Episode 21: Merry Christmas!

I have almost no more time at all to write so I'll make it way short!

 

First of all, MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope that Christmas was a wonderful day for you and that it filled you with love and appreciation for our Savior.

 

Throughout the week we biked all around the city talking to everyone we saw. Two or three of those we talked to seemed pretty promising! We also finished teaching a rehab patient at the hospital named James. Long story short, he wants to be baptized! Hooray! :)

 

On Christmas Eve we went to the Furstenburg family's home for dinner and caroling. Christmas for us was great. After a sacrament meeting combined with the other ward, we went to the Shaver home for Christmas dinner/lunch. The food was DELICIOUS. Then we got to open our presents and call home! It was great to talk to family and the 40 minutes felt more like 4.

 

Me and Elder Peck before caroling witht he Furstenburgs

 

 check out my on http://mormon.org/me/2JZ1/KennySchank/

 

With love,

 Elder Schank

With Wondering Awe by Elder Schank and company - Merry Christmas!

Episode 20: Elder Schanks Wishes You a Merry Christmas!

Dear Friends and Family,

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope that all of you are loving this beautiful time of year.

This week has been a very, very good week. We've found two new investigators, one of which has quite a lot of promise! She's going to be home in Wake Forest for the holidays, and she's a young single adult so that means the sister missionaries will be teaching her instead of us anyway, but it always is exciting to be the ones to teach receptive people about the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our other investigator is a middle-aged woman who seems very interested in the Book of Mormon. She used to be an investigator before we came to her door, actually, but I guess she doesn't remember a lot of what she was taught, because everything seemed new to her.

We've been teaching another man named James, who also will not be baptized into our ward. We got a call from his wife (who is a member of the Church) last week, asking for us to come and give him a blessing in the hospital before having surgery done on his kidneys and arteries in his leg. We gave him a blessing and then invited him to take the lessons and be baptized as he gains a testimony of our words. He accepted both invitations and now we've been teaching him on a regular basis in the rehabilitation unit of the hospital. He is so prepared. Even though he won't be joining our ward, we are so happy to see how he is already changing and becoming more happy. He told us that one morning not too long ago, he woke up happy and hopeful, with motivation to endure through his difficult therapy. I noted to myself that it was the morning following the night we taught him about Christ's restored church, the living prophet, and the Book of Mormon and invited him to pray to know for himself that these things are true.

Thank you so very much for all of your prayers, fasts, and encouraging and uplifting words on my behalf. My back is feeling better, and, while the pain definitely isn't gone completely, I am a lot more able to work. On Saturday, we decided to talk to as many people as possible. It was a long, tiring, and amazing day. We talked to so many people, and a few of them were interested in learning more! I had, for the first time, a soapbox-preacher moment. We were walking through a ghetto after contacting a few people we were trying to find and off to the side there were some young kids playing 3-on-3 basketball, with other children watching from the side. I never knew that 9-year olds could be so intimidating. Their language was profuse, they already had some swag, and some of them had dreadlocks and piercings. As we walked by them, the oldest one, who was probably 12, yelled at us, and I'm still not sure if he asked us what we were doing because he was curious or because he was making fun of us. But, we left the apartment with a resolve to talk to everyone we could, so I made sure that we weren't going to make any exceptions. We turned towards them and I simply stated that we were out teaching people about Jesus. I asked, "Do you guys believe in Jesus?" In no time they formed a semi-circle around us, and I found that Elder Peck and I had a captive audience of 8 rough children between the ages of 7 and 12, all of whom were interested in the message of two over-dressed---and very out-of-place---white guys. They all said that they did believe in Jesus, and that, in fact, their aunts, moms, and grandfathers were pastors in various churches around the county. We told them about the Book of Mormon and that God had called a prophet today. They thought we were really cool! Towards the end, I waved some pass-along-cards around and said, "So... who wants a card?!" Eight little hands shot up in the air among shouts of "Oooh! Me!" and "I want one!" We wrote our names and phone number on Mormon.org pass-along cards and proceeded to distribute them to the children. They shook our hands (a little confused, because they were expecting something more of a cool hand-jive-fist-bump) and we were on our way. When we got to the car to drive to our next place and passed them, I rolled down the window and gave them my best casual peace sign gesture and they waved back, a little more cool-ly than either of us could manage. As we left, I not only felt somewhat initiated into the group of these cool kids from da 'hood, but I also felt joy that I had opened my mouth and hope that one day our simple words and cards will change someone's life.

On Saturday morning, I decided that I was going to be really disciplined and determined and go on a 5-minute run with Elder Peck around the apartment complex. I woke up on Sunday with a sore throat, runny nose, cough, and almost no voice. So... at least my back is feeling better! I really feel pretty fine, just a little congested and wheezy.

I have been thinking quite a lot lately about the Christmas story lately, believe it or not. We know that much of it is found in Luke 2 in the New Testament. I read it over again as I do every year, but this time, I have the perspective of a missionary. It is interesting that whatever we are pondering about at any given time can be found almost everywhere throughout the scriptures. I found that there is a message about missionary work in the story of the birth of the Savior. In Luke 2:8-18 we read:

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the ^aglory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you ^agood tidings of great ^bjoy, which shall be to all people.
 11 For unto you is ^aborn this day in the city of David a ^bSaviour, which is Christ the ^cLord.
 12 And this shall be a ^asign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
 14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.
 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
 16 And they came with ^ahaste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
 18 And all they that heard it ^awondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

The angel in this story was a missionary in that he taught the gospel, or "good news", to the shepherds. He testified of the living Savior, and his (many) companions added their additional witnesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah of the Old Testament. The angel then left the shepherds with an invitation that would build their faith and taught them how to recognize the truthfulness of his words.

As the shepherds accepted the invitation and committed to act on it, the excitedly followed through by taking the necessary steps to see for themselves if the words of the messengers were true. As they accepted and acted upon the invitation, they gained their own witness that Jesus truly was the Christ child spoken of by His representatives. With this new-found testimony, the shepherds noised abroad that which they had learned for themselves to be true. They bore testimony that the baby Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah and the Savior of mankind, and all those who were recipients of their witness were touched by that message.

We may not be asked to travel to Bethlehem and see physical evidences of the divinity of Christ, but similar invitations are extended to us throughout all the scriptures. I know that as we accept these invitations to act, commit to do them, and follow through by doing them, then we will know for ourselves---just a little bit more---that Christ truly is the Redeemer, Savior, and Great Atoner. As our testimonies grow through obedience, we can bless the lives of all others by sharing what we know to be true with them, whether they be family, friends, or total strangers.

I know that Jesus Christ, Who we worship and recognize at this Christmastime, is the Son of God and that He is the Savior of all mankind. I hope you have a very merry Christmas and I pray that you will be able to bless at least one person with your own testimony of Him.

