Note: Sean has asked Kent to read the New Testament with him from Acts to Revelations. He wanted them to account to each other and then share and discuss what they read and learn each week.
Also thank you for the New Testament study guides Mom. They help out a lot. I did read Acts this week! I read all the way up to chapter 20 this week. There were a few that I really enjoyed. I liked where Peter teaches Cornelius too. Especially when he later talks about how everyone deserves the gospel and that The Gentiles are able to feel the Spirit just like everyone else.
What else stood out to me was Acts 20. Paul speaks to the disciples before leaving to Jerusalem. He reminded me of King Benjamin when he talked about how he has labored with all of his strength to "feed the church of God' and I REALLY liked where he quotes Christ and says "It is more blessed to give than to receive" . Paul and King Benjamin were great leaders because of their charity towards others. They willingly labored with those they led and led by example. They immersed themselves with whatever their followers did so that they could help them shed off burdens and gain happiness in life. That's what a leader should be.
I'm way excited to talk to you on Sunday! I am thinking that 1 or 2 PM my time will be best. Does that work? I don't know when Elder Smith and his family can. He is with Elder Jeffs because they aren't playing baseball with some of us today. I will be able to contact you over the week to confirm.
This week was jam packed with great stuff. first off, I got to go to the temple on Saturday! Elder Smith worked with some recent converts in Summerville and the couple went to get their endowments so that they can be sealed this next Saturday. We got permission to go to the endowment session. I really needed that. I had a great experience and it boosted me a ton. I wish I could go all the time! It's been over a year since I went to the temple and I had such a great time there. It was one of the most refreshing things that I have gotten to do on my mission.
We also have a baptism coming up this Saturday! Mike is one of the investigators that was in the Sister's area before they left. He has amazed me this past week. He has had to give up a lot in order to get baptized. He has a great testimony and every time I go over to see him he impresses me with something haha. He had to give up coffee and cigarettes this week. He drank 2 pots of coffee a day and a pack of cigs a day and he has been coffee and smoke free since Tuesday!!!! We put him on the non smoking program and he has a ton of will power. He is awesome. The ward has been great at getting to know him too. We had a BBQ with some families and Mike and that went great. He is definitely set for this Saturday and I am so excited to see him get baptized. He has worked so hard!
We were also able to hit our standard of excellence in Member Present lessons. That was a goal we set with President when we had interviews and we were able to get a ton of members to come out with us and we hit our goal and SOE.
This week has been really good for me and I am really thankful for everything Heavenly Father has blessed me with. I know that He watches out for me all the time.
Hope y'all have a great week!
Love,
Elder Sean Bills