Turned the car around

Making Grandpa Lomeli proud...

So, this was yet another interestingly awesome/good/ok week. There was so much that happened this past week! It is quite unbelievable! This past week we had Zone conference in Nanaimo with President Burt! Such an inspired man! He really knows what he is doing and knows how to make sure that we are doing what we need to be doing. He is such a soft spoken yet very bold person at the same time which makes no sense at all BUT ITS AWESOME! He interviewed each and every single one of us! It’s kind of scary sometimes but it wasn't this time... The spirit is so strong in him and he knows exactly what to say and what we need most. It makes me wanna cry sometimes because I can feel the spirit so strong in him. Besides that, we stayed at the Nanaimo South’s apartment which is super tiny. The whole apartment, which is a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room was about the size of the room with the piano back at home. Just imagine, 8 Elders in the same apartment. It was SO much fun! Anyway, we had some time to work in Nanaimo, so Elder Zieler and I go tracking and are praying for a miracle. We have been for weeks to see a miracle. Not many have happened yet. However, in Nanaimo, we met this guy named Hayden, and he was a GOLDEN investigator. The conversation went well and we set a baptismal date with him for February 28th. However, only problem is that Hayden wanted Elder Zieler and I to teach him, which we can’t do because we live 1 1/2 hours away... It was super awesome nonetheless. Anyway, meeting was great and everything went well.

We also met with Francois this past week which was pretty good. We still are just trying to build a solid relationship and build some trust with him which is good. A lot of things have gone on in his past and he has gotten himself into a pretty deep hole. We just keep telling him that we love him and that we are there for him no matter what.

Anyway, we have been meeting with quite a few less actives lately. Huge miracle that happened this past week. The Zone Leaders (ZL's) were on exchanges in Port Alberni. We were on our way to a lesson, and on the way there, I completely forgot to tell Elder Camp to turn. So we ended up on taking a completely different way than I had imagined. Anyway, on our way there, we saw this lady on the side of road. I looked at her and thought that I recognized her for a second but didn't really think about it because we were running late for an appointment. However, Elder Camp said "is that Michelle?" I thought about it for a second and I had an epiphany that it was. Michelle was a former investigator from 3 months ago! So we turned the car around, pulled up next to her all creeper style in the car, and set up a return appointment! Super Awesome miracle!

This past Sunday was awesome too. I don't know why, but I was so determined to get someone to church this past Sunday, more than ever. I was so tired of people not coming to church that we stopped by every single investigator we had on our way and invited them to church. None of them came. I was so disappointed. Elder Zieler, Brother Van Horne and I went to go pick up Francois to pick him up and take him to church. The day previous, we had committed him to come to church and he said that he would come if we came and picked him up. Anyway, we knock on the door, hmmmm, I dunno, 4-5 times... no answer.... I was just about to throw something... We drove back to the church, wishing that we could take away peoples agency, and just force them to come to church. Anyway, as we were walking into the church, we walked past the relief society room and guess what? MARILYN CAME TO CHURCH!!! I saw her and my heart just almost exploded from excitement! We have been trying so hard to get her to come to church for the past 4 months! It was such a miracle! I couldn't believe that this day had finally come! I don't care how the rest of the day went, I was just so excited about Marilyn coming!

So Sunday was just an awesome day! Today Elder Zieler and I went to the driving range... talk about embarrassing. I cannot swing a golf club for my life! I shanked it so bad that I almost hit the guy next to me.  Anyway, it has been a super awesome week and I wouldn't it change it for the world! I sure miss all of you though and I hope that everything is going great for you!

Love

Elder McCown

Infinite Atonement

Another week has gone by? What the heck?! This is going by really fast!
So this past week was pretty interesting/awesome/slow. This past week we had district meeting here in Port Alberni. The Elders from Courtenay were here for that. They are such awesome Elders though! Elder Shin and Elder Robinson. Elder Shins first name is Thummim.   Ya know, like the Urim and Thummim?  Crazy eh? Anyway, super awesome Elders! District meeting was awesome though, and we had it at the Housholders Bed and Breakfast because they have a conference room in there! We watched the John Tanner video and talked about the law of consecration and how we should consecrate ourselves the same way, and that we should live it just like he did. Super cool video. The spirit was so strong too!

After District meeting we had taco soup with the Housholders which was way yummo :), and then we did some service for brother Housholder and cleaned up leaves around his property. I have NEVER seen so many leaves in my life! We were there for two hours, (all 4 of us) and we only got about half of it done!