Hope to hear from you soon! I love all of you very much!

With love,

Elder Schank

This is what we call a "Posterity Picture". Elder Peck, me (his trainer), and Elder Westley (my trainer)

Me and Elder Alan Conners, a friend from high school, at our Christmas zone conference

 

 

Episode 19: Elder Schank Goes to the Lab

Hi there, friends and family!

We're not making too much progress here on my back. I was prescribed a series of corticosteroids to take a little bit of the edge off of the pain while I'm waiting for a solution to "the issue". On Tuesday I finally got to go to the lab to get a blood test to look for rheumatoid arthritis. Supposedly I'll be informed of the results later today.

Greenville, NC in the middle of December. Our ward members are talking about how cold it is, now that the temperature has dropped all the way to the mid-50s. That makes me laugh a little bit.

We've been to the hospital a TON lately, but not for me. We've gone to give a priesthood blessing to at least four different people, and we've made visits at least 5 times. I guess that's what happens when one of the biggest hospitals on the east side of the state is in your proselyting area! :) There have been a lot of great experiences in that building, and I'm starting to associate the smell of olive oil with hospitals.

Ah, The Pitt County Memorial Hospital.  I almost don't even need a map anymore.  It's a good thing that clergy parking is free!

 It's been a tough week. Virgil dropped us. It's something I really don't understand. It's not because he doesn't want to change; that was part of why he wanted us to teach him in the first place. He wants to continue to live the Word of Wisdom even now that he doesn't want to get baptized anymore. He knows that the message of the Restoration---including the Book of Mormon---is true. He now knows how to recognize the Spirit, and he tells us that the only time he's ever felt the Spirit in his life has been when he has come to church with us or when we have taught him the gospel. He says he's never been happier. I know that he has a testimony of this message and that he has been severely blessed by it's introduction into his life. We have literally seen a physical change in his countenance as he has progressed towards baptism... and we've seen that change reverse has he's digressed. In our last prayer with him, he even prayed to Heavenly Father that He wouldn't get mad at him for not being baptized into the Church. He knows that it's true and that he should do it, but there's just SOMETHING that we haven't nailed down that keeps him from wanting to join the church in which he has gained a testimony. We've tried over and over again in the most loving of ways to explain that if he knows that the Book of Mormon is true, then that means that Joseph Smith was a Prophet called of God; and if Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God then that means that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church and the one that he needs to join. But something isn't clicking I guess. It's depressing and heartbreaking, seeing someone I love so much---and knowing all the happiness and peace that they could have and don't---be so close to finding what he's looking for and then quitting the race in the last lap. He says if he doesn't feel the Spirit at his new nondenominational church, he will know that ours is the one he needs to join---and I know that he will never feel the Spirit as strong there as he did when he was learning the true message of Christ's restored gospel, so I'm not too worried about it---but it still is very painful for me. I love Virgil so much... I just want him to have the peace, relief, and joy that I know he will gain when he makes the authorized covenants with God that can only be made in Christ's church. There is still hope, though. I am sure he will be baptized one day... but why delay those wonderful blessings?

Well, I hope that y'all (Yep, I said it!) are doing well and that Christmastime is a season of peace, not stress, for you. That we will all remember the true meaning of Christmas is my prayer for each of us.

I love you all very much! I would love to hear how you are doing! A letter from you (yes, you!) would be the greatest Christmas present ever.

With lots of love,

Elder Schank

Episode 18: Elder Schank Works Around "The Issue"

Dear friends and family,

Hello! This last week has had a lot of great and not-so-great moments.

Just hours after sending my last email, our previous investigator Andreea called us while we were writing letters during our preparation day. She asked if I would be the one to baptize her on Saturday! Of course, I said YES! We totally called it. We just knew she'd go all the way! The service was wonderful. I baptized her and Elder Peck confirmed her a member of the Church and bestowed the Gift of the Holy Ghost to her on Sunday.

before Andreea's baptism

Other than that, the news is kinda depressing. My pain is increasing and evolving and it's really just more frustrating than anything because it inhibits us from doing a lot of the work we'd like to be doing. Now my joints aren't only achy and stuff, but now I have consistent pain in my lower back and neck and every once in a while I get these random sharp, shooting pains that go from one joint to the other: shoulder to elbow, elbow to wrist, hip to knee, knee to ankle. Those shooting pains last for just a few minutes, max, but it still hurts and we don't know what's wrong with me. I reported my pain to President Cotterell and our mission doctor, Dr. Liljenquist. Dr. L apparently thinks I have either ankylospondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis (judging by the symptoms I gave him over the phone). I know I'm not a doctor, but I don't really agree... I'm thinking more like a stress fracture, slipped disc, or pinched nerve, because if I remember correctly from Medical Anatomy and Physiology, ankylospondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis don't just suddenly happen... plus the pain and frequency of the shooting pains increases when I lay down, which I think would indicate that there is something wrong with my spine. Plus there's no swelling. And ibuprofen doesn't help. But then again, I can't think of any thing traumatic that would have caused a fracture or slipped disc or anything like that. I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine. Anyway, enough of that. This... condition (whatever it is) is really making it hard for me to not be frustrated. It keeps us from working as hard as we'd like... we've been making a lot more phone calls and we've done a lot less tracting, to say the least. I can't ride a bike in traffic with cars and there are no sidewalks; the other companionship in Greenville has kindly agreed to let us have the car full-time. I just want to get this fixed and for the problem to go away. Elder Peck and I lovingly refer to my pain as "the issue", as we don't really know what else to call it.

Speaking of medical stuff, we were asked by missionaries in another area to go to the hospital to visit a man who was flown from their area ours to give him a priesthood blessing. That was interesting. He was in the ICU, which I've only ever seen on TV. We went, not knowing a thing about this man besides his name, and when we got to his room we had to sanitize our hands and put on masks. He was completely unconscious; he had an eye patch on; his legs, arms, and face were cut up; he was missing patches of hair; and, judging by his breathing pattern and the sound he was making, he was probably on a respirator. We gave him a blessing to help him heal and to be more open to the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. It was amazing how as we layed our hands on his head and administered that blessing, I felt a sincere love for that man and I earnestly wished for him to heal well and accept the gospel message. I also felt that even though that man had no idea who we were, what we did, or that we even know he is there, that the power of the priesthood will affect his healing process and his outlook after he comes to.

We don't even know what's up with Virgil. He postponed our appointment with him last week and didn't come to church. We have an appointment with him tonight. We have been praying and fasting very much for him to be open to realize that he should follow the spiritual confirmations he has received that have told him time and time again to be baptized for the remission of his sins. Please, if you read this before 7:00 (eastern time, of course), pray for him... and for us.

