megan Brown was there, and it went really really well.
Friday was probably good too. I know we had a great lesson with Bob Cancialosi. He knows the Book of Mormon is true, and is excited for his baptism. The best part is that his only word of wisdom issue is decaf green tea. He's progressing very well, and we're excited for him. We also had a meeting with JoAnne at Sister Carlsons home to help her find some names to take to the temple for baptisms. Her membership number hadn't come in yet, so it was a pretty unsuccessful lesson. We later visited Sharon, and had a good lesson there. She's not doing well at all... Her drug addict son keeps breaking into her home. Say a prayer for her please! I can't remember what else happened Friday... Probably a dinner, and a lesson or two.
Saturday was pretty slow actually. We were pretty unsuccessful at finding anybody for the whole day, then eventually went over to Lisa Young's home for dinner and a lesson. Brett fell through a mirror when getting out of bed, and had to get a ton of stitches. He got pretty hurt, but is getting his stitches out pretty soon.
Sunday was great. We only had 5 investigators at church. Bummer. We'd got up to 7, and were hoping for that many yesterday. The standard is 1, I believe, so it's pretty nice to be disappointed when surpassing that by 400%. The Branch is going crazy about missionary work now. It's awesome! One member, Brother Giese, has had a deal up for at least 6 years - he'll take any missionaries that can get 2 baptisms out for steaks. We're going to be the first! We're grateful the Lord has blessed us and the Branch! After church, Brother Giese fed us, and then took us to teach a couple of people. We had some good discussions with Dan Spencer, and Sister DeLaney. That was pretty much it for the day.
Monday was pretty good. We started off the day with a lesson at the Cancialosi's home. Brother Erickson came with us, and was great. Bob is progressing very well! After that lesson, we planned, and got a lot of stuff set up for the week. We had dinner that evening at the Johnson's home. We had hamburgers, and some mushrooms that made me really ill. I felt bad for the rest of the day.
I woke up feeling not so good still. We had President's interviews in the morning. They went well. President and Sister Roach brought us a pie too! The first transfer I was in Frankfort, the said they'd bring a pie if every area in the district had a baptism... It took 3 transfers, but we got our pie! After that, we came back for a lesson with the less active Austin Kramer. It went pretty well. After that, we hurried over to the Cravens. We had a good lesson over there, and started to set up the program for their baptism. We'll finalize that Friday, and then get their baptismal clothes ready for the 27th! After that, we came home and cooked that pizza you sent me in the mail. The bag said it had 2 crusts in there, but it only had one... Until we picked it up to see if they were just smashed together, and it ripped in half to make 2 semi circle pizza crusts! It was funny, but tasted good. Send me more of those please! After that, we went over to the Hunsakers to go out with President Hunsaker. We visited the Portwoods, and had a good chat with them about where they want to be spiritually, and how to get there. She'll get baptized when her husband is ready to perform the ordinance. They're doing very well now. After that, we unsuccessfully tried to visit another guy, then came home.
Today should be good. We're going to play frisbee golf with the district. We'll probably do best disc teams, because that's all Elder Hunt and I do on P-Day. After golf, we're going to go to the part member Cammaratas for dinner, then to Lisa Young's for a lesson with her, Brett, and Sharon.
Well, there's the week! I hope you have a great week, and have fun getting ready for San Diego! For a while I was thinking I'd be pretty sad when you're all at the beach, and I'm out here... But I'm happy to be in Frankfort! This place is the best. I love you all though, and am excited to be in Sandy Ogie [our family "nickname" for San Diego -- that's how Tay said it when she was a little kid] with you in a couple years!
Love,
Elder Bradley Edward McMullin
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Mission Update -- 6/10/09 -- Baptism! More scheduled! Staying in Frankfort!
Great email from Elder McMullin. It's been a fantastic week! Here's his email:
Hello Family,
It sounds like all is going well. Happy Birthday Dad! I hope it went well besides being sick. All's been going well here too... Let's just say you would never even guess the half of it!!!!!
