Disappointments with Investigators

Dear Family,

     Well we've had an interesting week full of highs and lows. I'm blessed with a very strong district. We are all young in the mission. My companion and the other companionship have all been out one transfer less than me. In a lot of ways they are better missionaries than I am. My companion, Elder Whittier, is a great teacher. The others have a super good work ethic. I'm excited to be around them and to learn from how they do things.

     Last Sunday we were calling to remind a few people about church. When we called one of our most solid investigators he let us know that he had gone to his church that morning and they told him some things about the Mormons that concerned him. He doesn't really want to meet with us again. We plan on swinging by in a week or so and trying to iron things out. I hate that other churches will twist truths to make them seem wrong or confusing. It was very frustrating.

     Yesterday we had our final zone conferance with President Thurston. He is one of the most powerfull speakers I have ever heard. The spirit was great and I realized some things that I could be doing a lot better. It is a little sad to see him go but I'm excited about meeting President Sagers.

     We got a call a couple of days before the Zone Conferance and they let us know that we would be recieving a car! They haven't told us how long we will have it but I'm glad that I wont be riding a bike anymore in this abnoxious heat and humidity. We also had our phone replaced. They also bring all of the mail from the office to the Zone Conferances and both me and Elder Whittier both got two pieces of mail! It was a great day.

     After the conferance we went back to the apartment, in our car!, and had a short break before we had dinner. After dinner we were picked up by our exchange and went to go visit with our investigator Cami. When we got to her house her husband met us outside and let us know that as a family they decided that they were going to start going to a non-denominational church up the street. By Cami's face you could tell it wasn't a family decision. She was progressing so well. Each lesson that we had had with her the spirit was in ubundance, and on two occasions she felt it so strong she was in tears. It is sad to watch someone's progression be slowed by someone they love. We still haven't decided how or if we will try to get back into contact with her.

     We decided that our area is falling apart and we need to do something about it. We are going to strive to be 100% obedient and not as light minded. It will be a struggle to let go of a little bit of pride and allow myself to change a bit, but I know it is the only way we will be blessed. Please pray for Cami and Shannon.

Love Elder Rindlisbacher