Over the last week there has been a sentence running through my mind pretty frequently that I have come to know is very, very true: "No gospel principle is fully learned until it is consistently applied." I believe that. Looking back, I realize that the principles in which I have the greatest faith are those which I have applied to my life. For example, I know the Book of Mormon is true because I have applied its teachings to my life. I know that we can grow from our trials because I have done so. I know that we are happy when we follow the prophets' teachings because I have applied them and they have led me to be happy. This is in line with the Savior's own teachings: "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (John 7:17, emphasis added). Similarly, I recognize that there is a strong correlation between those principles with which I am unsteady in my testimony and the principles I have not yet applied. Application, application, application. This is the key to the building of our faith. This is how we gain a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

My challenge to you is to think---right now!---of some specific gospel principle that you would like to have a better testimony of. Pray for help to increase your faith and do what you can to apply it in your life. Then see if your testimony of that principle doesn't grow. I know that it will as you do your best to apply it, and that your increased testimony will be a wonderful strength to you in your own life. Though it may be a little seed, it will sprout and grow into a tree as you nourish it by applying gospel principles in your lives until you can partake of the good fruits that come from your work (see Alma 32:28-43). I will pray for you to find success as you accept this invitation.

Thank you so much for your prayers and fasting on my behalf. I know that through prayer and fasting our faith swells to qualify for miracles... which is exactly what I need, so thank you! :)

With love,

Elder Schank

Alma 32:28-43 reads:

28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

 29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
 30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
 31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
 32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
 33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
 34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.
 35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good; and now behold, after ye have tasted this light is your knowledge perfect?
 36 Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.
 37 And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.
 38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
 39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof.
 40 And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.
 41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.
 42 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.
 43 Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

Episode 17: Elder Schank Hurts

Dear friends and family,

I have like pretty much no time to write this one so it's going to be reeeeeeeally quick.

Andrea's getting baptized on Saturday and we're super pumped to go to it. Even though she's not our investigator any more, it'll be an amazing experience for Elder Peck and I.

Ashley is solid and wants to be baptized on the 17th.

Virgil is faltering in his decision to be baptized. But we can't be too upset, because his solution (which he came up with by himself) is to read, ponder, and pray. Which is exactly everything we would tell him to do. Do you have the faith that the Lord will answer his prayers? I do. Please pray for him. We love him so much and we know that what he needs more than anything in his life is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving was pretty much just another meal in a member's house. Nothing too exciting. 

Please keep me in your prayers. I am having a really hard time with the pain in my body. I don't know why but it's getting worse and worse, and it's spreading from my knees to almost every other major joint. It's really hard to stay focused and I'm struggling to not get distracted and discouraged. PLEASE pray for me.

I love you all and I hope you're doing well. Please keep in touch! Emails are fine... I just can't email you back unless you are family! :) Hope your Thanksgivings were great and I hope to hear from you soon!

With love,

Elder Schank

me posing with the ECU pirate outside of Walmart

Elder Simmons gave me the Mean Green Fighting Machine tie

Episode 16: Virgil Gets a Testimony

Family and friends!

 

I have been so excited to write this update. We have been witnessing miracle after miracle this week. Unfortunately, I have 13 minutes to tell you about it. Here goes:

 

Remember Virgil, the guy in the wheelchair who can't read that well and has been investigating a ton of other churches? Well on Thursday we taught him again and it was the most amazing and spiritual experience I've had on my mission thus far. We had a plan to teach him the Word of Wisdom. As we met him on his porch, he extinguished his cigarette in a beer can he was drinking from and invited us in. As we talked, he told us how bad of a week he was having and how he was drinking just to try to get his mind off of things. After a prayer, we taught him about the Word of Wisdom. He was discouraged. Everything we were teaching him not to do, he was doing. We explained to him that the Word of Wisdom wasn't our commandment but the Lord's, and we testified over and over again about how God is literally his Father and Jesus Christ, his Savior. We promised him that because of their love for him, they would help him overcome his addictions if he were to ask for their divine assistance. As we testified of how much he was loved by Deity, he began to tear up, then cry, then weep uncontrollably. We allowed the Holy Ghost to teach him and bear witness to him of our words through the medium of silence. After a while, I asked him what he was feeling. He explained a sensation of relief, peace, and comfort. He revealed to us that he had felt that feeling before, and that every time we have taught him, he has felt the atmosphere change. He told us he has never felt that feeling ever before in his life, but with us. We testified that that feeling of peace was the Spirit testifying that our words were true. He wept again, and I couldn't keep tears from falling down my own cheeks. He committed to live the Word of Wisdom. We asked him to set a date to stop smoking by. We were hoping it would be a week and a half later. He told us he wanted to stop smoking by Sunday... three days later than our visit with him. He also told us that he knew that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's true church on the earth today, and that he would be baptized on December 10th! I wish we could take credit for all that happened there, but I know that the Spirit worked right through us. I literally felt like God's mouthpiece. It was so easy, yet so powerful. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be here and be an instrument in the hands of God!

 

Another miracle, and I'll wrap this one up. Weeks ago, our good friend Bro. Warren missed a flight out of the Greenville airport. He called us up and asked if we wanted to meet him at the Hardee's (the Eastern equivalent to Carl's Jr.) across the street from the airport for lunch. Heck yes we did. So we met him there about 20 minutes later. By the time we had gotten there, he had already become friends with the cashier. When we arrived, we made our order, and, as we were talking to her, he explained to her that he could see that she was such an amazing spirit and that she could really benefit from our message about Jesus Christ. Later, she circled around our booth several times as if she wanted something. Finally, she stopped and very timidly asked what our message was. We told her about the basics. We particularly felt that we should teach her that the gospel blesses families. As we did so, she began to cry and explain that her family was broken in pieces. We promised her that the message we shared could help her take the pain away. At that moment, she was needed at the cash register. She explained that she had no car, no phone, and that she was living with her sister, and that she would like to learn but didn't think it would work out as she rushed to help the line of new customers. When we left, we gave her our card.

On Friday, we revisited our friend at Hardee's after helping Bro. Warren move some furniture. She came by where we were sitting, pretending to be cleaning tables, to talk to us. We invited her to church. She said she would like to come. We told her we could get her a ride for 8:30, and she gave us her sister's address. Almost immediately, opposition arose. A man sitting at a nearby booth suddenly became very attentive and showed her a picture on his phone of a different church, and told her that he recommended that one. She had to go back to the cash register, but he stayed and talked with us. He was a minister (at a church besides the one he recommended) and started trying to Bible bash with us. He kept telling us that we were going to hell and that the Bible teaches that we were false prophets because we taught that our salvation is dependent upon faith AND works, not faith alone. He was calm and collected, but we could easily see the anger in his eyes and that he just wanted to contend. We bore testimony that we knew our message was true and we left.

