My dearly beloved friends and associates in the work - how are we all doing? I hope the answer is nothing less than a fantabulastic frenzy of fantastic fortitudes- for if it isn't, consider yourself written up and reported to the adjective police.
This week was, as you say, AWESOME. Not because it was easy, not because the whole world got baptized and realized the reality of Christ's restored church on the earth today, and not even because I have found dairy-free churros.. sadly... BUT BECAUSE WHEN THE GOSPEL WORKS, IT WORKS! I saw a splendid surplus of the Gospel working in the lives of others this week. The Gospel really does bless families and the Book of Mormon really wasn't kidding about the whole, "mighty change in heart" mumbo jumbo. Someone must have dumped a healthy helping of heart softener in the adjacent laundromats down here in NOLA and the spiritual chiropractors must be in BUSINESS loosening the stiff necks of America because I have seen the Gospel in action this week. Truly. Honestly. Wholeheartedly. With every fiber of my biological and celestial make-up, I know that this church is true. And on that note, welcome my friends... TO CHALMETTE CHRONICLES CHAPTER SIXTEEN *warning, surprise ahead*.
Hmm, how to start a week of such magical proportions... ah yes, let us start with the Christian rock concert- that's right, I said, Christian rock concert. Not only did I not realize what I was getting myself into, but I definitely had the time of my life doing so. A little preface for you people back at home: the Sisters signed us all up to do service at an adoption agency.. ya know, humble, quiet, of course, we were down to help out... but somehow they forgot to mention the fact that the adoption agency was working at WinterFest 2018 at the SuperDome. Details people, details.
You know how they say God is in the details of your life? Well, the sisters aren't. ANYWAYS, yeah, we show up, and apparently, we had to pay to park as volunteers for this event? Well, Elder Carter and I weren't having that, so we deemed it worthy to walk the extra mile by parking at the nearest CVS Pharmacy- and then mosied our way over to the SUPERDOME. It was a pretty sweet gig, honestly- we were only needed for, "post- preacher pamphlet handout" and an intermission campaign where we handed out pamphlets and envelopes for the surrounding Christians to adopt adorable children. The rest of the time was ours to rock out to smooth Christian vibes.
My favorite phrase of the night was, "Y'all ready to have church tonight? We're gonna have church tonight if that's okay with you New Orleans.." Personally, I love church, but hey if it ain't the sacrament, it ain't church, so sorry worship group but I think a referral to the Topical Guide, "Church" might be most necessary- haha. It was a rather smashing evening! The artists of the night, in case your Pandora station fancy is, "We Having Church Tonight" were, Westover, Mallary Hope, Dan Bremnes (one of my personal favorites, he's basically Ed Sheeran with a testimony), Jordan Feliz, Newsong, KB, John Crist, Kari Jobe, Building 429, and Skillet. With a combined display of epileptic spotlights and speakers that defy the decibel threshold. I felt pretty metal being involved in the whole thing. I think the only thing that prevented me from achieving my full hardcore rock and roll status, was the apron placed upon my shoulders- with a matching fanny pack. Now I am not saying it is impossible, but it is indeed quite hard to, "go ham" when you're wearing an apron. Point made. It was a great opportunity as well to share the Gospel. I met many a Christian who asked if we were, "believers" and walked right into the Restoration lesson. The comedian of the night even made a CLEVER comment about Mormons and polygamy which subdued our guilt in including pass along cards in every preacher pamphlet. :) Seriously though, it was a riveting evening, and as my first, "real concert experience" I would say I'd do it again. But only if aprons are included.
Something that really hit home this week was the reasoning for bad days. Friday was a DAY AND A HALF LET ME TELL YOU, BROTHERS AND SISTERS! Every appointment. Every Door. Every opportunity. Empty. The fields of East New Orleans were essentially the red sea after Moses was done with it- dry. Ironically, we even tracted Dune Street- not a single moist soul. It felt like discouragement brought his brass knuckles to the ring and all we had to defend ourselves was a Restoration pamphlet- or a pool noodle- whatever develops the imagery best. And just when our prospects were looking up, it was all for naught, because the one person who listened to us ONLY wanted to listen to us because they knew they would waste our time. In times like these, what would I have done back home? What would you have done?
A testament to opportunity for maturity in the mission came to me as we coped with the scriptures in such a trialing time. Instead of reading Percy Jackson, I found great comfort in the journeyings of the sons of Mosiah and their spectacular endurance and optimism in the face of trial. These men wouldn't have let a metal gate or a satanic shih-tzu stop them- for they would let nothing come between them and their divine mission for the salvation of souls. No prison, no bondage, no stoning, no spitting, no NOTHING could discourage these men. For with God, we like Nephi can find the greatest courage. "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed. For I the Lord God am with thee whitersoever thou goest." As we likened the scriptures, we found that the reason the previous day was so challenging was in order that we could appreciate the following day. And let me tell you, the following day was SO WORTH IT!