After that, Elder Shin and I went to an appointment that he and Elder Robinson had set up the night previous. That was the most horrendous lesson I have been in. Not because of how the lesson went, but because of the surroundings. It turns out that the place that we went to was about 2 or 3 doors down from our apartment. Turns out, it was a party house with three 18-20 year olds. The place was beyond filthy. The smell was horrible. We have problems in our apartment with smelling marijuana, but this was just BAD. There were beer cans spread out and stacked on the coffee table in front of me. There was a 3 foot bong about 2 feet away for me, and there were pictures of the most disgusting things plastered on the walls. The TV was blaring too and we could barely say anything. Elder Shin is such a great example though. He has been out about 21 months and handled the situation very well. He asked if the TV could be turned off, asked if the images be removed and the Spirit was able to come in, just a little. It was probably one of the coolest lessons that I have been in though, besides all of the disgusting things in the house. They were actually people my age. I felt comfortable with talking to them, and testifying. It turned out on being quite an amazing experience, and I learned a lot. The coolest part of that lesson though was when Renae came in. She came and sat down in the lesson and was at first very quiet. As we gradually got to know her, we realized that she had a true desire to change.  All of these kids have been in drugs and alcohol and come from very troubling backgrounds. But when we started to get to know Renae, she started to open up. She wants to have a family. She seems to have a desire to better herself. Elder Shin then asked her to pull up a video (that I haven't seen yet) about New Year’s resolutions and about making changes. We could tell that the Spirit was working on her as she watched it, even though there was a lot of noise going on. It wasn't too long after that, when I challenged them to be baptized, all three of them. The words seemed to flow out of my mouth, and I knew that the Spirit was there. What was so amazing though is that Renae and Jessie said yes! It was quite the experience. Then of course Jessie pulls out a cigarette, which kind of killed the moment, but nonetheless, it was awesome! Sadly, we haven't been able to meet with them since, but, I know that they all felt the Spirit, and if anyone is going to get baptized, it is going to be Renae.

Other than that, things have been going a little slow. We have been trying to find someone who is normal and truth seeking in this town. We have contacted all of the formers and nothing is showing any progress as of late. We did meet with Al and Bev this past week. They are a really nice, really old couple. Bev is a little off of the wall though. I don't know who said it, but someone said something about grizzly bears. She then proceeded to tell us about her experiences with grizzly bears. She told us that when she was 6 years old she was left behind on a field trip and that she saw a grizzly bear. She then told us that she hopped onto the grizzly bear and rode it down the mountain to school...

Personal scripture study has been pretty awesome these past couple of days though, especially today though. This morning, as I was saying my personal prayer, I asked for a question that I could seek the answer to. I decided to study more about the power of the atonement.  Such an inspired principle to study. I opened up the topical guide and one of the first few scriptures that I looked up was 2 Nephi 9. One of the scriptures that really hit me was verse 7 which talks about the "infinite atonement". The questions came to mind right then. "What does this actually mean?" "Did he suffer infinitely in a matter of a couple of days?" "If he suffered everything that we are to go through, and we suffer both in body and spirit, then he must have suffered in both body and spirit. If he suffered in both body and spirit, then did he suffer two different infinities of pain?" MY MIND WAS BLOWN. It’s such a cool experience finding out all of these answers for ourselves. We learn so much more as we do it ourselves instead of someone telling us what is true and what is not true. I have lately been cherishing my personal studies even more and I how hard I study parallels with how the rest of my day goes.

We were also able to meet with Marilyn this past week. Yes she is progressing, but ever so slowly. Ugh! Why can’t she just jump in the tank and get dunked already!?  We met with Francois earlier in the week. We tried meeting with him on Saturday but it was a no go because one of his friends just died and he was shooken up about it. Didn't come to church either which was a bum.

I have had a lot of fun though! It’s slow! But fun! I sure love and miss all of you though! I can’t believe that Jacob is turning 5 soon! That's crazay!!! Megan! Stay away from boys! Every boy that you even think about dancing with has to email me first and talk to me to see if they are qualified. Jessica tells me everything so ya better watch what you are doing ;).
Well I hope you are all staying safe and I love you all!

Love,

Elder McCown

Gotta Get To Work

Whoa... another week has gone by….? Megan is 14?!?!? uh oh...