On Saturday, we got a message on our phone from our friend, who had called from her sister's boyfriend's phone, that she would still like to go to church and would be waiting for a ride at 8:30.

On Sunday morning, during ward council meeting, we got another phone call from her asking if we could still get her a ride to church. We told her that there would be someone there to pick her up. Apparently they had a hard time finding her house, because she called us AGAIN at 8:45 and told us that no one was there to pick her up! Her ride finally got there, though, and she made it to the church right at the beginning of sacrament meeting. Elder Peck, Virgil, and I waved to her as they all walked in a little late.

She loved the meetings and felt really good while she was there. After church, we taught her about the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ and, somewhere along the way, she revealed through many tears that she had been wronged many times by abusive family members. We taught her, again through the powerful influence of the Holy Ghost, that her pain could be relieved through the power of Christ's Atonement. In the end, she smiled as she committed to read from the Book of Mormon, pray to know if it and the rest of our message is true, and be baptized as she gained a testimony of the church. Again, it was nothing we did: it was all the Spirit's work.

 

I have a testimony that God does His work today; that Jesus is the Christ, the Great Atoner, and the Redeemer of our souls; that His church has been restored in these days through living prophets with His authority; and that He is the way to happiness.

 

I hope all of you are doing well! I love you very much and hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Hope to hear from you soon! I often wonder how each of you are doing and I pray for you every day!

 

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Episode 15: Elder Schank Swallows His Pride

Dear Friends & Family,

 

This week has been interesting, for sure.

 

First of all, we had the opportunity to teach Andrea again. It went SO well! We taught her about where we came from and why we're here on earth (the first 2/3 of The Plan of Salvation), and the commandment of the Word of Wisdom. She committed to live the Word of Wisdom, even though she really likes her sweet tea! (Sweet tea is, like, THE thing here in the south. Everybody drinks it.) She is the most prepared, most ready, and most solid of any investigators I have met thus far on my mission. We love her to death.

 

She came to church again and loved it. During the last hour of our ward's church meetings, I was asked by the young single adult branch to play the piano for their sacrament meeting, so I did. It brought back memories of good times in the young single adult ward I was a part of in college: how much I was strengthened by my outstanding peers and how much their love and support had blessed my life.

 

During our study time after church, I was thinking about Andrea and what we can do to help her the most. The answer came, but I wasn't happy about it. I felt strongly that we should turn her over to the sister missionaries to teach. The way that the missions are set up here, we (the Greenville 2nd elders) are supposed to teach everyone in our ward boundaries, the Greenville 1st ward elders are supposed to teach those in their ward boundaries, and the sister missionaries are supposed to teach people living in assigned parts of each of our wards, as well as the young single adults, ages 18-30. Well, Andrea is in our ward boundaries, but she is 20 years old. I knew that she would benefit most from attending the youngs single adult branch so she could meet people of her own age, in her own stage of life, but that would mean we would stop teaching her and turn her over to the sisters. I knew what we had to do, and I knew I didn't want to do it. As I continued to mull this over in my mind, I remembered the words of Brigham Young, who said to one of his prideful friends, "Whose kingdom are you trying to build? the Lord's, or [your own]?" I began to feel foolish and selfish! The work isn't about me, it's about bringing others to Christ and helping them! Peace came as I remembered and inwardly expressed gratitude for the even stronger words of our very own Savior: "Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever" (Moses 4:2). As Elder Peck and I came together for companion study, we discussed whether or not we should continue to teach her or let the sisters take over. With a little reluctance, but knowing that we were doing what was right, we agreed to turn her over to the sisters. I am so grateful for the perfect example of Jesus Christ in all things!

 

We have also had the pleasure of working with another investigator, Virgil. We met with him on Tuesday, and he was so close to "dropping" us... he's been investigating other churches for a while (which is fine with us---how is he going to find the true church if he doesn't have an open heart and mind?) and it sounded like he was going to tell us that he didn't want us to meet with him anymore. But, we talked things over and he agreed to let us keep meeting with him. On Friday night, we went to his house to read with him from the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 32. He is learning how to read; it took us about half an hour to read through and explain the 9-verse chapter to him. We talked about the importance of scripture study and prayer; Elder Peck began to also talk about eternal families. I was slightly confused---it kind of had nothing really to do with what we were talking about at all. But as we continued to teach him about how families can be together forever, he began to be emotional. He told us that before we arrived at his house, he was really nervous. We could tell... his hands were shaky and it was difficult for him to maneuver his wheelchair when we arrived. But, he explained, after we finished the prayer and began to read, he felt comforted and peaceful, though he didn't understand why. We testified to him, with smiles on our faces, that he was experiencing a growing testimony, that the Holy Ghost was teaching him that what we were teaching him is true. He asked that we continue to come and help him learn how to read from the Book of Mormon and teach him what it says every Tuesday and Thursday!

 

He came to church on Sunday, as well. It was kind of a miracle getting him there. It just so happens that there is an active non-member in our ward (yeah, I don't get it either) who has a van with a wheelchair lift on it, and he was willing to come with us to pick up Virgil for church. Virgil loved it... he said he felt that peaceful, comforting feeling again. We continually help him to recognize the Spirit when he feels it.

 

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I love it so much. I can't think of anything in the entire world, all-inclusive, that has brought me more joy than the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

P.S. We also found two new investigators.
P.P.S. Please write me! That would just be awesome!

 

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Episode 14 - Elder Schank Starts Training

Hey everyone!

 

Wow! This week has been pretty crazy, and all (and by all I mean mostly) with good things!

 

First of all, my new companion arrived from the MTC! His name is Elder Peck! (Picture attached.) He's from Highland, UT. He's ready and rarin' to go. He's here for all the right reasons and is so excited to be here. He is very missionary-minded. In fact, I'm trying to teach myself to get used to his constant singing of scripture mastery songs. He wants to baptize everyone. There have been a few times where I've had to hold him back a little so he doesn't hurt himself. It's pretty entertaining. He's DYING to go tracting, and I'm still trying to convince him (a week later) that tracting is the LEAST effective thing we could do, besides doing nothing. We biked the couple miles to the hospital and back to give a blessing in the pouring rain, and he loved it. It's like he wouldn't calm down. After wringing out my slacks and changing, we had to do some weekly planning insided and he just wanted to get back out there and talk to people. He's just so enthusiastic and energetic that it's hilarious. He's got that "new-missionary-fire" in him. I know it's definitely not sugar, because he doesn't eat it, which is good. He's getting me to think about going off of sugar myself.

