Transfer 2, Week 5: Almost a Baptism

Hey Everyone,
         How is life? Is it anywhere as exciting as here in Montana? Or is a missionary's weekly email a highlight for everyone, not just Mom? Well this week had quite an early twist to it.
        So, first off, here in Montana if you didn't know, we are a electronic device mission. So we have the privilege of using our devices to further the work, which is really helpful. Very early in the week, the program that allows the church missionary department to monitor our devices, and help us only use them for missionary purposes, had a huge bug creep into it. It caused the program to basically go on a failsafe, removing our access to basically every app we were allowed to use until they fixed it, including our planning/areabook app. It ended up being the whole day, until about 9:30 at night. It was a good thing it was preparation day, and we knew what the whole day was going to consist of.  
        We got haircuts on Monday around 7:30pm. That is always great. It feels good to get trimmed again. 
         We sadly had to cancel the planned baptism for John this week. When we were helping him finish the lawnmower, we silently noticed a pack of cigarettes in his pocket. It occurred to us that John is once again smoking. We thought he had been doing really well up until this point. When we got back to the apartment to grab a quick bite to eat, and change into our proselyting clothes, we both had the feeling that we should delay the baptism for him. At that time we attributed the reason to he was still smoking. We had a good lesson with John that day, where we told him how we feel, and asked for his opinion, and he agreed that it should be delayed. 
         Later we called the zone leaders to let them know what is happening, and they gave us really good counsel that made me think, and really changed my perspective on baptism. Elder Madsen, who was on the phone talked about how one of the purposes of the Holy Ghost is to help us through our challenges. So, if a person who was struggling with this sort of thing, but is honestly doing their best to overcome it, they could become a member, and have the Holy Ghost's help to finish overcoming their problem. Of course we would still need approval each time on these types of situations, but it made me think about this whole experience for the rest of the day. I literally could not concentrate on anything else, even though we still went throughout the day, my mind was always coming back to it. I sat down, and studied about baptism, and the requirements to be baptised while Elder Manning was going to the bathroom. I was so confused why I felt good about going forth with the baptism on Sunday, but then it changed on Tuesday, and after the phone call with the zone leaders I was totally unsure on if I did the right thing. 
        Anyway my mind was drawn to the Book of Mormon, and how it has changed lives in so many ways. I read preach my gospel chapter 5, and several talks/videos on the subject. Then I remembered earlier parts of the equation. 1. John hasn't been consistently reading the Book of Mormon anymore, and 2. Bishop Giles had given us an insert from "Teaching of the Prophets: Gordon B. Hinckley" chapter 16 to give to John. It was a story of how a secretary overcame smoking by reading the Book of Mormon. 
         Finally, with all of these pieces put together, I understood what I believe was the bigger problem. We had been pushing the word of wisdom since I had arrived, with little success it seemed. But John was no longer reading the Book of Mormon, which is huge. So we have decided to focus on the Book of Mormon for a couple weeks. I do believe that miracles have happened as a result of the Book of Mormon. I have seen it in my life. And I know it can happen to anyone.          
          I don't think I would have come to this conclusion without the help of Elder Madsen. So, a big shout out to him for helping me recieve the revelation I needed to understand what John needs. 
          We ran the chutes again for Ross Contway this week. I love doing it. It is always a fun and exciting thing to do.
          The rest of the week was pretty normal except Wednesday and Saturday. On Wednesday, everything but our lesson with Jerry fell through, and we spent the day basically planning as we went, because we had no plans at all.
          Saturday was fantastic. We had a really full day. First off, we went to the Contways, and helped shoe a horse. Elder Manning knows how to do it, so it was kind of fun to watch and be that close to a horse. We had a lunch with the Phinney's before going to a lesson with Jerry. We read about Nephi getting the plates. Jerry loved it, and was planning on coming to church. Then for dinner, we went to a end of summer barbeque/party. We got to ride down a zip line.
           Lastly we had interviews with President Larsen. It was great. They were supposed to start at 8pm. But we didn't get in with him untill around 9:30pm. Yeah, we didn't finish untill 10:30pm, so we stayed the night at the zone leaders apartment. 
       Jerry came to church this Sunday. We were so excited. That's 1 of at least 3 required times to be baptised. He said he really enjoyed it too, so hopefully he will come again after his 2 week trip to North Dakota. 
       Well, that's pretty much it on how the week went. I would share a spiritual thought, but we have kind if a busy day planned, it being Elder Madsen's last preparation day. And I already kind of shared one earlier. Anyway. I love and miss you all. I cant wait to hear from you next week. Have fun at school.

