March 22, 2014

     It is hard to believe how fast the weeks are going.  We have now been here for almost three weeks and have met so many good people.  We have also put a lot of miles on our car already and gas keeps going up.  We had our first interview with our mission President just a week after we got here.  While each of the missionaries were having their interview the rest of us were in training from the AP's.  It is amazing to listen to these young missionaries.  They have such enthusiasm and knowledge.  Pres. Woodbury told of an experience that a pair of sister missionaries had just had in Louisville.  They went to an apartment where they had a scheduled appointment but no answered the door.  They of course were disappointed and left but got just down the road when they felt they were to go back and knock on all the doors in that complex.  On the 10th door they knocked on a man answered and when he saw who they were he left them standing there and they could hear him talking to a woman in the back.  He came back and just said "Come back on Tuesday at 7:00".  It turns out that he was a less active member and had wanted to come back but said he would know the time would be right when the missionaries contacted him.  He had seen the missionaries on the street one day but they were across the way and didn't come toward him.  His name is Mark and he and his girlfriend Ann both dance with the Louisville Ballet.  That Tuesday they had the first discussion, went to church that Sunday and had the second discussion and the had FHE at President and Sister Woodbury's on Monday.  Sis. Woodbury and the sister missionaries were talking to Ann and wondering how it was going and  Ann said that she already had her answer.  They set a baptism date but were worried about them getting married because Ann is from Kentucky and they were afraid that she would want a great big wedding.  They learned that Mark had already called the bishop and he married them that evening and they set the baptism date.  President Woodbury's point was not just that the people are prepared for us but that we should never leave an area if an appointment falls through but just to knock on all the doors around there because the reason you are there could easily be someone else that has been prepared.  I think every missionary dreams of that golden contact.  They are out there but we have to find them.

      On Saturday we took the Elders to Evansville for Stake Conference.  It isn't as far as I thought going the way the members from here go so it takes us just about an hour to get there.  The theme for conference was Hastening the work which I imagine is the theme for all conferences for this six months.  We heard a wonderful conversion story from a lady that was very very active in the Catholic church but finally found the full truth when she listened to the missionaries.  Pres. Woodbury told a story of the hunter and the lion.  The hunter went to shoot the lion but his gun misfired because he hadn't cleaned it.  He thought for sure the lion was going to kill him but when it jumped, it jumped clear over him and he was able to get into the fort.  The next morning the hunter knew he had to clean  his gun so it would work right.  He look out the window and saw the lion practicing shorter jumps.  The point of the story was that we need to do small things well.  We need to pray for the missionaries by name, pray for missionary opportunities, volunteer to participate with the missionaries, let them teach people in your home and set an example in the way we live.  He quoted from Elder Ballard "The voice of the good shepherd is your voice and my voice."

     Sunday morning we went back to Evansville for the other session.  The Stake President talked about how we should not delay, that inspiration has a time stamp.  When we hear that the talks are going to be on missionary work we might feel guilty and say "Just one more thing I don't do well" but that faith casts out fear and we should make a positive difference in someones life in some way this year.

     This week we have been with the Elders a lot as they are teaching some single sisters and need us to be with them.  Tonight when we went with them they challenged this woman to be baptized and she is ready.  She and her 11 year old son will be baptized  next week if all goes well.  They had originally challenged her in December but she ended up having surgery so now is the right time.   Elder Davis hadn't planned on doing it this evening but the spirit was there and it was just right.  This work is so great.  We have also taken a sister to several doctors appointments and done genealogy for her (found so much work done on her mother's side but can't get in contact with the cousin that has done it).  We had zone meeting and met the other senior couples in our zone, were taught by the young missionaries again and learned how much we don't know how to teach.

     We were able to go out to the farm of a non-member whose family we have gotten to know and love already.  The wife and adult children are members and have been for 35 years but not the father.  We have found that a lot here.  The wife joins but not the husband.   Evan so wanted to cut some wood :) and there is certainly plenty he could cut.

     The country is so beautiful here.  With the Ohio River just minutes away and the hills covered with trees it is truly some of our Father's greatest creations. 

There is lots more I could write but I don't want you all to get overwhelmed.  Thank you so much for all the replies that we received.  We really appreciate all the positive comments and the love that everyone sent.  We are being stretched but it is a good thing.  

To our temple friends--tell everyone hi for us and tell Brother Bean to give Sister Bean our love and best wishes.

To our MTC friends-hopefully you are having as much fun as we are.

To our family--Hug and kiss those grandkids for us.  Congrats Sam on the win and getting to go to Worlds.  Congrats Maya, Emma and Becky on the good job at the competitions.

To Norma Boyd--one of the Elders here in Tell City is Alex Gerrard.  He sure does love his Great Grandma Johnson and we sure do love him.  We seem to run into your family wherever we go.

To Amy J--Good luck with the wedding.  Sometimes it really is easier without another mother :)

To Sherry Brown--so sorry about the loss of your cousin.  Aren't we glad we know what we know.

To you all-WE LOVE YOU

 

Love Evan and Trudy

Elder and Sister Fullmer