Using Time Wisely to Fulfill Our Purpose

Dear everybody!

The work is moving along at a brisk pace, although not quite in the way that I expected.

R. is doing okay... we set a new baptism date with him for March 1st. He has committed to do the stop smoking program after he goes on a one week holiday to Egypt.

D. is doing well.  At the moment, he is dated for February 22nd. I know it can happen. He just needs to exercise his agency. We're visiting him every day. At this point, it's pretty much all on him. Funny story about that, by the way. D. has a flat mate named A. who, to say the least, isn't a big help with the Word of Wisdom problems. When we visited him on Friday, A. was there, there was this guy named E., who I'd never met, in A.'s bed and he just sat there the whole time grinning. Obviously D. was there too. They were all drunk (it was 11 AM...) and we told D. that he wasn't receptive to spiritual truths while he's drunk. A. (who, up to that point, was singing along to something on his phone, I think it was R. Kelly) just stands up and rebukes D. and saying that he needed to "keep his committments" and that our time was "precious." Profound. I think we are going to try and teach him. Also E. spoke up at one point and told us that we "ought to bring a member of the church who used to be alcoholic but changed his life." Evidently, these guys had a peek at Preach My Gospel Chapter 10.

D. came to church yesterday and "loved" it. We're teaching her tomorrow. Hopefully we'll begin to see her more regularily.

Forgive me, as a lot of what I am about to say will make a lot more sense to my fellow-labourers.

I learnt so much this week. It all stemmed from a District Meeting that was inspired in every way. First, the Zone Leaders addressed the whole Zone on having more meaningful street lessons. It led me to deeply ponder the purpose of finding and key indicators and how we use them in our proselyting. I have come to a few conclusions on the matter:

1. Their purpose, in my opinion is to help us keep track of the progression of those we're teaching, to assess where we are and how we can improve, which, combined, help us fulfill our purpose as effectively as we can.

2. Key Indicators represent events for a specific individual that lead to lasting conversion. They represent the progress of specific souls towards eternal life. As such, we should do all that we can to make them meaningful. If the key indicators ever become about us or our prideful desires, then we need to repent.

3. You should aim to have increasing key indicators each week. You don't just wave a wand and quadruple the number of lessons you teach. You work hard. You pray with faith. You do all you can to demonstrate charity. You obey with exactness. The work progresses. The members see this and then the work takes off.

Based off these conclusions, Elder B. and I have set goals and made plans to change. To re-assess the way we look at key indicators and the souls the represent. Why are we here? Love. If we focus on love- love of God, and of all mankind, then we cannot fail. We will have been successful missionaries.

I hope I don't sound too preachy :) these are just a few thoughts that really struck me.

In the actual District Meeting, Elder B. asked Elders F. and O. to prepare presentations on hope and charity. They were incredible. I can't wait to apply their inspired counsel.

Lately I've also been studying prayer- especially it's purpose and the way I pray. I am going to continue studying it throughout the week. I am so excited to see what things I learn.

It is such a blessing to be in this zone. I love London! I love the people here, I love my companion, and I love my mission leaders. Their counsel is so inspired. I am excited to see what this week has in store.

Also, shout out to my incredible trainer, Elder von Allmen, who finishes his mission next week. He is one of the finest missionaries the England London South Mission has seen. I am so grateful for his friendship, service, and all that he taught me.

You all are awesome! I feel your prayers each day.Transfers are next week! Always exciting :) I know that the message we have is true. It's changed my life and it can change everyones.

With love,
Elder Frederickson