 

 

 

The training has been going well. There are some times when I feel like HE is training ME. The leadership responsibility has really helped me to grow, though. I feel much more confident as a teacher and my skills have improved drastically. Thank you for your prayers. I know they have helped. I can also feel a difference in my joint pain. Again, thanks for your prayers.

 

We have an awesome new investigator named Andrea! Elder Westley (my previous companion) and Elder Kyle Simmons (friend from high school) found her while we were on a companion exchange (that basically means that Elder Simmons and I switched areas for a day). They found her while she was babysitting at someone else's house. She mentioned that it scared her that there are so many churches and versions of the Bible, and when they told her that they could teach her why that was so and how she could find out which church was true, she agreed to meet with us and learn more. On Saturday, Elder Peck, our good friend Bro. Warren, and I met her at the church to teach her. She was asking all the right questions and giving all the right answers. Before we knew it, we had taught her the first lesson (God is our Loving Heavenly Father, the Gospel Blesses Families, God Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation, Christ's Earthly Ministry, the Great Apostasy, the Restoration of Christ's Church through Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and Pray to Know Truths) and the third lesson (Only through Christ can we have a Remission of our Sins, Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End), and she committed to read the Book of Mormon, pray to know if it is true and to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet, come to church on Sunday, and BE BAPTIZED on December 3rd, if she comes to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's true church. I think she's gonna go all the way!!! We are so excited for her. She loved church yesterday and we'll be teaching her the Plan of Salvation on Saturday.

 

Another interesting thing that happened this week is I got a letter from a family in my home ward in Utah, informing me that they have relatives in North Carolina who are members of the Church but are inactive. The family in my ward was hoping I would be able to serve near their relatives while on my mission. Turns out, they are in my ward boundary! Elder Peck had a similar experience... his sister told him that if he ever served near ECU campus while on his mission, that he could go visit her friend, who attends ECU. Guess what? ECU is in our proselyting area! It just goes to show you that the Lord really does inspire our leaders to bring us to areas we need to be in.

 

I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves ALL of us! I know the Book of Mormon is true, and, that if we live according to the principles taught in it and in the Bible, we will be happy and worthy of eventual eternal life.

 

I hope to hear from you soon! Let me know how you are doing! I love you all! :)

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Episode 13: Elder Schank Gets a Big Phone Call

Hey!

 

Well this last week has been pretty dang interesting.

 

I've officially been in the mission field for over 100 days. I think day 100 was Saturday. I finished the 12-week infield training program yesterday. That means I am now officially a bona fide TRAINED missionary. The purpose of the infield training program is to prepare the trainee, if he is called, to be able to train an incoming missionary. Well, I guess it's fulfilled it's purpose because on Thursday I got a phone call from my mission president. Now, phone calls about transfers and important things like that usually come on Saturday. If they come on Friday, you know it's a big deal. So when we got called on Thursday, we knew something crazy was about to happen. President Cotterell said, "Elder Schank, the Lord has called you to be a trainer." I said, "Seriously?" He responded, "That's what I said when He told me!" Ha. Ha. He assured me that if the Lord called me, that means I can do it. I'm excited but I'm really nervous; I still don't know a lot of the how to's here, and I am way more unfamiliar with the area than I would like to be. But I know I can do it. I think it will be a huge learning experience for me.... I have always learned best by teaching, anyway.

 

On Friday our ward and the neighboring wards had a trunk or treat. Halloween here is pretty scary business, so we celebrated it early with the two wards and reverse trick-or-treated: the adults sat in a big rectangle around the cultural hall as the kids went around to collect candy from them. We joined in the line with the kids, but instead of accepting candy---well... we may have accepted a little... :)---we handed out new pass-along cards that had important questions like "Where do I go when I die?" and "Can I live with my family forever?" on them to the adults and challenged them to do missionary work themselves. It turns out that one of the adults wasn't a member and I guess our handing her one of those cards was the final step to her wanting to learn more! The missionaries in the other ward will be teaching her, but I'm just really glad that we could go and get candy and still be effective. :) Oh yeah, we also dressed up a little bit... pictures included.

 

 

 

We had to stop teaching our good friend Grant. He's such an awesome man, but, even though we've had 28 lessons with him, he's not ready for baptism yet, he says. So we're giving him more time to read the Book of Mormon and mull everything we've taught him over in his brain, and then come back in a little while. At least we'll see him each week at church. He loves coming! He believes the Book of Mormon is true and everything, but I don't think he understands the significance of it. He learns really slowly (hence the 28 lessons)... I guess it takes a long time for old dogs to learn new tricks. We keep praying for him and hope that something will change and he can join the church!

 

 

 

We had our stake conference in New Bern, by the shore. It was a really big deal because our stake was the first stake in North Carolina, and this year marks its 50th anniversary. There's a picture of me looking off into the distance over the water... this is what happens when Elder Westley starts getting artsy-fancy with the camera. :)

 

 

 

We're STILL looking for people to teach! I know there are people out here looking for the truth but they just don't know where to look. They're out here somewhere. I know it. We just haven't found them yet!

Let's see... I think that pretty much covers all the good stuff.

 

So I found this scripture this morning in my studying. It's a quote from Captain Moroni who, like me, writes home to inform the recipient of the message of his situation, anxiously hoping to receive a letter or two in reply. Nephi says to apply the scriptures to ourselves, so here I go:

 

"Yea, great has been your neglect towards us. And now behold, we desire to know the cause of this exceedingly great neglect; yea, we desire to know the cause of your thoughtless state" (Alma 60:5-6).

 

Haha just kidding. But seriously. I really would like to get a letter from you! All of you! :)

I love you all and hope that things are going well at home. If there was ever a time I needed your prayers, now would be the time. My joints are getting gradually more painful, and it's not just my knees anymore. That, on top of having the responsibility of training a new missionary and still trying as hard as I can to find someone to teach and not having a single baptism yet... let's just say I would love it if you would include me in your prayers.

 

I love you all and I pray for each of you every day, often by name... and that takes a while! :) I encourage you, no matter who you are or where you are in life or what you are doing now, to think, right now, one way you can grow closer to Jesus Christ, and commit to yourself right now to do it. I promise you that if you accept this challenge, you will be blessed, because I know that He "is the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by [Him]" (John 14:6).

 

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Weekly Update: Week 12

Hey!

 

This last week was a really interesting one. On Monday, which is normally our preparation day, we woke up at 5:30 to go to Kinston for our zone conference. Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Presidency of the Quorum of the 70 was there... and I think I wrote about it in my last email. In short, it was awesome. I attached a picture of my zone with him. (Elder Jensen is the one in the middle with the glasses. My mission president is the one to his left. I'm standing behind my mission president. My friend Elder Kyle Simmons is the second one from the left, on the back row. Some of you may also know Elder Morrell [7th from the left on the back row] and Sister Johnson [the sister in the white and pink on the right]... both of them are also Davis Darts! Woohoo!)

