The Dapper Barbershop
The DAPPER Barbershop (shout out to uncle Scott, you would love this place!)
I can now officially say that I have taught principles of the Restoration and Plan of Salvation in THE Dapper Barbershop. Owned by THE Nathaniel Kirk. All of the Barbers there have full beautiful beards. To say the least it is quite....dapper. They have the classy swivel chairs that are literally from the 30's (re-upholstered). My bearded Woodstock uncles would LOVE this place. It is such a fun atmosphere to be in! All of these southern bearded men--oh and Miss Ashley (the barberette)-- are all triming up beards and hair having the most entertaining and fascinating conversations.Fast forward 3-4 weeks. Brother Bacon says, "This is the night, the night you are going to meet Vic. After dinner we are going to walk down to Dapper, I will introduce you and we will be on our way." Well, we did just that and we thought, "Great! Now Vic knows our faces and will feel more comfortable when we actually have a lesson." We got some Ice-cream with the Bacons, got some Benadryl for my crazy itchy eyes, and I began to think that we needed to go back to Dapper and have a good conversation tonight. It was almost Dapper closing time so it could work out. Sister Denning then expressed the same thoughts. We said a prayer and then went on our way to the Dapper.
Vic was finishing up cutting Jacob's hair and Brother Nathaniel Kirk was there waiting to close up shop. They both invited us to take a seat and chat. There we were in the Dapper. I felt like I had time traveled to the 50's. First, we talked about their career, how long the business had been running, where we were all from, and then Vic started asking, "So if you were teaching someone how would you start?" What he was really saying was, "Hey, enough with this chit chat I need answers and I want you to teach me!" I love the gift of discernment. Jacob said he wanted to stay and listen. We said a prayer and began teaching about what God's plan for His children is. That we lived before this life and chose to come to earth so that we may further learn and progress (we taught in more detail of course). We then felt that we needed to explain to him how the Book of Mormon came to be, the need for it, why there are so many churches today, and how to discern truth from error. We shared with him that Jesus Christ had called Apostles when he was on the earth to continue teaching His gospel after he was ressurrected and ascended to heaven. Jesus Christ gave his Apostles the power and authority to do so. We know from the bible that this power--God's power-- is called the priesthood. It gave them the authority and power to teach, heal, and bless people--authority from God. Over time though these apostles were killed and rejected by the people and the world fell into a great apostasy, meaning they fell away from God. Which also meant that priesthood authority was gone. If we look at the time of this great apostasy in the bible and compare it to the worlds history we will see that the world recognizes this time as the dark ages. And truly it was. People did not have a FULL access to God's light and knowledge because they had rejected the men who had the priesthood authority to share His full light and knowledge. It resulted in the creation of many churches as people only had bits and pieces of the truth. But just as God had called Prophets in the past to bring His people out of darkness He called another one named Joseph Smith.
At a very young age Joseph was incredibly confused as to why there were so many churches. He lived in New York during a time of a great religious uproar. He did not understand how all of the churches he saw read from the same bible, yet came to so many different conclusions. As he was searching for answers he came across a scripture in the bible--James 1:5. Which reads, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him". Joseph pondered on this scripture for days until it became deeply rooted in his heart. He knew from this scripture that he could ask God which of all the churches were true and God would answer. He felt that he needed to go to a place where he could be alone to kneel and pray.
He went to a grove of trees near his home and after concluding that he was alone he knelt down and began to pray, seeking to be forgiven for his sins and find answers. He then was seized upon by some unknown power. It became difficult to speak and his mind and body were surrounded by darkness as the adversary, satan, sought to keep Joseph from praying. Joseph, exerting all his power, called upon God to deliver him from the power of this enemy and in his own words he said, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other---"Joseph, This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!""