Wednesday was great! We had Zone Activity in Plainfield. It was frisbee and softball, and both were really fun. After that, we came back for dinner with JoAnne at the Vines' home. After that, we split, and I went with Brother Vines to the Youngs' home and Elder Hunt went with Brother Erickson to Shirley Kraft's home. It was a pretty good day.
Thursday was a GREAT day. We started it off with a lesson with a less active member, and Rylan Erickson - a prospective missionary. After that, we had a last lesson with JoAnne. We got ready for the baptism, then had it! It went really really well. It was a great experience for JoAnne, for us missionaries, and for everyone around. I sent a picture, and will email one next week too. Just wait though, this is only the beginning of the good news for the week.
Friday was great. We went over to a less active's home for lunch in Manhattan. We had a great lesson with Sister Carlson, and it pretty much turned into a sob fest for the Sisters, but it was good. After that, we drove up to Orland Park to get our oil changed. The guys at that Pep Boys are pretty incompetent. They had to call over someone higher up, who did a pretty good job. After that, we met with JoAnne briefly, then went over to the Greys'. Nick was packing up to move to Utah. It's going to be weird here without Nick Grey.
Saturday was good. There was the all day training in Naperville. It was really good actually. The guys from Salt Lake City taught us a lot, and really set the stage for some good things to happen. That was what happened pretty much the whole day. After that, we came home and visited Joaquin before the day was over.
Sunday was one of the best days ever. We had sacrament, which was ridiculously full. We had 7 investigators, 1 recent convert, and a couple of less actives there at sacrament. The whole branch is going crazy about missionary work. This is what I've thought ever since I got here... Once we got 1 baptism, a whole lot would follow. We're going to have more! The Cravens met with President Hunsaker after the block, and set a date! They're having the baptism on June 27th!!! You were in Florida for the first one, and you'll be in San Diego for the second. You should go to the beach more often... Well, other than that, we had a great day at church. One of those 7 investigators was Bob Cancialosi, the guy from the newspaper ad (you're going to hear more about him soon). After church, we had dinner at the Curtis' home. They measured our BMI over there, and I'm at a healthy weight! [We had teased him about putting on a few pounds with all the meals he's been getting in Frankfort.] Their son is about to be baptized too, so we went over the baptismal interview questions. He's being baptized in Idaho though, otherwise we might as well leave the font full over here.
Monday was good. We had district meeting, which was pretty great. After that, we had a lesson with JoAnne to get her ready to do baptisms for the dead. She's going to go on Saturday, so that will be cool. I learned that a promise of the Spirit we made was fulfilled too... We promised her that after she was confirmed, the Spirit would touch those around her and improve situations with her family. On Sunday, her mom told her she was ok with her conversion. Her Mom and her have since gone out to spend quality time together! That's pretty crazy. After that, we went over to the Portwoods' home. Brother Portwood wants his wife to be the next baptism, but the Cravens will be the first in the water. We're going to go over there later this week to help them come up with a baptismal preparation calendar. Monday night was good though too... We were studying the Plan of Salvation pretty in depth, and they brought over someone else to learn too. It went well, and could have gone on for hours longer, but we had to go home so we wouldn't be too late.
Tuesday was GREAT. 10:30 lesson with the Cancialosis. 11:30 call to President Roach, "Yet another investigator has set a baptismal date. I better not be transferred." "I'm pretty sure you're staying, Elder... Good job!"
We prayed for a baptismal date to extend to Bob in our planning session, and received revelation on how to extend it. We explained how the Plan of Salvation provided a way for him to be with his deceased relatives again, and how baptism is a major first step. He is very excited to be baptized on July 18th!!!! After that, we went and taught a less active, then did some planning, then had some canceled appointments, then had dinner at the Spencers, then waited around for our transfer calls... and got the news... We're both staying in Frankfort! I'm really happy to be staying here another transfer. I would've died if I got sent somewhere else. It's pretty funny... JoAnne was fasting that I would stay, and I guess it worked. Hahaha. Well, I'm here for another transfer. Hopefully we'll have 5 baptisms. Even if we only have 3, it will be good though. This is what the Frankfort Branch has needed for such a long time.