Nothing compares to the sincere smile that radiates from the face of someone who recognizes and appreciates their covenants. *SURPRISE: This past week I had the pleasure of sinking my drawers in the celestial waters and baptizing one of the elects that God prepared to receive the restored Gospel. We've been working with her for quite a while, and through test and trial and doubt, she fully exemplified how faith overcomes doubt. As a matter of fact, one of the turning points in her precious decision came when I came up to her in church and remembered her name. Something as simple as calling her by name was enough for her to set this church apart as Christ's restored church. She said she had never experienced that before.. and that alone gave her the final push to make the leap of faith and enter the waters of baptism. And due to special circumstances, both Brother Hatcher and I had the chance to baptize her together. And on a side note, someone had the bright idea to ask me to play piano for the whole shebang. It was just incredible to see missionary work in action. It makes every door that much more worth it, and every yes, that much more meaningful. Because missionary work, works- don't ever demean your individual influence on the life of someone. For all you know, all an individual may need is a friend. Someone who knows their name. To feel welcomed.. and that alone could be enough. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a lifestyle for families. Salvation is a personal matter, exaltation is a family matter.
In other news...
If you ever have the chance to meet a shih-tzu- don't. When one labors in the vineyard, it is not expected to be utterly mauled by a carnivorous creature. You know how the Book of Mormon speaks about the terror of gnawing and gnashing of teeth for those who inherit eternal darn-nation? I am a firsthand witness that this harsh reality is real, and manifest in the devil incarnate that prances around Warner Drive. I guess my, "machisimo" attitude was not enough for this dynamic duo, because I was not expecting to tell a story of this magnitude- but for comedic perspective, I comply:
It was a crisp spring afternoon, the faint aroma of toast and the hardworking middle class filled the air- it was a hard knock life on this particular day, not a single soul answered the door. As we neared the end of the first side of the neighborhood, the dissonance of a high pitched yelp clashed with the middle class as the offenders came into sight. Not only that, but they CAME UP TO US, quite the guts for such a tiny creature. Elder Carter also has an innate fear of the four footed hooligans, so he was anxious about the whole situation. When we transfered sides, I decided, missionary minded of course, "fear no man, fear no dog" and courageously approached the door guarded by the two pesky pooches. Well, in no time flat.. the barking escalated, and before I knew it, the pain of two incisors sinked into my shin and up into my cerebral cortex. This dog was a fighter, and I am pretty sure his, "pal" was just a hype dog, egging him on to lacerate my shin. Naturally, surprised, I proceeded to exclaim my confusion and made my way towards Elder Carter so that he might pry the little stinker off of my lower leg.. well, as you remember, Elder Carter doesn't quite appreciate this particular one of God's creations.. so he ran away, and grabbed a stick in hopes of relieving me from the excrucitating enigma that was the shih-tzu experience. I don't what his plan was, "no survivors" and all, but I am grateful that the dog detatched himself before Elder Carter had the time to execute his master idea. In short: dynamite comes in small packages- just because something is smaller than you, don't mean he won't sink his molars into your rock hard hamstrings.
Moral of the story: there's a difference between faith and stupidity... fear exists as a warning from God that we shouldn't mess with shih-tzu's.
I've always heard about the feud between dogs and missionaries but I guess it took a flesh seeking carnivore in my lower region to acquire the humility to never fear dog more than God.
And as a side note: this past Sunday was record-breaking for our branch: 30 in attendance (half were investigators). A cute Idahoan family was among the visitors. After the, meeting I went up to thank him for his testimony and we got talking.. well, I ended up saying I was from Washington and he was all like, WHAT PART?? Very startling. Was not expecting that from a 6'9 soccer dad. Well, I said Bellingham (usually, people haven't the slightest idea where Ferndale is, so I settle for the bigger of the two.) and he was all like, dang, bummer, I used to live in Ferndale. LIKE, WHAT?? ARE YOU KIDDING? YOU WERE A GOLDEN EAGLE? Well, I was pretty jazzed.. and he didn't remember much, but when I mentioned the Hoyts, he was like, "Oh yeah, they were my best friends." So yeah, one of the infinite benefits of this church is that you literally come to know everyone. It felt nice to brag about how radical my home ward is. :)
Well y'all, tis the recountenance of the week of dreams- with lots of pictures too, might I add. I hope you are all appreciating the millions of tender mercies that are afforded to you each and every day. I know this church is true, and that is in part because I see the Lord's hand in my life, helping me execute righteous decisions that lead me closer to him through his restored Gospel. I love the Book of Mormon and know it to be the word of God. I know that there exists a modern day prophet and apostles on the Earth today, and that greatest comfort can come in this life through the Holy Ghost and living and loving this Gospel. I live and love it, and I know my life is eternally better because of it. I love y'all. If you're not grooving with the Gospel I say to you.."if not you.. then who? If not now.. then when?" I know you can do it! Heaven is cheering you on.. yesterday.. today.. and forever. Your number one fan lives in Louisiana and will go to great lengths to make sure YOU KNOW God loves you and has a plan for you. It's true, and the best way for you to know that is to ask the man himself- I know if you do, he will tell you.
May you all have the best week and may you all know how much I LOVE YOU. Y'ALL ARE THE BEST, DONT FORGET IT.
With soo much sweet anti-shih-tzu loving,
Elder Boyd
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