CLINTON EDITION: THE FINAL CHAPTER

Ohana means family-- and mission family means sometimes people need to be left behind,

That's right friends and family-- an edition has come to a close. A final chapter. An ending edition. We've grown-- physically and spiritually-- and been blessed by the promised land of Clinton. I will forever remember the people here. BUT BEFORE WE GO, ALLOW ME TO SEND CLINTON OFF WITH AN EDITION OF MIRACLES. Yes, sad but true, we'll enjoy our final edition of the CLINTON EDITION: THE FINAL CHAPTER. 

So yeah, I'm in Gonzales Louisiana now and my new companion, Elder Paul, and I are loving life, the work, and the new area! Gonzales is a promised land in the mission, so I'm excited to wind and grind, to slay and pray, and to give these next six weeks the sharpest sickle. 

SOME MIRACLES FROM OUR TIME TOGETHER: 

When we eat and preach, God will provide a spiritual feast. Why not make everything a spiritual experience? Having been caught up in administrative duties, we forgot to eat. I know, "what kind of Elder skips a meal." Well, when you're backing trailers in mall parking lots, lunch isn't the first thing on your mind. Anyways, we decided that we didn't have time to knock doors and stuff our faces-- so, why not do both? We prayed about where to eat. Which I quite frankly think is a brilliant idea; there are missionary opportunities all around us, so why not invite the inspiration of God? Even cooler, we both received the same answer: Whataburger. 

We showed up with the intention of sharing the Gospel, and with two feet into the door, we knew who we were there to see. Our server was prepared by the Lord to exchange gifts with us; a patty melt for the restored Gospel. And if it wasn't a small world in the bayou of Gonzales already-- he actually recognized us. And this recognition came as a result of a long-term streak of exact obedience.

A FEW DAYS EARLIER:

We were running late to an appointment but we saw our neighbor having troubles with his vehicle so we pulled to the side and decided to help him. There wasn't much that we could do-- aside from sweat on his lugnuts-- but we did what we could, not thinking beforehand that this encounter could have eternal value. 

FLASH FORWARD to Whataburger...

Our server recognized us as the "sweaty white boys in the ties." HE SAW US HELPING OUR NEIGHBOR and that witness prompted him to wonder who we were and what we were doing. Food wasn't the only thing we were ordering that day... an elect silver platter of salvation was on the menu. We set up an appointment with him and his posse of coworkers to bible study. That was the first miracle of the week...

First, let's recap: 

Had we not prayed, we wouldn't have received the revelation. 

Had we not opened our mouths, we wouldn't have a bible study scheduled for this Monday. 

Following this revelatory experience, we knew there was a work God needed us to do. Elder Paul and I went home that evening in the spirit of revelation, seeking the will of the Lord, with humble hearts and an open mind. That is one of the many things I admire about Elder Paul: his desires. He desires to be a good missionary and to help this area. That evening we expressed our desires together and wondered..."is this the will of the Lord?" Kind of kidding, kind of not-- he said, "let's see what the Book of Mormon has to say about that: 

As he read, the only thing more priceless than our faces, was the spirit in the room:

"And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up out of the water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire." 

Immediately my first thought was-- "how did they get there." So, we continued to read verses 1-12. What we came up with (what we call it): "The will of Gonzales." 

1.) Prepare to take the Sacrament through the Gospel in the home. 

2.) Gather the leaders and disciples together to teach the multitude. 

3.) Pray ON YOUR KNEES for a miracle. 

4.) Minister in the home with the words of Christ. 

5.) Pray for that which you most desire-- and the spirit. 

As we've discussed this vision with the members of the ward (on our cute little whiteboards of course) the response has been exhilarating. Families praying in their homes, on their knees for the people we're teaching. The Book of Mormon flooding the streets of Gonzales. The spirit dwelling in abundance in the homes of the elect. The Lord has great plans for Gonzales and I am so excited to be apart of the hastening of this work. 

And last but not least...an homage to Clinton...

Clinton really became a home for me in the South. The people I've met have made a forever difference in my life. Elder McEntire was divinely appointed to help me achieve my potential. The work in that area... is on the verge of greatness. I really did grow a whole lot in Clinton-- both in my love for the Gospel and my love for the people of the South. I know God sent me to Clinton to continue becoming the man I know he needs me to be... I'll be back-- but until then-- I know it's in good hands. Elder McEntire will continue to work mighty miracles in the hidden gem of the South. If y'all are ever looking to be blessed make your way to Clinton-- you'll realize who you are and what God has in store for you. 

Well y'all-- here comes another transfer of the inevitable-- miracles and growth. I'm grateful to serve the Lord in this capacity and to be a disciple for him who knows the purpose of change. I'm grateful for eternal friendships and Southern families. I know this church is true and I know that God has work for us to do! Seek the Lord's will concerning you and your present situation...pray about where to eat-- take a chance on missionary opportunities...and I promise he will provide. Gonzales, this finna be a good six weeks. HAVE A GREAT WEEK Y'ALL! ELDER BOYD LOVES YOU! 

I bid Clinton adieu,

Elder Boyd

This Week's Pics:

Clinton...

Gonzales...

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Boyd Family Day (6/18/19) with one of his favorite meals: Fat Coco's (minus the mozzarella sticks- his companion, Elder McEntire had those)