I love you all, thanks for everything you do!
Take care y'all!
Love,
Elder Bradley Edward McMullin
Hello Family,
It sounds like all is going well. Happy Birthday Dad! I hope it went well besides being sick. All's been going well here too... Let's just say you would never even guess the half of it!!!!!
Wednesday was great! We had Zone Activity in Plainfield. It was frisbee and softball, and both were really fun. After that, we came back for dinner with JoAnne at the Vines' home. After that, we split, and I went with Brother Vines to the Youngs' home and Elder Hunt went with Brother Erickson to Shirley Kraft's home. It was a pretty good day.
Thursday was a GREAT day. We started it off with a lesson with a less active member, and Rylan Erickson - a prospective missionary. After that, we had a last lesson with JoAnne. We got ready for the baptism, then had it! It went really really well. It was a great experience for JoAnne, for us missionaries, and for everyone around. I sent a picture, and will email one next week too. Just wait though, this is only the beginning of the good news for the week.
Friday was great. We went over to a less active's home for lunch in Manhattan. We had a great lesson with Sister Carlson, and it pretty much turned into a sob fest for the Sisters, but it was good. After that, we drove up to Orland Park to get our oil changed. The guys at that Pep Boys are pretty incompetent. They had to call over someone higher up, who did a pretty good job. After that, we met with JoAnne briefly, then went over to the Greys'. Nick was packing up to move to Utah. It's going to be weird here without Nick Grey.
Saturday was good. There was the all day training in Naperville. It was really good actually. The guys from Salt Lake City taught us a lot, and really set the stage for some good things to happen. That was what happened pretty much the whole day. After that, we came home and visited Joaquin before the day was over.
Sunday was one of the best days ever. We had sacrament, which was ridiculously full. We had 7 investigators, 1 recent convert, and a couple of less actives there at sacrament. The whole branch is going crazy about missionary work. This is what I've thought ever since I got here... Once we got 1 baptism, a whole lot would follow. We're going to have more! The Cravens met with President Hunsaker after the block, and set a date! They're having the baptism on June 27th!!! You were in Florida for the first one, and you'll be in San Diego for the second. You should go to the beach more often... Well, other than that, we had a great day at church. One of those 7 investigators was Bob Cancialosi, the guy from the newspaper ad (you're going to hear more about him soon). After church, we had dinner at the Curtis' home. They measured our BMI over there, and I'm at a healthy weight! [We had teased him about putting on a few pounds with all the meals he's been getting in Frankfort.] Their son is about to be baptized too, so we went over the baptismal interview questions. He's being baptized in Idaho though, otherwise we might as well leave the font full over here.
Monday was good. We had district meeting, which was pretty great. After that, we had a lesson with JoAnne to get her ready to do baptisms for the dead. She's going to go on Saturday, so that will be cool. I learned that a promise of the Spirit we made was fulfilled too... We promised her that after she was confirmed, the Spirit would touch those around her and improve situations with her family. On Sunday, her mom told her she was ok with her conversion. Her Mom and her have since gone out to spend quality time together! That's pretty crazy. After that, we went over to the Portwoods' home. Brother Portwood wants his wife to be the next baptism, but the Cravens will be the first in the water. We're going to go over there later this week to help them come up with a baptismal preparation calendar. Monday night was good though too... We were studying the Plan of Salvation pretty in depth, and they brought over someone else to learn too. It went well, and could have gone on for hours longer, but we had to go home so we wouldn't be too late.
Tuesday was GREAT. 10:30 lesson with the Cancialosis. 11:30 call to President Roach, "Yet another investigator has set a baptismal date. I better not be transferred." "I'm pretty sure you're staying, Elder... Good job!"
