Teach a Man to Fish

 Elder Hanson and I started the week off ill. He woke up with the flu and I with food poisoning. A good chunk of the ward also got sick at the same time because we all attended the same social event. It took us a few days to get well again. During the worst bit if it, we all went to Cardiff for a zone conference. We would have stayed home if it wasn't for the fact we were leading a training for all the missionaries here in Wales. During the whole conference we both looked like zombies but during the training we definitely had some divine help and it went smoothly.

Two people in the Merthyr Zone were baptized yesterday. Our exchanges fell in such a way we were able to attend both of them. The first was Andrew. He was the first person I have ever interviewed to be baptized. His testimony is solid and he is excited to continue his spiritual journey.

The second was Rickie. His baptism was very well planned. He has a really sweet old grandma named Joyce who has insane amounts of energy. The day after Rickie's baptism she asked to be baptised as well.

I was asked to give a sacrament talk on Saturday because one of the speakers on the following day fell ill. A member once told us every missionary should have a five minute, ten minute, and twenty minute talk ready at all times. I would second that what he said is true.

One topic frequently discussed this week was using the scriptures. Oftentimes, missionaries and members have the urge to answer every question with the torrent of information we have learned from our lifelong experience in the church. That is like giving a man a fish. What we want to do is teach the man to fish, therefore, we have to point them to the doctrine and then they will learn their answer and also learn how to learn. It isn't as easy, but worthwhile pursuits rarely are.

Have a good week!

Elder Desmond Killian

Pic #1 - Andrew heading home after his baptism.

Pic #2 - a box sitting in the clerk's office

Pic #3 - whiteboard finding is when you take a whiteboard out into a really busy public space and have people answer the question writtenon the board. When they inevitably ask why you are doing this, you testify if your purpose and ask about them. We gave out many copies of the book of Mormon and also received alot of phone numbers. I talked to one chap named Stephan but I forgot to get his number. Turned out to he alright because he messaged us. That never happens!