October 1, 2012

Well, the big news of the week would have to be Elder Christensen's transfer. Late Thursday evening, we were knocking doors and we were walking up the walkway to the last door on the street when one of the president's assistants called, telling Elder Christensen he would be getting transferred to Allen, TX. So the next day at specialized training I bid a sad farewell to Elder Christensen, but a warm welcome to Elder Payne. He is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Elder Christensen and Elder Payne as it turns out were MTC companions. Being with a new companion will bring some new adventures, but I am up for whatever is in store :).

So during the week, before the transfer, Elder Christensen and I were led to about 9 potential investigators. Making our current potential investigator pool about... 22. We are practically spending all our time trying to keep up with all the potential investigators. 

On Wednesday we gave service to a lady that buys properties and rents them out (Billy Rose). She asked us to come by one of her properties to help get it ready for someone to move in. We went by and there was a man that she had hired there (Andre). He told us Miss Rose wanted us to clean the cabinets and make them look presentable. He mixed together some chemicals with water and gave us some rags and set us to work. For about an hour and a half Elder Christensen and I were scrubbing cabinets. Every once in a while we would make a comment about the fumes from the chemicals and how strong they were, and laugh about it. Just as we were finishing up we found out why the fumes were so potent. He had mixed bleach and ammonia. All day we had headaches. We were lucky to not have more than that. Lol.

Sunday at church my testimony of sincere prayer grew. Saturday night I fervently prayed and pleaded with Heavenly Father to guide a nonmember to church. Well, by his good grace a less active member came to church, and guess what! He brought his nonmember girlfriend. Who knows if anything will come of it, but I testify that God does hear and answer prayers. 

Things are going great here in Lufkin, we will be spending much time this week contacting 22 people that showed some interest in the gospel, and hopefully a few of them will progress towards baptism. 
Today, right after we finish emailing, we will be headed to play cards with brother young again. Only this week, he told us he is going to bring his nonmember friend "cowboy". We will pray that all goes well there! 

Hope y'all have a great week!
Elder Riley Layton