 

 

 

On Tuesday we shopped for food and emailed home because we didn't have time after the zone conference.

 

Things were pretty normal again on Wednesday and Thursday, but on Friday we drove to Apex to go to the Raleigh Temple. It's so small! But it was still a very wonderful experience and I'm really glad I could go again. I miss being able to go once a week. When we finally got home, we had our preparation day... shoot hoops... play piano... write letters... the usual.

 

On Sunday, our investigator Virgil (the one with muscular dystrophy in the wheelchair) came to sacrament meeting! It was the annual primary program this week, when little children sing and speak as the main meeting that week. I could tell that Virgil was very touched by the meeting. The Spirit was strong as the children reverently bore testimony through word and song, and it brought tears to his eyes. He was very impressed with the Latter-day Saint children. The primary program made me miss home a little bit... there were about half as many kids involved as I'm used to seeing, and Becky was not among them, but I still loved it.

 

Not a whole lot has changed... still trying to find people to teach, avoid getting hit by cars, and help people come unto Christ. It's an exciting thing! I hope that you are all having great experiences at home! Hopefully something a little out of the ordinary (but safe) will happen soon so that I can have a neat experience to share with all of you. Please let me know how you're doing! I love your letters, even the short ones!

 

Love,

Elder Schank

Week 11: Zone Conf. w/Elder MKJensen

Hello everyone!

 

Yesterday we had an amazing zone conference with Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the First Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy and his wife. Before the meeting we all got to shake his hand and when he shook mine he told me that he really liked my glasses. Awesome.

 

His instruction was amazing and inspiring. I wish I could tell you everything he said, but I obviously can't so I'll just share one thing. He talked a lot about faith and how Christ can help us in our asking, "Lord, Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). We spent a lot of time together in Alma 32, one of my very favorite chapters in the whole Book of Mormon. We studied that faith begins with a simple desire. That desire instills in us a particle of faith. That little particle of faith is like a seed. If we plant it in our hearts, nourish it, and do not cast it out, the seed will grow into a mighty tree. A pattern becomes established. If we desire to believe, then act on our desire by experimenting on that belief, then make sure we don't cast it out, the end result is a growth of faith. I know that this is true because I have seen it applied time and time again in my own life. As we nourish our faith by doing the little things... reading our scriptures and praying each day as individuals and families, going to church each week, serving and loving others, keeping the commandments, etc.... I know that our faith in the Savior will grow and we will qualify for great blessings and miracles in our lives, "for it is by faith that miracles are wrought" (Moroni 7:37) and "ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith" (Ether 12:6).

 

Well, as far as things go here, nothing is super exciting. We're still trying to find investigators to teach, and we have a few that we're still teaching. Elder Westley and I are a lot more unified, and it's obvious in how effective we are and how much I enjoy the work. It's been tough, though. The sun goes down at about 6:30, and even fewer people want to talk to us after dark; so if we don't have appointments (and we usually don't since we have few investigators) then we just have to try to use that last 3 hours to do something effective. We're trying to see members more often and invite them to make a commitment to help with the work, though, so hopefully we'll be able to get a lot done there.

 

We've been teaching a man named Virgil recently, who is in a wheelchair due to some kind of muscular distrophy in his back. He can't read very well, so that's been a big challenge. We're going to try to get him an audio copy of the Book of Mormon so that he can gain a testimony of that wonderful book. He really wants to learn more about Christ so he can change and become a better person by repenting of his sins. He's been meeting with us, some Baptist ministers, and the Jehovah's Witnesses to find the truth. We have encouraged him to keep an open mind in all he learns and to pay attention to the feelings of the Spirit. We promised him that if he does that, God will lead him to the truth. Virgil was excited to come to church this last Sunday. We were excited for him; it would give him a chance to be fellowshipped and befriended by members, and he would be able to feel the Spirit really strong---besides, we haven't had an investigator in sacrament meeting for the last 5 weeks. When we arrived at his home to pick him up for church we were met by his wife, who told us that the night before he had fallen and spent the night in the emergency room and was not feeling up to coming to church. That was tough for us. We have been trying really hard and we can see opposition affecting all of our investigators! That opposition comes in all different forms, I've found: for some it's busy schedules with work; for others it's friends that are bad influences; for some it's even accidents like car crashes and falling... Pretty much anything that keeps them from progressing. We have been battling against the devil and all the opposition he has thrown at us and the people we teach, but we know that the message we share has strengthened their faith in Christ, and I know that it has strengthened mine!

 

I'm doing well. Fall here doesn't feel like fall. Everything is still green... the biggest difference is that the humidity is more comfortable and the temperatures have dropped about 15 degrees. But other than that... same old, same old. I hear that the fall is beautiful back home! I miss it a lot. I hope all of you are having a great time in your own lives and that everything is going well. I would love to hear from you! Please write me and/or send pictures! I don't have as much time as I would like to to respond right away, but I will do my best to get back to you!

 

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Weekly Update: October 10

Dear friends and family,

 

Well, nothing really exciting has gone on recently. We did run into another antimormon gentleman this week, though. He was a pretty scary-looking, angry guy... he had wild eyes that pointed away from each other and long, scraggly hair on his head and face. He stopped us on our bikes and told us that he was spreading God's word and that we were believers in the devil's religion. With every disputation he had we tried to testify that we knew that the Book of Mormon was true, that Jesus Christ restored His church through the prophet Joseph Smith, that there is a living prophet today with authority to lead Christ's church, etc., but he would always interrupt us. He kept saying false and ridiculous things, like "Joseph Smith kissed the face of the devil himself!" His whole spiel was so ridiculous I was barely able to keep from laughing. He then told us that we believed in false prophets who uphold the work of the devil and that we were false prophets ourselves. Then he started talking about a bunch of crazy stuff I've never even heard of and told us how ignorant we were. We told him that we worked everyday to try to build our knowledge and testimonies of Jesus Christ by studying the scriptures. Then he looked at us with squinting eyes and said, "If you really want to know God's truths, then you'll follow me and what I teach." I guess we weren't the only "false prophets" on the street that day. We then told him that we knew that the gospel of Jesus Christ taught that if people have faith in Him and His Atonement, repent, are baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end, then they will be saved. Just like the last antimormon we ran into, this man was silenced by pure truths of the gospel. We rode off without further discussion.

 

Oh yeah,... this other time we were stopped at an intersection trying to leave Walmart on our bikes, and a man felt it necessary to slow down (holding up traffic) to yell out his window "only the blood of Jesus can save you from your sins!" to us. We tried to reply that we also believed that doctrine, but he would only yell back the same words whenever we tried to talk. Eventually he drove off and traffic
moved on, but it sure was frustrating that he didn't know what we believed and that he didn't think we were Christian. Man, that drives me crazy.