We prayed for a baptismal date to extend to Bob in our planning session, and received revelation on how to extend it. We explained how the Plan of Salvation provided a way for him to be with his deceased relatives again, and how baptism is a major first step. He is very excited to be baptized on July 18th!!!! After that, we went and taught a less active, then did some planning, then had some canceled appointments, then had dinner at the Spencers, then waited around for our transfer calls... and got the news... We're both staying in Frankfort! I'm really happy to be staying here another transfer. I would've died if I got sent somewhere else. It's pretty funny... JoAnne was fasting that I would stay, and I guess it worked. Hahaha. Well, I'm here for another transfer. Hopefully we'll have 5 baptisms. Even if we only have 3, it will be good though. This is what the Frankfort Branch has needed for such a long time.
I love you all, thanks for everything you do!
Take care y'all!
Love,
Elder Bradley Edward McMullin
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Mission Update 6/3/09 -- Baptism Tomorrow!!
Yeah, JoAnne is getting baptized tomorrow and Artie [a man Elder M taught in Watseka at the beginning of his mission] got baptized on Saturday!! What a great week! Here is Elder M's email:
Hello Family!
It sounds like things are going pretty well at home. Happy Birthday Dad! I don't know if you'll get anything from me until you get back from vacation... I'm going to send it today or tomorrow!
Well, here's my email. The computer has been goofing up, so it took a ridiculous amount of time to write one to President Roach. Hopefully it won't goof up for this letter.
This week has been great, and the next week should be even better!
Last Wednesday was pretty fun. We went and played frisbee golf. I got a pretty mediocre 6 under par. Ugh. After that, we had a lesson with JoAnne, and talked about tithing and fast offerings. We went to the church, and tried to get her a baptismal suit... But none there would fit her. We also had to go there to get one big enough for Artie! Nothing in Bourbonnais or Watseka would fit him (he's not even that big... It's pretty crazy). After that, we went out with President Fredin to make some visits. Our appointment had canceled, like they seemingly only do when President Fredin comes with us, so we just did stop bys. We got a hold of one guy that is usually on the road in his truck, and had a good discussion with him.
Thursday was really good. I had called Tony, the husband of a member, and asked him to fix my bike. We went over there, and he told me I trashed my bike, but he could fix it. He worked his magic, and it turned out well. We also had a lesson for him, and it went well. He's V V C - Very Very Catholic, and gets semi-seriously argumentative. He started asking some tough questions like, "Is Jesus Mormon?" We eventually were talking about the nature of God, and he asked, "alright, so who's right? The Mormons or the Catholics?" We told him it's not who's right, it's what's right... And this is how you can find out from God what's right. He said dang it, you got me, I've got nothing to say to that. Long story short, we invited him to be baptized, he said no, and it was pretty funny. Anyways, after that, we went over to Taco Bell to have a lesson with JoAnne. We taught about some commandments. We went to the Cravens in the afternoon and discussed baptism with the parents, and the kids. They firmly said they wanted the baptism to happen. They were going to have an interview with President Hunsaker to set the date Friday, but Satan worked through James' work and that fell through. They got one for Sunday the 7th though. After the Cravens, we went over to the Carlsons' home for dinner. We got the nice surprise of them bringing a new investigator over for dinner! We had a great lesson, and he came to church on Sunday. After dinner and the lesson there, we went over to visit the Nordsells. They're a part member family and are really nice... They just never come to church. We've got another appointment, and hope to fix that soon.
Friday was alright. Most of our appointments fell through, and we had no success whatsoever at finding anyone to teach. We ended up having a lesson with JoAnne, then going to the Greys' for some dinner.