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. Wow. After sharing that with Vic, Jacob, Brother Kirk, and Sister Denning I did not know what to say for the Spirit was so incredibly strong in the room. I prayed, "Heavenly Father, what wouldst thou have me say?" And the words came, "Testify it is true". I then simply stated, "Everytime I say that I can feel it is true. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ did appear to Joseph Smith and they personally knew him". Sister Denning and I explained, "Jesus Christ then told Joseph that none of the churches were true. They drew near to Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him. They taught the precepts of men, not of God. Christ also told Joseph that he would in future years call Him to be the next prophet to restore, or bring back, Christ's church.
In the meantime Joseph continued to grow and was further prepared. The first task that the Lord called Joseph to do was translate the Book of Mormon. An ancient record which contained the dealings of God with the people of Ancient America. Just as God had called prophets to teach His people in the area of ancient Jerusalem, He had also called prophets to teach His people in the ancient America's. The Book of Mormon had been hidden up in the earth by the final prophet to have written in it. Because of this all of the teachings and revelations contained had been kept pure. The Lord recognized that the Bible had been mistranslated as it was passed from hand to hand and unrighteous people had taken things out or inserted their own teachings; His children needed a pure form of scripture to read alongside. An angel led Joseph to the place where the records, golden plates, were hidden in the earth. Joseph Smith had only a 2nd grade reading level at the time, but through God's power was given the ability to translate this ancient record into English." Brother Kirk had by now pulled out a copy of the Book of Mormon which he had in the drawer next to his station and said, "I've been saving this book for you Vic." Vic then replied, "Bruh! You mean to tell me you have had that book the whole six months I have been here and haven't given it to me?!" Brother Kirk defended himself, "Hey! I knew you wouldn't read it if I gave it to you so I've just been waiting for the right time." Brother Kirk then handed the book to me and said, "So, I'm gonna let her give it to you. And I'm pretty sure Jacob is gonna want one now too." "I would like that," Jacob replied. All three of them then watched the 4 minute video made to present a visual of Joseph Smith's experience ( https://www.comeuntochrist.
I then shared my personal experience of why I believe and how I have come to know that the Book of Mormon is true. "I have felt the power this book brings into my life. I have read it and strive to read it every day because the teachings inside bring me lasting peace, even in the midst of terrible times. There have been countless times that the verses I am reading that day directly apply to the questions and concerns I have in my life. Vic and Jacob, will you read this book?" They both said yes. If you have not tried to do what the Prophet Moroni has asked or if it has been awhile since you have I would invite you to do so. Begin to read the Book of Mormon with an open heart, pray to know if it is true, and as you read you will find a reassurance of its truthfulness. I testify of this in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.
what is the Book of Mormon and why is it important?
Dago 18 July 2019 & 21 July 2019
Dago learns really well from analogies so we have been working with that. horizon=knowledge, sunrise/light=Faith they are intertwined. You need both just as you need Justice and Mercy- two very different principles. you need both in parenting. they work hand in hand just as knowledge and faith do.
As we were getting ready to leave Sister Denning said, "I have been thinking about this the entire time so I need to share it, but you need to look at this from a religious perspective. Sister Wastlund and I were planning this morning for your lessons because we take time to plan things we're going to share. We both were thinking the same thing that we needed to talk about over and over again and I said 'Who is here that keeps telling us these things?' and Sister Wastlund said 'It's Dago's children.'" Dago's mouth fell open and he started to smile. Family is a big deal to him and he wants to be a good husband and dad to his wife and kids. (a few days later he told us that experience we shared has been stuck in his mind)
Dago keeps giving us signs that he believe even if he won't pray. Coming to church, reading the Book of Mormon.
"If I was at the point of y'all I would consider it fact!" I replied, "That's what I keep trying to tell people!" We all laughed.
Sister Denning and Rebecca were talking about the need for action with faith. And the need to truly experiment on whether or not something is truth. Trying to get to the point that prayer is necessary for him to truly know or believe. It was all great, but I was in a no beating around the bush mood so I said after they were done, "Basically Dago we would REALLY LOVE for you to pray!" We all laughed.