 

Other than that, nothing really has been happening, it seems like. But I know that the numbers we bring in each day aren't what matter most. We've been trying hard to teach current investigators and find more people to teach, but we can only do so much. At the end of the day, it's their agency that affects their own progression. We have been trying to help them grow closer to Christ through faith, repentance, and receiving ordinances/making covenants through baptism and confirmation, but we can't force them to read the Book of Mormon, pray to know if what we teach is true, or come to church. That's up to them. So even though our numbers are the lowest they've ever been (we taught 2 lessons this week), I'm not discouraged yet, because I know that success is not quantified by the numbers on our paperwork.

 

Well, I hope all is going well in your lives! I would love to hear from you! Even just a short note about how you're doing would be AWESOME! I don't expect a novel (though I do love them)! Please remember that I pray for you every day.

 

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Weekly Update: General Conference!

Dear Friends and Family,

 

Wasn't General Conference AMAZING?! What a blessing it is to not only have a living Prophet and Apostles on the earth, but to also be able to hear their words?! Thanks, awesome technology! I am so grateful for their humility and willingness to be spokesmen for the Lord.

 

Before conference, I was thinking of home. I really miss it! I sat on the first row of the seats in our chapel to watch the broadcast projected on the back wall, remembering all the wonderful memories of traditional General Conference mornings with my family at home. I felt a little sorry for myself that I wasn't there, and everyone else was enjoying it (I'm sure) without me. But then conference started, and the first thing I saw was beautiful Temple Square in Salt Lake City. As I saw the breathtaking temple appear on the wall, I felt a peace that comforted me and reminded me that I really was with my family, because at that exact time, they, too, were assembled as members of the Church of Jesus Christ to watch and hear the prophets, seers, and revelators of our day speak the words of the Savior. I felt that same reassuring feeling as I raised my arm to sustain the leaders of the Church in unison with my family and all of you who also participated in that crucial part of the General Conference, though I could see none of you.

 

General Conference was just great. Did it seem to anyone else that those messages were picked especially to help you as an individual? That sure is what I felt. I went to watch it with a specific question in my mind that I had prayed to be answered. It was answered in all 5 sessions.

 

I continue to pray for each of you every night that you will improve in your scripture studies, prayers, and temple attendance/preparation. Did you notice that talks on all three of those important habits were included in General Conference? Richard G. Scott and Tad R. Callister spoke of the importance of studying the Book of Mormon and the other scriptures; J. Devn Cornish talked about the blessings of prayer; and David A. Bednar and our Prophet Thomas S. Monson taught us about the importance of completing temple ordinances and family history work... not to mention the many times any of those three subjects were mentioned as component parts of other talks. I hope that you will continue to work on doing just a little bit better at studying your scriptures and praying on a daily basis, as well as attending the temple regularly or preparing to do so in the not-too-distant future.

 

I encourage you to review those talks, or if you missed them, to watch or read them (even if you're not a member of the LDS Church)! You can do so by visiting http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng. As of the time I send this email, only the video and audio are uploaded onto this site... but the text will be updated soon.

 

The Lord and His laws are the same yesterday, today, and forever, which means that if He called a prophet in ancient times to direct the affairs of His people, then He would have a prophet direct them today. If He spoke to prophets then, He speaks to them now. If following the prophet brought safety and peace to the lives of the ancient followers of Christ, then doing so today will also bring us happiness and security. I know that the Lord has called a prophet of the world today, and that that person is President Thomas S. Monson. They both love us very much. That was very obvious to me as I watched President Monson end the conference with his closing remarks. If you don't for yourself know that God has called a prophet today, I encourage you to find out. Isn't that something that would be pretty important? I know that it is. Read the words of our living prophet, and learn for yourself that he has been called of God, and he speaks the words of Christ. I know that because God loves us, He has called a prophet to lead us to Him.

 

How are you doing? I love getting those letters. Please keep them coming! I am trying to write back as quickly as I can. Thanks for your patience!

 

I love y'all so much and hope that things are going well with you! 

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Weekly Update: My first experience with an antimormon...

Hey, everyone!

 

Not a lot has happened this week, just one pretty big event. Elder Westley and I were sick Thursday through Sunday (we're still dealing with it a little bit today), so we stayed at home and just tried to heal up fast and study a lot. The ward members have taken pretty good care of us and we're doing ok, just trying to get over a weird but intense cold that's going around.

 

So this week we went to teach a man named Matt. He is a firm Christian with a pretty good knowledge of the Bible, and has been doing a lot of soul-searching lately. He apparently was praying really hard for direction to know what God wants him to do in his life the other day... the day before the other missionaries in our area found him. He accepted their invitation to learn more, and, after teaching him a few times, they referred him to us because he's in our area. He's got a real desire to learn more and has come to terms with the fact that either he's right in his beliefs and we're wrong, or we're right and he's not. He says that if he comes to know that what we teach is true, he's willing to be baptized a member of the Church, regardless of whatever he has to leave behind or change. As you can see, he's really got a deep desire to follow Christ and he just wants to know the truth. Then, there's his friend Mark. Mark is really well-versed in the Bible, and also has read up on a lot of antimormon literature. Matt invites Mark to all the lessons, which has caused a huge problem for the other elders because his intentions are to cross us in our words and essentially disprove our teachings. It becomes really difficult when Matt is there to learn truths and Mark is there to Bible-bash. When we went to teach Matt for the first time on Thursday, nothing was different. Mark was already there, waiting for us to come, and had printed material ready to throw at us to combat us in our teachings. It became so difficult to teach and to have the Spirit there. We knew we had to avoid argument at all costs, because the Spirit, which is the real teacher, can't be present where there is contention. We were respectful and gentle, but Mark was relentless. He pretty much had one motive: to completely destroy our work with Matt and prove that we were "false prophets" who didn't believe in "the real Christ". He tried to show us that the Bible contradicted our words, but I knew he was interpreting the verses falsley. I felt a little down on myself, though: he knew the Bible way better than I did. How could I compete? I looked at Matt, whose face showed that he really just wanted Mark to be quiet so he could learn from us. At that point, I felt something inside me tell me to do something I don't usually do: be bold and a little confrontational. I knew that feeling was the whispering of the Spirit. I didn't want to speak out at first, but I knew that if I wanted Matt to learn, that the Spirit had to teach, and that couldn't happen if I, the Spirit's conduit, shut myself off. I realized that I had something that Mark didn't, and it was much more powerful than a proficient knowledge of Bible references. So I sat up straight in the stool I was sitting in, and, with all the courage I could muster, said: "Matt, no matter what any of us can tell you, there is only one way for you to know that what we're teaching is true, and that is for you to know for yourself. You can't rely only on what we say or what Mark says. You need to know for yourself. You will know when you learn of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, because if the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet called by God, and there is continuing revelation in these days, and there is a living prophet on the earth today. The only way to know if the Book of Mormon is true is to read it, study it, and pray about its truthfulness with real intent to know and faith that you will be given an answer. God is your Heavenly Father, and He loves you. He wants you to be happy, and He wants you to come unto Him. He cannot lie, and He will not lead you astray. I know that if you ask Him sincerely---with a real desire to know---if the Book of Mormon is true, He will tell you. If it does contain the fulness of the gospel as we have said, He will tell you through the power of the Holy Ghost. If it is a lying and blasphemous book, He will let you know. But you have to do the work yourself, and you can't rely on any of us here for that knowledge. I testify in the name of Jesus Christ that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true, and that you can come to know it. It might be hard, and the answer might not come immediately, but I promise you that you will come to know for yourself that that book is true if you do study and pray about it in faith. I have come to know of myself of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon as I have read it and prayed to know. It has brought so much peace and happiness to my life. That is why we're here; the message that it brings is of such great worth to us that we want you to experience the same joy that it has brought into our own lives. I know that it is true, and nothing and no one can take that knowledge away from me." As I spoke, I felt the feeling of power spread from my core to my arms, legs, and head until I felt completely energized and empowered. The power of the Holy Ghost flooded the room. I knew that the Spirit was teaching through me, that I was being an instrument in the hands of the Lord. As I testified of what I knew to be true and of that which is so sacred and dear to me, emotions began to overcome me and I was able to teach boldly and courageously without anger. As I looked around the room, I could see Matt sitting on the edge of his chair, looking into my face as if he wanted to learn more. Mark, on the other hand, was completely silenced, and seemed to be trying to hide himself by backing into the padding of the couch. Elder Westley was also emanating with the Spirit, and his own testimony was evident in his face. I could see the Spirit testifying to all of us that my words were true, whether they liked to admit it or not. Having all of this power and authority was amazing and it really built my testimony. And yet, it humbled me. It reminds me of something the Book of Mormon prophet Ammon said:

