I am reluctant to write when there nothing really interesting happens, but then I realize that what has become ordinary for me may not be so ordinary to others.

I called Sister Sommerfeldt Tuesday morning and found out that Elder Sommerfeldt started improving right after we gave him a blessing yesterday. Now that may seem out of the ordinary to some who are reading this blog – if anyone is – but because of the great faith that the Sommerfeldts have in the power of the Priesthood, it is what could be expected.

The mother of one of the elders that was scheduled to go home on December 13th was trying to figure out how they were going to be in two places at once. It seems his brother is scheduled to graduate on the 14th many miles away from their home. They were hoping that the travel plans could be changed so that the elder could end up where they would be. This problem was solved when we found out that starting in October all transfer dates for the mission was moved up one week so he will be home on the 6th, can be released, and then drive up with his family to see his brother graduate. Mary was able to call his mother this morning and tell her that her prayers had been answered, but that is nothing out of the ordinary for missionaries.

One of the ordinary stories shared by a companionship…

“At one of the doors, after the blessing we were teaching about the Spirit, and inviting them to be baptized…and things started to get a little awkward and the Spirit wasn’t as strong. But as I was sitting there figuring things out, I thought how we hadn’t shared a scripture and that we’d committed to use the Book of Mormon in every lesson. I didn’t know what scripture to share or how to tactfully, but I had a desire to be obedient to your commitment and I love the Book of Mormon and know that it’s the best missionary there is, so I awkwardly but obediently and faithfully invited the sister to read 2 Nephi 31:20 ‘Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ…’ She read it to herself and then got this huge grin on her face. She was so happy! And the Spirit returned! Just like that! Had it not been for the Book of Mormon, we would have been out of there.”

It is wonderful to serve in this very ordinary, extra ordinary mission…

President Anderson requested that the office be open today so three of the couples divided up the day. We took the 8-11 shift, then the Evans and finally the Beagleys. I was surprised at how much there was to do even with Salt Lake HQ and most non-retail businesses closed.

We were invited to go to the Collins later in the day and at first I was my usual reluctant self – after all I had a good book to read – but then decided that it would be good to go. We thought that all the office couples would be going but when Elder Evans got to our apartment he said that Elder Sommerfeldt was not well and needed a blessing. Since Elder Sommerfeldt will work through just about sickness, I figured he must be really sick. We found out that his blood pressure and heart rate was very elevated all day and that he had dizzy spells. I anointed  and Elder Evans sealed the anointing and gave him a blessing that told him that he would be fine.

So the Evans and ourselves picked up the Beagleys at their trailer park and Elder Evans drove us all out to the Collins. When were just about there it started sprinkling and then it started pouring. We had run into the edge of tropical storm Beryl which was the leftover of the hurricane of the same name.

We had a great dinner – as always I ate too much – and then we played Five Crowns. We have pretty much hooked the rest of the couples on this game. Mary won her table but Elder Beagley made a real push at the end and I ended up second. This was Mary’s third win in a row…they are likely to either ban her from playing or give her a 50 point handicap.

   

Mary and Sister Collins – Sister Collins cooks the hamburgers, the Evans relaxing before dinner.

  

As I mentioned before, each week all the missionaries get a letter from President Anderson that tells them important up coming events, gives instruction and shares stories that missionaries have included in their weekly letters to him. Here is part of the letter that was sent out today…

“The Book of Mormon and the Spirit is the greatest conversion tool we have. Those that have felt it’s influence will feel it years later and desire it’s influence again:

 â€œWe needed to find at least 3 more homes that day to find, bless, and teach. We thought we were just moments from being hit by a wall of rain, but we decided to run door to door and harvest before it came. It turned out we found and were able to bless wonderful people, including a lady who said she had been brought to God by the missionaries years before, but had lost contact …. She said ‘you have a book, the Book of the Mormons….I want to read that book…how much does it cost?’ We happily exclaimed that it is absolutely free …both she and we are very excited for our return appointment.”

 With all the wonderful things you know and have been taught, you will be the answer to prayer. Many times it’s the last door, it’s the last street, it’s the last person:

 â€œIt was getting pretty late, we knocked one of the last doors on the street. A young man in his 20’s came to the door. We said that Jesus Christ sent us here to leave his peace and blessing with you. He let us in and the first thing he said was, ‘It’s funny I have been praying and asking God to send me a sign to help me out in life. To get back on the right path.’ We then bore testimony that God truly did send us there, to help him change his life. We invited him to follow the example of Christ and be baptized. He willingly accepted. Awesome experience to know there are people out in South Florida waiting, just waiting to  hear that knock. I have learned that Miracles do happen but we as missionaries need to Make the Miracles.”

 Missionaries, with all that we know and all that we learn, we must be willing to “Make the Miracles” happen. God expects nothing less from the “above average great missionary”. Elders and Sisters, let’s pool together all our resources that we have been edified with and bring souls to Christ. We need everyone to contribute to this great purpose.