Saturday was great! We got ready early in the morning for the 1st Annual Frankfort Branch Sprint Triathalon! We couldn't participate because of the swimming, but we were there to make sure no one got lost biking. We didn't do a good job. One young man got lost and rode his bike all the way to Joliet! It was crazy!! Everyone rode their bikes, or drove their cars, everywhere trying to find him. He eventually found his way back to the high school where we started, and his sister was there to wait for him. That was nuts, but it was all pretty fun. It was a beautiful day, and the trails were awesome. Illinois is a really pretty place. They've got some great forest preserves that wind throughout all of the neighborhoods. After that most of the day ridiculousness, we met with the Watseka Elders to give them Artie's jumpsuit. After that, we ate, then got ready for Artie's baptism. We met JoAnne and Brother Giese at the church, then drove down in Brother Clinton Collins Giese the 3rd's car. The baptism was great. There were a lot of people there, and everyone was excited for him. His family even came, which was great. The one thing that prevented him from being baptized was his fear of their rejection. JoAnne enjoyed it, and is excited for her baptism.
Sunday was great! We had a lot of people at church! It was probably the most packed I've ever seen the church, which is something I said a week or two ago too... But this time it was even more crowded. We had a ton of investigators, and some visitors too... Including one from Tempe, Arizona! She wasn't anyone I knew, but was pretty nice. After church, we had MCM, ate, and got ready for Outreach. We went with Brother Willis to stop by a bunch of less actives, and had incredible success! We got a hold of the first family, and had a good discussion with them... Then left for the next family's home to find her, and a third less active there! We had a pretty long discussion and lesson, and they were really open to having more visits. After that, we didn't really have much else happen for the rest of the day. We did set up appointments, and make plans for the baptism though.
Monday was good. Our District Meeting got moved to 1, so we had the least productive 2 hours of the week open. We decided to go to SuperCuts. I got a pretty decent cut, but nothing spectacular. It should look good for the Baptism though. Oh yeah, I also got invited to go to some Zone Leader meeting thing where some guys from Salt Lake are going to be. They invited some missionaries to come to the training session, which will be on Saturday the 6th. Elder Hunt's going to hang out in Plainfield with Elder Na'a for the day, and I'm going up to Naperville with the Zone Leaders. I don't really know what to expect, but it should be interesting. Anyways... We had our District Meeting, which went well. After that, we split up... Elder Richmond came up to Frankfort with me, and Elder Hunt went down to Watseka. We had an appointment with Jim Blaney right away. It went well, and he actually said he would come to church. We pulled a Yoda on him and said, "there is no try, there is only do." After that, Elder Richmond conducted JoAnne's baptismal interview. She passed. After that, we all went over to Lisa Young's for dinner. After a great dinner, we had a double member present FHE lesson... JoAnne, and one of Lauren's friends that has come to church before. After that, we got tubed by the Portwoods, but had a really good phone conversation discussing what's holding Sister Portwood back from being baptized. I think we'll see some great things happen there pretty soon. We then went over to the Weichingers' home for ice cream, Uno, and a lesson. They're non members, and are pretty crazy. They're really friendly, and "try" to come to church every week. Hopefully our harassment will pay off soon.
Tuesday was great. We started off with a morning lesson at the Cancialosis home. It was great. She just got married, and moved up here to be with Bob. They're the family that was found from the newspaper ad. They loved it, and will be at church on Sunday, and possibly the baptism on Thursday. After that, our appointment with Sharon fell through, and we weren't able to get a hold of Joaquin. We later went to Steak and Shake and had a lesson with JoAnne. She had some really hard trials last night, that I was able to talk her through on the phone, but she was still a little shaken up. We had a good discussion though, and she's still set and excited to progress. After that, we had a dinner lesson at the Browns' home. It went really well. We taught the first half of the Plan of Salvation, committed them to come to church, then ate a huge meal. There were so many different dishes, it was crazy! After eating all of the food, Amber gave us some mud n bugs pie (chocolate pudding, oreos, and gummi worms). I felt ill from eating so much. After that, we went over to the Guymons. They're doing well. They said they kind of hope I stay another transfer, but kind of don't... So their son can request to be my companion on his mini-mission. We helped them make a family mission plan, and had a pretty good time there. They then brought out a s'more ice cream cake which was really good. I was so stuffed.
