On Monday we gave Bro. Bertelsen a call to give us a ride to get groceries. We are in a walking area so it makes it kinda hard to shop. Next thing we know we are on a trolley at Falls Park, going on a tour of historic downtown Sioux Falls. He then took us to lunch at a diner, which was really good. I was stuffed after! Then we got back on the trolley, finished the tour, went to the falls and walked around to take some pictures. Finally, after all of that he took us to get our groceries. He had heard us mention we were going bowling for the rest of Pday and he gave us money to pay for some of our games. He really taught me a lot about being giving and helping others around you.
For the 4th of July our mission president allowed us to stay out and watch fireworks. We still had to wake up on time the next morning. It was really fun we went to the Thorins and watched them light fireworks, then they had a video Helicopter that they were flying to video the fireworks. It was really awesome and a very fun day spending the time with members, and nonmembers. The whole day I was thinking of the freedom that this country gives us to be able to "worship" how, where and what we may.
On Saturday we were invited to go to a funeral of a little African girl. She was a little under 3 years old that passed away for no reason. At the funeral it was really sad seeing how almost everyone, that did not have a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation, thought this was the end. The one thing that was really amazing was they were all dressed completely in white. It was the neatest thing to see. After the funeral invited a few people to come to church the following day with the thought that we could eventually teach them of the comfort and peace that Plan of Salvation can give.
Speaking of which, we were able to teach Derrick the Plan of Salvation. We had Bro. Oakes with us, which was really great, and he pointed out a scripture regarding the Spirit World in the Bible. This was one of the things that Derrick was questioning the most about our religion. He also said that he went to his pastor and couldn't fine any scriptures in the Bible supporting the Trinity. He wanted to know what our belief was regarding it so we reviewed the first vision with him.
Finally we are able to teach the Darsaw family. We watched the Restoration video with them. They still have confusion due to some of their African culture and beliefs so it is going to be a little bit more of a process. We would like their entire family to be baptized together so this could be hard but we wont give up. I don't want to deal with that guilt when I stand before the Savior at the last day and have to explain why I gave up on helping his children receive his gospel.
Elder Ashcroft