Sunday 22
We did a lesson on temples today and watched the Rome, Italy temple tour at Brother and Sister Hanks. so incredible!
He keeps saying it all makes sense, but he doesn't believe in God right now so he doesn't believe it... what?? We asked, "So if you don't believe that then what do you believe about Joseph's experience?"
Dago then said, "well, I don't believe that he could have just wrote that book." He basically said that Book is too good to have been written by him. He says he doesn't believe, but shows he does through action. He comes to church, reads the book of mormon, meets with us regularly, asks genuine questions, reads the talks we send. He simply does not pray because he directly correlates that with believing in God. We can see he already does, pride is just getting in the way.
Analogy: say your a biology student studying at home and you have a question. After studying for hours you still aren't able to understand what the answer is. So you email your biology professor with that question and he is able to explain it in a way that you actually understand.
Reframe: You are that student and we, along with the Book of Mormon and some church websites, are your study resources. We are able to give you answers to the majority of your questions expect one that you have studied and thought about and still can't come to a sure answer. "Is God real?" The only way to receive that answer is to go to the source of all truth, the greatest teacher-->God. If you don't ask you won't know the answer.
God knows our thoughts and our questions, but He has specifically said "ASK and ye shall receive" not "just go about your business and I'll let you know sometime".
Wanted to share some of our thoughts :)
Prayer
https://www.
Will you read this?
You talk about your horizon often and we have been pondering on that as well. The other day we were reading in the Book of Mormon with you about faith and planting seeds in your heart. On the left side is your horizon with all the seeds of knowledge that we have given you as you continue to ask questions and whatnot. On the right side is our horizon which has become a forest of faith because we allow those seeds to grow. The Light of the World, Jesus Christ, provides the sunlight that our testimonies need in order to grow. (Sister Wastlund brought this up the other day) However, it seems that you have put up a wall of sorts because you don't/refuse to believe in Christ and God. We know that prayer is that key to open the door you've shut yourself.
This is a depiction of how these knowledge trees grow. They are planted and sprout and may need support along the way but in time can become strong trees of faith and knowledge. Trees (or testimony of beliefs) we can lean on in times of trial and hardship.
We know this is bold, but hopefully it makes sense and is not too much :)
Reframe: You are that student and we, along with the Book of Mormon and some church websites, are your study resources. We are able to give you answers to the majority of your questions expect one that you have studied and thought about and still can't come to a sure answer. "Is God real?" The only way to receive that answer is to go to the source of all truth, the greatest teacher-->God. If you don't ask you won't know the answer.
God knows our thoughts and our questions, but He has specifically said "ASK and ye shall receive" not "just go about your business and I'll let you know sometime".
Wanted to share some of our thoughts :)
Prayer
https://www.
Will you read this?
You talk about your horizon often and we have been pondering on that as well. The other day we were reading in the Book of Mormon with you about faith and planting seeds in your heart. On the left side is your horizon with all the seeds of knowledge that we have given you as you continue to ask questions and whatnot. On the right side is our horizon which has become a forest of faith because we allow those seeds to grow. The Light of the World, Jesus Christ, provides the sunlight that our testimonies need in order to grow. (Sister Wastlund brought this up the other day) However, it seems that you have put up a wall of sorts because you don't/refuse to believe in Christ and God. We know that prayer is that key to open the door you've shut yourself.
This is a depiction of how these knowledge trees grow. They are planted and sprout and may need support along the way but in time can become strong trees of faith and knowledge. Trees (or testimony of beliefs) we can lean on in times of trial and hardship.
We know this is bold, but hopefully it makes sense and is not too much :)
Friday 19 July 2019
Today was the baptism of Miss Linda McArthur. She has been taught off and on by missionaries for 10 years. I had 3 or 4 brief interactions with her in the first 3 months of my mission. Then right before Sister Denning got her Linda said she wanted us to start coming every week. Well, Sister Denning and I went on Tuesday, June 18 (Sister Denning's first time meeting her) and both felt prompted to ask Linda if she wanted to be baptized so we did. She gave us a resounding, "Yes!"