Love,
Elder Sherwood 

Pictures ...

Haircut!

Horse selfie

Getting ready for the zipline.

Zipline

Running the chutes.

Using my screen mirror device in district meeting.

Avocado Bomb!

Transfer 2, Week 4: A New Member

Hey Everyone,
        This week has been both exciting and almost scary. We have been both worried and happy. Let's go over it. 
          We had exchanges with the zone leaders this week. I stayed in Great Falls with Elder Madsen. We had a fun time visiting people, teaching lessons, and going on splits with a member. One cool thing we did, was help a member, Br. Bailey, make a ctr ring for Elder Madsen before he leaves for home. Elder Madsen chose almond wood I think. It is quite cool, and I can't wait to see the finished product. This made me want to relocate my ring, and start wearing it again. Lucky for me, mine was only hidden in my suit pocket. 
          Wednesday was both exciting, and scary. After district meeting, we went to our appointment with one of our investigators, Jerry. We got no answer again. I was really starting to get worried, because it had been almost a full week since our last contact with him. No phone calls or visits worked. I was starting to think he was trying to avoid us, but that wouldn't of made sense, since he has always said that he loves our visits. 
           Later that night, we were asked by Bishop Steyee, if we could stop by and Be extra priesthood leaders for the youth. We were totally down for that. We get to spend time with the youth, and give a mini lesson was a great thought we had in mind. Well it didn't quite go that way. We did go as priesthood leaders, but then we were dragged into the activities, instead of being spectators, ok. It was great. We played with ice cream, and made sculptures, depicting something from book of mormon, out of 1lb blocks of ice cream. People did everything from the tree of life, to the arms that Ammon cut off. I thought my sculpture was pretty good. I made a very detailed version of the gold plates. The hardest part was easily doing it, before it all melted away. That was tricky. Elder Manning did a sculpture of the Rameumptom. It was a really fun night. 
          Thursday, was boring untill about 6pm, all we really did after our studies were, spot check the apartment before inspections, and weekly plan, since we didn't have a dinner😭. Inspections went well. Not surprised there. They just like to check to make sure we don't have any stuff that's against the rules, like the tvs they have found in other apartments, and that we are being good and clean little missionaries. But it is after 6pm, that things got exciting. 
          Since Elder Manning interviewed him, we had the opportunity to attend Cruz Riggins baptism. A new convert that the zone leaders taught. He is 9 years old, and the son of a member family. But Cruz chose to wait for his dad to return home. I don't know where his dad was at the time. But anyway, it was a pretty great night, and Cruz was so happy afterwards. I'm so glad he chose to get baptised. So, that was my first convert baptism seen on my mission. Our investigators date is this upcoming Saturday. I'm so excited for that.
         On Friday we were finally able to get in contact with Jerry. Thank goodness. I was really getting worried about him. We had another couple great visits with him, and he is still doing well, other than coming to church. I doubt I'll see him baptised, especially since he is going out of town for 2+ weeks in September. But I will be so excited Tuesday that he finally is baptised. Other than that, the usual happened, a new referral, dinner with our ward mission leader, and the usual stuff.
           Sunday was great. We had an early meeting to plan for the baptism if John with the ward mission leader beforeward council. The day went pretty well. Church is always fun. We taught a mini lesson to a Sunday school class about missionary work. 
          Later that evening, we went out to a recent convert family, the Contways. We had a good visit with them, and helped them buck hay, so that it wouldn't get wet if it rains today. That was fun. This week overall was really fun and exciting, I can't wait to see what happens next week. 
         Ok, spiritual thought of the week. This week, I've been thinking, and working on the christlike attribute of patience. This week has been a really good trial week, as I got advice from Elder Madsen about how to work with a difficult companion. I have been trying to follow that advice and Be patient with both myself and my companion. As I have gone through this, I have been patient with him, and it has helped me build the love our savior has for others. I know that as we do our best to be patient with those we interact with, we can learn to love them, and understand that they are imperfect people trying to do a perfect job. As we are patient with them, we can build both our bonds of friendship, and come to understand how the savior felt, and feels towards each one of us. 
         Well, this week was great. I can't wait for this next week's adventures. I love you all, and cant wait to hear from you. 
Love,
Elder Sherwood

Pictures.....