So, I can’t believe that another week has gone by! So much has been happening this week and I can’t believe the amazing amount of work we got done! We have had the most amount of lessons with investigators that I think I have had in a whole week! We had about 7 lessons with investigators which was awesome! Sadly, none of them led to baptismal dates which are a bummer :(

So much else has been going on though! Elder Zieler and I are still together for another 6 weeks here in Port Alberni which is awesome! SO much fun! Marilyn is still progressing very slowly though.

Other than that, Francois is progressing. We didn't see him at church which was kind of disappointing. He texted us the night before that he was going to go to his sons last hockey game. We have taught him the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation as well as some other commandments, and he seems to be soaking it up. He still has his mind set on being baptized in Victoria.

Let’s see... what else.... ummmmmm.... Elder Zieler is the new district leader and the Courtney Elders are the only ones in our district. From what we hear, the Courtney Elder, who have whitewashed the area because sisters were there previously, have been doing miraculous! They have only been there for four days and they had 8 lessons with investigators, have 4 baptismal dates, and had 7 investigators come to church this past Sunday! Elder Zieler and I are just going nuts trying to figure out how they did that in only 4 days! I’m actually quite jealous and I’ve gotten down on myself a little bit lately because of how good they are doing and how it seems that Elder Zieler and I try our hardest and we don't really see any results. BUT, we have another week! Gotta get to work!

The members have been treating us really good lately. A little too good at times actually... I think I have gained 12 pounds since I have left home... It’s all in muscle ;)... We have had a ton of dinner appointments though which has been good. We are going out and seeing the Badessos for dinner tonight. They live out in Sproat Lake. Last time I remember eating there, I remember sitting at the dinner table, and looking to out the window to see Sproat lake. SO COOL!  We also made some Almond  Roca, it was pretty fun.

Today is going to be more of a relaxation day which is good. My back has been bugging since this morning. Good ole ibuprofen...  Other than that, everything is going great! Elder Zieler is stuck with me for another 6 weeks. Don't know how he got through the first 6 weeks.... But yeah, couldn't be better!

Sure love and miss ya’ll!

Love Elder McCown

Prayer on a busy street

This week has been such a great week! SO many miracles and so much work was done and I am so EXCITED for what the Lord has in store for us! Actually, I’m a little bit nervous too... Today is the day where transfer calls go out and I am a little nervous on whether or not I am going to be getting a call or not...SCARY!

Anyway, we had a super awesome week! This past week, I have truly gained a testimony of the power of fasting. It was this past Thursday when I decided to fast, in hopes of finding someone who is prepared to receive the gospel and that we may cross paths with them. It was a long day of finding and inviting people to learn more but we just could not find anyone that was prepared to receive the gospel. We went and contacted a couple formers. One of them was pretty cool. Owns a computer shop here in Port Alberni.  Wasn't really that interested though.  He went on and on about the free masonry and the church. I honestly don't remember half of the conversation because he was speaking nerd and using all of these sophisticated words. Anyway, soon after that appointment, we went out finding again, and end up on running into this guy named Francois (Fran-swah). Really nice guy. We start talking and he just basically spews out his whole life story and how he had been in an armed robbery, did a lot of drugs and alcohol, but that he has been clean from it for 18 months. The man went on and on about his life, and how he really wanted to change it. We testified what we knew to be true, and talked to him a little about our church, and told him about the power of the atonement right on the spot. All of the sudden, everything got quiet. Now, when things get quiet, you know that the spirit is working on someone. I also gained a testimony of the power of silence as well. Anyway, the silence lasted about 20 seconds give or take. He was kind of half bent over, and he really seemed to be concentrating really hard, and we couldn't see his face. Another couple seconds passed by and he raised himself up. We could see that he was crying. I have never seen someone so lost in my life, and I could see that this man truly wanted to change.  There have been very few moments on my mission where I have felt the feelings that I felt at that moment. The feelings I felt, I believe, were comparable to how the Savior and our Heavenly Father feels when we are lost or scared. I felt a deep residing sadness for this man, and it was truly unmistakable that that was how the Savior and our Heavenly Father feels for him. The sadness prolonged for about a minute, and that's when Elder Zieler asked Francois if it would be okay if he said a prayer right then and there. As he said the prayer, on probably one of the busiest streets in Port Alberni, with people walking by and buses and cars driving by every minute, I could feel the spirit so strongly. I don't remember the words, and Francois or Elder Zieler probably doesn’t either, but what we felt there, was truly unforgettable. After, the prayer had ended; I felt the impression to just give this man a hug. I hesitated, wondering why I would hug such a stranger. I did it anyway. As I hugged him, a warm feeling overcame me, and I knew that this man wanted to change, and that he will get baptized eventually. It may not happen with us missionaries, but it will happen and I can guarantee that. Just after the embrace, as we were letting go, he talked just loud enough for me to hear, and he said "Thank you". We exchanged phone numbers and set up a return appointment which was Sunday. The return appointment went great. We taught him the restoration, and he said that he wants to give up everything, but he is afraid that his church, Jericho road, will basically converge upon him because of his transition to another religion.  He even wants to be baptized, but doesn't want to do it here in Port Alberni. He wants to do it in Victoria. Needless to say, it was kind of sad that the chances of us baptizing him here were lessened, nevertheless, I am excited for our return appointment this coming Tuesday, and I cannot wait to speak to this wonderful man that has been prepared by the hand of the Lord. I am so honored to be chosen to be given this wonderful opportunity in this man’s conversion process.