Today should be good! We've got Zone Activity. We're playing softball and frisbee. After that we've got dinner with the Vines', then are splitting for 2 appointments. Sweet!
Well, I'll talk to you later. I love you all so much, and am grateful for all you do for me as I serve the Lord full time. It is such a privilege to be on a mission and to have so many opportunities to bless others' lives.
Adios,
Elder Bradley Edward McMullin
Hello Family!
It sounds like things are going pretty well at home. Happy Birthday Dad! I don't know if you'll get anything from me until you get back from vacation... I'm going to send it today or tomorrow!
Well, here's my email. The computer has been goofing up, so it took a ridiculous amount of time to write one to President Roach. Hopefully it won't goof up for this letter.
This week has been great, and the next week should be even better!
Last Wednesday was pretty fun. We went and played frisbee golf. I got a pretty mediocre 6 under par. Ugh. After that, we had a lesson with JoAnne, and talked about tithing and fast offerings. We went to the church, and tried to get her a baptismal suit... But none there would fit her. We also had to go there to get one big enough for Artie! Nothing in Bourbonnais or Watseka would fit him (he's not even that big... It's pretty crazy). After that, we went out with President Fredin to make some visits. Our appointment had canceled, like they seemingly only do when President Fredin comes with us, so we just did stop bys. We got a hold of one guy that is usually on the road in his truck, and had a good discussion with him.
Thursday was really good. I had called Tony, the husband of a member, and asked him to fix my bike. We went over there, and he told me I trashed my bike, but he could fix it. He worked his magic, and it turned out well. We also had a lesson for him, and it went well. He's V V C - Very Very Catholic, and gets semi-seriously argumentative. He started asking some tough questions like, "Is Jesus Mormon?" We eventually were talking about the nature of God, and he asked, "alright, so who's right? The Mormons or the Catholics?" We told him it's not who's right, it's what's right... And this is how you can find out from God what's right. He said dang it, you got me, I've got nothing to say to that. Long story short, we invited him to be baptized, he said no, and it was pretty funny. Anyways, after that, we went over to Taco Bell to have a lesson with JoAnne. We taught about some commandments. We went to the Cravens in the afternoon and discussed baptism with the parents, and the kids. They firmly said they wanted the baptism to happen. They were going to have an interview with President Hunsaker to set the date Friday, but Satan worked through James' work and that fell through. They got one for Sunday the 7th though. After the Cravens, we went over to the Carlsons' home for dinner. We got the nice surprise of them bringing a new investigator over for dinner! We had a great lesson, and he came to church on Sunday. After dinner and the lesson there, we went over to visit the Nordsells. They're a part member family and are really nice... They just never come to church. We've got another appointment, and hope to fix that soon.
Friday was alright. Most of our appointments fell through, and we had no success whatsoever at finding anyone to teach. We ended up having a lesson with JoAnne, then going to the Greys' for some dinner.
Saturday was great! We got ready early in the morning for the 1st Annual Frankfort Branch Sprint Triathalon! We couldn't participate because of the swimming, but we were there to make sure no one got lost biking. We didn't do a good job. One young man got lost and rode his bike all the way to Joliet! It was crazy!! Everyone rode their bikes, or drove their cars, everywhere trying to find him. He eventually found his way back to the high school where we started, and his sister was there to wait for him. That was nuts, but it was all pretty fun. It was a beautiful day, and the trails were awesome. Illinois is a really pretty place. They've got some great forest preserves that wind throughout all of the neighborhoods. After that most of the day ridiculousness, we met with the Watseka Elders to give them Artie's jumpsuit. After that, we ate, then got ready for Artie's baptism. We met JoAnne and Brother Giese at the church, then drove down in Brother Clinton Collins Giese the 3rd's car. The baptism was great. There were a lot of people there, and everyone was excited for him. His family even came, which was great. The one thing that prevented him from being baptized was his fear of their rejection. JoAnne enjoyed it, and is excited for her baptism.
