OTM to ABM

   

Watching fireworks from Riverside.

On July 1st, the Oklahoma Tulsa Mission changed to the Arkansas Bentonville Mission. (Or I guess you could say the Walmart Headquarters Mission, but WHM doesn't have the same ring.) President and Sister Shumway did a final conference call and shared their departing testimonies. They are two of the strongest followers of Christ I've met and they will be missed. They waved goodbye to the new mission home and President and Sister Loveland arrived. We had a mini Zone Conference and we were able to meet them. They are both happy, friendly and ready to serve. I can't wait to serve with them.

    Some say that Frisbee in an uneven field can occasionally cause lost object of high sentimental value. To some, missionaries to be exact, it could be your name tag. At the close of the what was going to be two hour game, but turned into twenty minutes due to the humidity, a fellow missionary lost the magnet to his name tag. I would dare say that it is easier to find a Five Finger Death Punch fan at a Zupa's than his magnet. The mere size of the field could make the hopefully searcher wince. We fanned out and searched in the Oklahoman humidity, but as the minutes flew by and the missionaries stomachs ached for semi-nutritious sustenance the search was nearly called off. But woe is to the missionaries who forgot to practice their own preaching. One missionary suggested a prayer be offered, and due to the circumstances the suggestion was approved quickly. The missionaries huddled in the heat and moments later amen was said in one accord and a missionary jokingly remarked that the one to find it would be the next apostle. Approximately seven seconds after the prayer concluded my companion found the green magnet lying in the grass. But all joking aside, in the peculiarity of praying in the middle of a field with a bunch of sweaty guys, prayers are heard not matter how small the request. If we are willing to exercise the faith to pray He will answer.

     If this event on the first day of the week was to foreshadow or prelude what was to follow, the week would be phenomenal. And it was.

     We found a plethora of new people, found many who want to be baptized, an investigating family with their sights already on the temple, were fed excellent food every evening, watched fireworks with fellow followers of the faith and saw one final miracle. 

     We have to pass the Sacrament and most of the time I forget where to go. For the what had to have been the 32 time, the young deacon explained to me that I was going on the far side in the middle. Mid explanation, Elder Williams nearly shouted, 'There is Veronica!' I looked back to see all of V's family walking into the Chapel. The three young girls and their mother walked in and sat down beside their extended family. A smile was inadequate to express the happiness I felt as I saw them all sit as a family, so I am fairly sure I nearly cried. The Lord had worked some miracle that is beyond my understanding and had helped V's mother, who didn't want to come to church see a need to attend and she came. We will be talking with them tonight and I cant wait to see how she liked it. 

     I love this mission and I am really excited to serve for another year! 

Adios,

Elder Thomas     

Service turned into try to take creepy pictures with old Amish and Panama Jack hats

A view from the highest apartments I've seen in Tulsa. right before a storm.
Joanne called us and said there will be storms during the week but today (Monday) will be pretty hot