Not much else happened this past week. We went out to dinner with Roy and Gail. Gail McCully is a recent convert and he husband is a non-member, but they love the missionaries. They spoiled us this past Christmas season though. They gave us these really awesome ties and matching socks to go with them. They then feed us wonderful dinners. They took us to the Starboard Grill which is at the foot of the harbor key, and the windows were looking out to the ocean. Very delicious. They went all out and got us prime rib, told us to get the bigger portions, and got us dessert. It was sooooo good. The meat just melted.

Everything else has been going great though. Elder Zieler and I are getting to know each other a lot better, and our teaching gets better and better every time. I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunity I have to take part in this wonderful work. There is so much to do and so little time!

I hope everything is going well on your end! Sure love and miss you all! Love you guys so much!

Love,

Elder McCown

Gotta Get To Work

Whoa... another week has gone by….? Megan is 14?!?!?....uh oh...

So, I can’t believe that another week has gone by! So much has been happening this week and I can’t believe the amazing amount of work we got done! We have had the most amount of lessons with investigators that I think I have had in a whole week! We had about 7 lessons with investigators which was awesome! Sadly, none of them led to baptismal dates which are a bummer :(

So much else has been going on though! Elder Zieler and I are still together for another 6 weeks here in Port Alberni which is awesome! SO much fun! Marilyn is still progressing very slowly though. I’m crossing my fingers that she does not become an eternigator, which would greatly sadden me considering that she has been taught everything and all we are doing right now is reading the book of Mormon with her. All she needs to do is get in the dang water tank and get baptized! Gah!

Other than that, Francois is progressing. We didn't see him at church which was kind of disappointing. He texted us the night before that he was going to go to his sons last hockey game. We have taught him the Restoration and the Plan of Salvation as well as some other commandments, and he seems to be soaking it up. He still has his mind set on being baptized in Victoria.

Let’s see... what else.... ummmmmm.... Elder Zieler is the new district leader and the Courtney Elders are the only ones in our district. From what we hear, the Courtney Elder, who have whitewashed the area because sisters were there previously, have been doing miraculous! They have only been there for four days and they had 8 lessons with investigators, have 4 baptismal dates, and had 7 investigators come to church this past Sunday! Elder Zieler and I are just going nuts trying to figure out how they did that in only 4 days! I’m actually quite jealous and I’ve gotten down on myself a little bit lately because of how good they are doing and how it seems that Elder Zieler and I try our hardest and we don't really see any results. BUT, we have another week! Gotta get to work!

The members have been treating us really good lately. A little too good at times actually... I think I have gained 12 pounds since I have left home... It’s all in muscle ;)... We have had a ton of dinner appointments though which has been good. We are going out and seeing the Badessos for dinner tonight. They live out in Sproat Lake. Last time I remember eating there, I remember sitting at the dinner table, and looking to out the window to see Sproat lake. SO COOL!  We also made some almond roca, it was pretty fun.

Today is going to be more of a relaxation day which is good. My back has been bugging since this morning. Good ole ibuprofen...
Other than that, everything is going great! Elder Zieler is stuck with me for another 6 weeks. Don't know how he got through the first 6 weeks.... But yeah, couldn't be better!

Sure love and miss ya’ll!!

Love Elder McCown