Elder Manning's Rameumptom

My golden plates ice cream sculpture

Elder Manning reading

Selfie on the hay

Bucking the hay

Transfer 2, Week 3: Ups and Downs

Hey Everyone,
           How is the big world? Is it exciting? My little part of it is progressing quite nicely. This week has been quite the roller coaster. Let's check it out. 
             We had the once a transfer dinner with the stake presidency this week. Yum. It is always fun. That night it was a hamburgers, fruit, chips, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. On this night, we usually talk about our areas, and then have a spiritual thought by the stake presidency. I love this night, and always look forward to this night. 
             We brought a lawn mower back to life this week. One of our investigators bought a riding lawn mower to keep busy, and we've been the ones fixing it. I guess that makes sense, since he is in his mid to late 70's. It was really fun. 
             District meeting was/ is always fun. This time we took a personality test, to see how our strengths and weaknesses compliment our companion's. That was interesting. I am what's called a "Defender". Basically meaning I avoid conflict, don't talk much, and am very practical. Yep, sounds like me. Elder Manning kind of compliments mine, but it seems to be not so much in a good way at times. But of course I can say the same thing about myself as well.
            On Saturday, there was a little fair going on down in Simms. So we stopped by to see if we could try some street contacting during the fair. But when we got there, a concert was going, and we heard them say that they had 3 more hours of music to play. We didn't really want to wait around for 3 hours, just to have the opportunity to talk to people. So we drove back home, and tried to go visit some people on the way. The one person we got in with is our investigator up in Fairfield, John. We had a good discussion about 3 Nephi 11, when Christ comes down to the Americas, and John reset his own date for baptism. He chose the date and everything. It was a little miracle, since only a week ago, he wasn't too excited about the idea.  
         Sunday was awesome. It was a jam packed day, full of little surprises. One of the best parts, was at the end, when we had the opportunity to go and give a baptismal interview to a kid in the zone leaders area. That was cool. It was such a great day after Church. Before church, we were sad, because our other investigator didn't come to church again. Ugh. 
          This week has definelty been full of ups and Downs. It has been quite crazy, but not necessarily the way I would want it to be. But it has helped teach me a great lesson on patience. We know that one of the biggest christlike attributes is patience. Christ was patient with all that he came into contact with, even his executioners. As we have patience as well, we can learn to love as he did. This will help us in so many ways, I can't even start to name them all.  
        Anyway, this week was ok. I hopes your week was great as well. Keep up the great work. 

Love, 
Elder Sherwood 

Pictures
Yes I only have 2 pictures. It is really really sad. I will try better next week.

Elder Manning grinding the lawn mower blade.

A great gif I found.

Transfer 2, week 2: Preparation for Zone Conference

Hey Everyone,
          I hope everything is going alright. It has been a pretty slow week for us. But it happens, so I can't complain to much. Well, let's get started.
          So, zone conference was this past Friday, and Elder M received the assignment to play the violin in a musical number for the meeting. Holy cow, I didn't know that Elder M could play the violin. This definitely changed our schedule slightly throughout the week, because he needed to practice. 
            Since the week was really slow, there isn't much to mention, but I'll do my best. Elder  M doesn't like to do any tracting. Rather, he likes to work with Less Actives more often. So I'm between everything, we spent a lot of time building a current less active list for both of the wards we cover. Of course it didn't help that we didn't have a dinner every night. Which is unusual. But we got through it. So, 🤗👍
          We had a church tour with Jerry this week. It was a great experience. I can tell that he is really growing in the spirit, wanting to find more and more everyday.
          We had zone conference on Friday, like I said earlier. It went so well. I felt the spirit there, and learned so much and was insured to change a few things, it was so great. We talked a fair bit about music, and media. What was a little surprising to me was that many missionaries were hiding tv's or Xboxes, and other not approved media in their apartment. I understand that not every missionary likes to follow the rules, but I didn't think they went this far. I love what President Larsen said about it. He said, "I don't know where they find time to watch movies". Because we have a pretty full schedule ALL DAY LONG. Obedience was a huge topic that was discussed at the meeting, and it has really made me reflect on what I can do to improve. 