Sunday was great! We had a lot of people at church! It was probably the most packed I've ever seen the church, which is something I said a week or two ago too... But this time it was even more crowded. We had a ton of investigators, and some visitors too... Including one from Tempe, Arizona! She wasn't anyone I knew, but was pretty nice. After church, we had MCM, ate, and got ready for Outreach. We went with Brother Willis to stop by a bunch of less actives, and had incredible success! We got a hold of the first family, and had a good discussion with them... Then left for the next family's home to find her, and a third less active there! We had a pretty long discussion and lesson, and they were really open to having more visits. After that, we didn't really have much else happen for the rest of the day. We did set up appointments, and make plans for the baptism though.
Monday was good. Our District Meeting got moved to 1, so we had the least productive 2 hours of the week open. We decided to go to SuperCuts. I got a pretty decent cut, but nothing spectacular. It should look good for the Baptism though. Oh yeah, I also got invited to go to some Zone Leader meeting thing where some guys from Salt Lake are going to be. They invited some missionaries to come to the training session, which will be on Saturday the 6th. Elder Hunt's going to hang out in Plainfield with Elder Na'a for the day, and I'm going up to Naperville with the Zone Leaders. I don't really know what to expect, but it should be interesting. Anyways... We had our District Meeting, which went well. After that, we split up... Elder Richmond came up to Frankfort with me, and Elder Hunt went down to Watseka. We had an appointment with Jim Blaney right away. It went well, and he actually said he would come to church. We pulled a Yoda on him and said, "there is no try, there is only do." After that, Elder Richmond conducted JoAnne's baptismal interview. She passed. After that, we all went over to Lisa Young's for dinner. After a great dinner, we had a double member present FHE lesson... JoAnne, and one of Lauren's friends that has come to church before. After that, we got tubed by the Portwoods, but had a really good phone conversation discussing what's holding Sister Portwood back from being baptized. I think we'll see some great things happen there pretty soon. We then went over to the Weichingers' home for ice cream, Uno, and a lesson. They're non members, and are pretty crazy. They're really friendly, and "try" to come to church every week. Hopefully our harassment will pay off soon.
Tuesday was great. We started off with a morning lesson at the Cancialosis home. It was great. She just got married, and moved up here to be with Bob. They're the family that was found from the newspaper ad. They loved it, and will be at church on Sunday, and possibly the baptism on Thursday. After that, our appointment with Sharon fell through, and we weren't able to get a hold of Joaquin. We later went to Steak and Shake and had a lesson with JoAnne. She had some really hard trials last night, that I was able to talk her through on the phone, but she was still a little shaken up. We had a good discussion though, and she's still set and excited to progress. After that, we had a dinner lesson at the Browns' home. It went really well. We taught the first half of the Plan of Salvation, committed them to come to church, then ate a huge meal. There were so many different dishes, it was crazy! After eating all of the food, Amber gave us some mud n bugs pie (chocolate pudding, oreos, and gummi worms). I felt ill from eating so much. After that, we went over to the Guymons. They're doing well. They said they kind of hope I stay another transfer, but kind of don't... So their son can request to be my companion on his mini-mission. We helped them make a family mission plan, and had a pretty good time there. They then brought out a s'more ice cream cake which was really good. I was so stuffed.
Today should be good! We've got Zone Activity. We're playing softball and frisbee. After that we've got dinner with the Vines', then are splitting for 2 appointments. Sweet!
Well, I'll talk to you later. I love you all so much, and am grateful for all you do for me as I serve the Lord full time. It is such a privilege to be on a mission and to have so many opportunities to bless others' lives.
Adios,
Elder Bradley Edward McMullin
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