Monday, September 22, 2014

BACK TO THE MOTHER SHIP

A week into my new area and so many things have happened and changed. I'm serving in the Salt Lake Central Stake. It's going to take some getting used to being back in downtown Salt Lake, but I'm excited for it. I didn't realize how much I actually missed it here. We cover the 13th Ward, 33rd Ward, Douglas Ward, 13th Branch, and 15th Branch. The two branches are downtown for people that are just getting out of prison or struggling with addiction recovery. We cover from Main St to 13th East, and from South Temple to 3rd South. When you get past 10th East our area goes down to 9th South as well. I'm really excited to be serving with Elder Gebler again!!!! He was my MTC companion, just in case you didn't know. So we're already off to a head start with being familiar with each other. We've both changed and grown immensely from our time in the MTC, but we still have a good relationship from before. :) We're both going to make this transfer a special one. We've been studying a lot on how to teach people, not lessons.

We had a really cool experience with one of our investigators this week, named Terri. We were teaching her the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson, and Elder Gebler and I had the exact same thought to say something about a principle we were teaching. She must have really needed to hear about that specific principle or something. We talked about it afterwards and recognized how it was the Spirit guiding us and teaching the lesson, not us. We ended up putting her on date to be baptized for October 18th!!!! So cool!! I think she is really solid and determined to make it to that day prepared. I know the Lord will help prepare her as well, especially with how much Satan will be trying to keep her from it. I'm so ecstatic to be back here in the valley. I know my time here is going to be precious and special. On a different note.... Some crazy things have happened in our mission this past week. Here is a statement sent out by our mission about what's been going on:

Elders and Sisters

“This has been a very busy and somewhat difficult week.  Transfers are always hectic and cause much anxiety.  Our mission has been blessed through some recent trials.  In the last week, four of our missionaries have had relatives who have passed away.  Elder Totten fell off his bike and experienced a concussion.  Elder Valdez had an emergency appendectomy.  Both of these Elders are doing well. Our dear Elder Graydon experienced a terrible reaction to a food allergy.  He is still in extremely critical condition and needs every one of us praying for him.  As a mission we need to pray in unity for the power of our Heavenly Father to bless not only Elder Graydon but for all missionaries throughout the world.”

So yeah, pretty crazy stuff. Elder Gebler and I have decided to walk in our area and not ride bikes. We've seen and heard of too many bicycle accidents happening in the downtown area where we are. Better safe than sorry! :) Hope everyone back home is doing alright. I still pray for everyone and thank Heavenly Father for all the support I get. I love and miss you all. Taylor Lindsey and Ralphie, I love and miss with allll my heart! :)

Love, Elder Clark

Footnote: Elder Graydon is awake from his medically-induced coma as of today. He spoke with his father by phone!! This is a miracle and mercy given by our loving Heavenly Father.
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ELDER CLARK AND ELDER BASS AT TRANSFER MEETING

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