And let me say this woman worked hard to get there. She has COMPLETELY turned her life around. The baptism was very small and intimate. There were 13 people there altogether. Jason and Jason baptized /confirmed her. What we had to do was put a chair in the water for her to sit on and then she lay down when she was ready. Jason Pratt baptized her while Jason Graves held her oxygen in the water. I could feel that Linda was really anxious. When we went to help her finish getting ready that morning she said, "Sisters, satan is working on me. But I am not letting him stop me!'
Then immediately after she came out of the water she said, "Guess what everyone? I didn't die! I did it!" She was filled with so much happiness. As we were helping her get ready for her confirmation she said, "I feel so good! I want to do it again!" It was wonderful to see Miss Linda's testimony grow the week prior to her baptism. She gained such a testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today.
I had expected to meet and teach quite a few young people on my mission. I did not realize they I would have interactions with men and women in their 50's-80's; men and women who after a lifetime of searching for the truth find it. This gospel makes sense!
Yesterday we also went to the Day's house for dinner and taught the Restoration for the first time to their family friend Norman, the second time to Tony, and the fourth time for Amanda. It is so incredible to see Amanda's testimony growing stronger and stronger each time i see her. By the end Norman said he felt that this conversation was meant to happen and wanted to ask about it but didn't know how. Tony told us that he's been praying to know if all of this is true and things have been beginning to click more and more. Amanda was commenting and sharing her testimony throughout. She is beginning to recognize the Spirit more and more. The Spirit was strong. Both Norman and Tony accepted thier own copy of the Book of Mormon and the invitation to pray about it. They then invited us to come over again tomorrow for dinner and a lesson. We feel that we need to invite Norman to be baptized tomorrow, perhaps Tony as well. It is pretty incredible how Amanda's decision to be baptized is affecting so any more people than herself.
And let me say this woman worked hard to get there. She has COMPLETELY turned her life around. The baptism was very small and intimate. There were 13 people there altogether. Jason and Jason baptized /confirmed her. What we had to do was put a chair in the water for her to sit on and then she lay down when she was ready. Jason Pratt baptized her while Jason Graves held her oxygen in the water. I could feel that Linda was really anxious. When we went to help her finish getting ready that morning she said, "Sisters, satan is working on me. But I am not letting him stop me!'
Then immediately after she came out of the water she said, "Guess what everyone? I didn't die! I did it!" She was filled with so much happiness. As we were helping her get ready for her confirmation she said, "I feel so good! I want to do it again!" It was wonderful to see Miss Linda's testimony grow the week prior to her baptism. She gained such a testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's church on the earth today.
I had expected to meet and teach quite a few young people on my mission. I did not realize they I would have interactions with men and women in their 50's-80's; men and women who after a lifetime of searching for the truth find it. This gospel makes sense!
Yesterday we also went to the Day's house for dinner and taught the Restoration for the first time to their family friend Norman, the second time to Tony, and the fourth time for Amanda. It is so incredible to see Amanda's testimony growing stronger and stronger each time i see her. By the end Norman said he felt that this conversation was meant to happen and wanted to ask about it but didn't know how. Tony told us that he's been praying to know if all of this is true and things have been beginning to click more and more. Amanda was commenting and sharing her testimony throughout. She is beginning to recognize the Spirit more and more. The Spirit was strong. Both Norman and Tony accepted thier own copy of the Book of Mormon and the invitation to pray about it. They then invited us to come over again tomorrow for dinner and a lesson. We feel that we need to invite Norman to be baptized tomorrow, perhaps Tony as well. It is pretty incredible how Amanda's decision to be baptized is affecting so any more people than herself.
The Sister who is dating Ben's Mission Companion
Pickle Picking
Sister Denning may have backed into a mailbox...oops
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