 

"I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things;... Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.... Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo." (Alma 26:11-12, 16, 36).

 

I am thankful that I was able to be the means to teach Matt and help him to feel the Spirit

I learned some important things: boldness, when used righteously, is an act of love. Jesus never wavered and was always bold, yet loving... that's why He could teach with such power. Moroni said:

 

"Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear" (Moroni 8:16).

 

That's what I learned: if I really do have love for the people I teach, I will teach with boldness and without fear.

 

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet, that he was chosen by God to restore the church of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know that Christ's priesthood authority has also been restored, and that the Book of Mormon is true. If you don't know that the Book of Mormon is true, I promise you that you can know for yourself if you study it and pray to know of its truthfulness. God will not lead you astray, because He is your Father and He loves you. A testimony of the Book of Mormon isn't just another nice little thing to add to your list of personal religiosity. It testifies of Christ and proves that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's true church on the earth today, and that by abiding by its principles you can achieve eventual eternal life with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

I also know that there is a prophet on the earth today, and that prophet is Thomas S. Monson. He will be speaking, with other Apostles of Jesus Christ, to the whole world this weekend in the General Conference of the Church. I encourage you to watch it, hear from their words, and be spiritually fed by these prophets of the Lord.

 

Have you had any good missionary experiences lately? I'd love to hear about them! And if you haven't had any, I'd love to hear from you anyway!

 

I love you all so much and hope things are going well in your lives! Thanks to those of you who have sent me letters recently! (I think the issue with the mail has been resolved.) I enjoyed reading them so much! I miss you and hope all is well at home!

 

With love,

 

Elder Schank

Weekly Update---Let the 2nd Transfer Begin!

Hey Everyone!

 

I've got to make this one really quick!

 

Well first of all a miracle happened! We went to the ghetto (not that that's saying much) to find an inactive member of our ward. We were pretty scared cause it was dark outside, but we felt ok about it. Turns out he wasn't there, but his girlfriend, Markevia, was! We had another man with us, so we went it and talked with her. She had seen the missionaries before, and she said she had some questions that she wondered if we could answer. We said YES! We started with a prayer and then asked what her questions were. She asked if there were more commandments than just the 10 commandments that we needed to keep in order to be saved. We began to explain that yes, there are many other things. When we mentioned baptism, she said "Wait... so baptism is a commandment?" We showed her that the Bible and Book of Mormon both taught that was. Then we began to teach her that it needed to be done by the priesthood authority of God. It made a lot of sense to her. She told us that she had been baptized Baptist, but that she knew it wasn't done by authority. I invited her to be baptized by someone holding the priesthood authority, and she said she would!

I was so excited! I hope she stays with that committment. In our closing prayer, she revealed that she had been wondering about the things we were taught her for many years, and she expressed gratitude for that newfound knowledge. Wow! And we weren't even looking for her originally! What a miracle.

We went by later in the week to teach her again. It was dark (I really don't like the fact that the sun is setting early in the day these days) and it was really scary again. We forgot the exact apartment she lived in, so we called her, and she told us she was gone for the next week! No!!!!! We just reminded her to read from the Book of Mormon every day and pray to know if it's true (because if she learns that the Book of Mormon is true then she knows that everything else we say is also true). Dang it! It seems like whenever we come close to being able to teach someone, the opposition kicks in and it makes it so much harder to teach them! Our investigator Grant is in Arkansas for a month just as he was almost done breaking his addiction to coffee; our recent investigator Betty can't come to church because of some other obligation; and another investigator... well... we had to drop him (see next paragraph). As I was talking with Markevia on the phone in her neighborhood, some domestic violence broke out about 30 feet away and a huge group of people started fighting so we left poste haste.

We had another investigator named Matt. We went to see him and things were great. He was really willing to learn. We saw him come to church yesterday! We were in the hall after sacrament meeting, and we watched him come in and go to the young single adults branch sacrament meeting. We were really happy! Three minutes later we saw the branch president escort him back outside and kindly but firmly tell him that he was no longer welcome and that he shouldn't come back. As Matt left, the branch president explained to us that he was dangerous, particularly for the sisters, and that he was no longer welcome on the church property. We also found out that he has a history of kidnapping. Yikes. So there goes one of our investigators. Dang opposition.

Well I gotta go, but I want to leave you with my testimony that I know that the church is true and that miracles still exist! The world says, "Show me a sign, and then I'll believe." But God says "Show me your faith, first, and then I'll show you a miracle!" (see Ether 12:6-12.) We have to do things the Lord's way. I know that if we have faith first, we can see miracles after.

I love you all and hope to hear from you soon!

With love,

 

Elder Schank