        Saturday was probably the slowest day of the week. We did visit our investigators for a short bit, but Elder M wasn't feeling to well, so we spent a lot of time studying, and he took a long nap in the afternoon. But, I didn't mind. This was my first time having a sick companion. So it was a really interesting experience. 
          Overall, even though the week was slow. It was still a pretty good week. I love being out here serving the people of Fairfield, Montana. One thing I have really learned well over the past week was on Thursday evening. Elder M was practicing for zone conference with a few other missionaries. So Elder Wilcox and I go out tracting together to fill our time. We didn't get a single referall, or new interest the whole time. But that's not what mattered. All that matters is where our hearts are. We may not be able to see the difference we make, or even make a difference in someone's life. But as long as we are trying, and doing our best to fulfill our calling to the best of our ability, we will find that peace and happiness. This also applies to home. When anyone keeps their heart centered on Christ and doing what he would want us to do, we can feel the peace of knowing that we are appreciated by our Father in Heaven, and that He loves us for trying. It gives me a lot of comfort knowing this, especially when my companion doesn't want to follow the rules as much. I get that feeling as long as I do my best to follow the example of Christ. 
         Well, that's all about my week this week. I always love hearing from you. And I can't wait to see what exciting thing will happen this next week. I love all of you, and miss you. 

Love,
Elder Sherwood 

Pictures... not many from this past week. I'll have to try harder.

A missionary showed me this monopoly picture and grounded sign. 🤣

Another picture from Glacier National Park

One more picture from our trip to Glacier National Park

Me and Elder M

Transfer 2, week 1: For The Beauty Of The Earth, oh and a new companion

Hey Everyone,
      Its hard to believe that transfer 2 is here already. Time has really flown since I came out on a mission. As always, let's jump right into the action.
     First off, we got to go to Glacier National Park. What an exciting adventure that was. We got to do a couple hikes, see a few great sights, and spend 10 hours in a car. Ugh the last part wasn't so great, but the rest was pretty awesome.  
      Tuesday, I feel like we did pretty much nothing. We got to listen to a big trainers call for 2 hours. 😩 The rest of the day, we spent either waiting for Elder Ritchie to pack, or saying goodbye to people. Remember the old 1917 ford model T I talked able a few weeks back, the highlight of the day was easily getting a ride in it. 
       I officially have a new companion. His name is Elder Manning. He is From Rosevelt Utah. He has 3 younger siblings, and is a pretty good guy. It will be a challenge to make sure I don't learn anything bad from him. The first thing he said when we met was this: 1. He doesn't follow a lot of rules, 2. He hates tracting, and will do everything in his power to not do it, and 3. He isn't a morning person, and sleeps in a lot. All of these are actually true. The one that will be probably the most annoying is him sleeping in. I can get up normally, exercise, get ready for the day, eat breakfast, and get my studies in before he even wakes up. It's sometimes a little scary how much he sleeps. It's going to be a challenge to get anything done, but I know we can. 
       Most of this weekend has been really slow. We spent most of our time helping Elder Manning get to know the area, and the people. It was really low paced, which bugged me. I was used to a very fast paced area and companion, so this has been a big change, and I'm not sure yet if I like it or not. 
     Best part of the week was definitely last night. We had dinner with the Watsons. Sister Watson, I found out is the sister of Diane Smith. The one in the wheelchair married to Scott Smith. That was cool to meet them. It was great to hear and continue to see how small the world really is.
      Later that night, we went to a fireside with the Watsons, where an apostle was speaking. Guess who? Elder Gary E Stevenson. We got to shake his hand as he entered. What a great experience for us. 
     Okay, spiritual thought. This last week, it has become more and more obvious to me, how Satan works. When we have chosen to do something that is right, that is the time that Satan comes on and tries to wreck havoc. Right after we have started to walk the path of Christ, he tries to persuade us that the great and spacious building looks like a lot more fun. Or he puts major obstacles in the way, intending to make us stumble on the path. I've seen this a lot as we have been teaching people. When they have decided to follow Christ, and start to take those steps, we can see how Satan comes in and does his best to get people to not do things like keep commitments, or come to church. And a lot of the time, it works because the people find Christ's way new, or different, which isn't comfortable. It reminds me of the Mormon message "I am a child of God" by Jeffery R. Holland about Moses's experience. It seems very similar to ours in this day. How great of a gift we have, of the Holy ghost, and the power of God in us. So that we can discern right from wrong. So that we can more easily pick the correct path. Heavenly father has not left us alone. In fact he is always with us, trying to help us choose the right way as long as we listen to him. When we follow Christ, we have a strong connection to that gift. May we always remember to use it, and not fall into those traps that Satan has left out waiting to ensnare any who will not need the spirit of God.
      Well, I love you all, and can't wait to hear from you next week.

Love, 
Elder Sherwood

Pictures. I don't have one of Elder Manning yet. Hopefully next week.  These are all from Glacier National Park.