Struggles of a missionary......

This week's email came with some obvious discouragement in the words he shared. Elder Robertson shared a story of a young man that they approached in the street. This young man really gave the two of them a hard time, calling names and making false accusations. It seemed to really hit Josh hard. He wants so much to serve the people there in Spokane and help to change their lives. He feels so frustrated that he seems to be making little progress. He named a couple of new investigators, Eric and Denise. He asked again, as he always does, for prayers to go out to the people that he is teaching. Keep Elder Robertson in your prayers too.

Elder Robertson and Elder Hunter together with Richard on his baptism day March 21, 2009

"Good Job!....Keep Going"

Saturday, the scheduled day for investigators Chuck and Richard to be baptized, was bitter sweet. Chuck had some very challenging days, and is suffering from some very deep struggles. He was beaten by his room mate and also had to be admitted to a psychological care facility. Needless to say, there are more issues that this man must face before baptism. However, Richard was baptized, Saturday March 21, 2009. Elder Robertson wrote that during the talk on baptism, during the meeting, Richard began to tear up as he realized the great opportunity before him. Then the Elders all joined together in singing. Richard walked into the baptismal font and was immersed into those sacred waters. As he was coming back up, someone whispered in Elder Robertson's ear "Good job, keep going" Although Elder Robertson knows that it is truly the Holy Ghost that does the converting, he also knows that it is through his service that he is able to play a part in changing people's lives forever. He used the word "Awesome" many times to describe this wonderful event.
Word came today that Josh and his companion Elder Hunter will stay together another 6 weeks. The next transfer will take place on May 5th. Josh said that Hunter has never stayed with any other companion this length of time. Elder Hunter has been out 18 mos, and is scheduled to go home in Sept.
Elder Robertson mentioned in his email that many people have commented on the tattered condition of his scripture case. The handle is only connected on one side, providing not much of a handle at all, and the corners are pretty worn. He just tells people, "I can't get a new one, because this one's my dad's that he used on his mission, and I got to get it through my mission too."
We had a fun surprise when we got a phone call from some old friends, Brian and Susan Humpherys, who happened to be in Spokane on a business trip. They called and told us they were sitting in front of Elder Robertson's house, but he wasn't home. They waited around for a bit because it was his prep-day and they thought he might come home again, but no luck. So they left a note and were on their way. I was hoping they could see him! I have been particularly homesick for him lately.....Time does march on and it gets easier, but there is a very unique sort of ache that is in a mother's heart when her child is away from home.

"It was a rough week!"

After stating, "It was a real rough week" several times throughout his last email, I figured Josh hadn't had his best week in the mission field. He wrote, "With two baptisms coming up this next week, the adversary was working real hard on us!" Josh described a storm that brought an unexpected 5 inches of snow and a temperature change to around 10 degrees. The sun reflecting off of the snow amplified its effects and he got a bad sunburn on one side of his face. He said, "I think my left ear might fall off" Most of their teaching appointments had cancelled on them, there was an increased amount of animosity from those they attempted to approach, and more doors than usual were slammed in their faces. He has developed a foot problem from all of the walking and he admitted that he was more homesick than usual. But even with the increase in challenges he seemed to put things in perspective and said, "It was a real tough week, but I just need to push through this, and good things are to come." Elder Robertson is VERY excited for this weekend's scheduled baptisms of Richard and Chuck. We will all offer our prayers that everything goes according to plan, and that the coming week is a bit better than the last. Transfers are scheduled for the 24th of March. The wondering game begins again. By next monday's email he should be able to tell us if there is a change coming for him.

Day of Miracles!

Elder Robertson and his companion dedicated Feb. 24, 2009 to be their first "Miracle Day" The two had declared it to another missionary, Elder Jacobson who had been asking what he needed to do to have a "miracle" When the question came, Elder Hunter confidently proclaimed that they had set aside the very next day for their own miracle day and Elder Jacobson could join with them. Jacobson wasn't as convinced of the pending miracle day, calling it foolish but that didn't discourage Elder Robertson. He said, "I knew it was going to be a miracle day! I had the faith!" Their miracle day started off with a call from another set of missionaries who needed to pass off a person they had been teaching, but was now moving into the area where Elder Robertson and Hunter were assigned. This man name is Richard and is 19 years old with a wife and child. He was ready for baptism....these are words all missionaries love to hear! Miracle #1. Miracle #2 came as they got more calls from other missionaries for some referrals. Elder Robertson and Hunter made visits, taught lessons and now have two more people in their teaching group. A man named Dave, a newly released inmate met up with the two Elders and wanted a better life, of course his first lesson was scheduled on the proclaimed day of miracles. At their visit with him, he accepted the Book of Mormon, committed to pray about it and scheduled a 2nd visit later in the week, miracle #3. Josh could hardly contain his excitement in his letter. 3 new investigators and one baptism scheduled!! Josh continued, "I know you think that these miracle have to cease, but just you wait, this is how it went down." He continued to tell us about a lesson they had that night with their investigator Chuck whom he has spoken of often. Chuck was feeling pretty down, because he had just received word that he had to be out of his home by Sunday. The two elders taught him about Abinidi, and Alma and the baptisms performed at the waters of Mormon. Elder Robertson wrote of the strong spirit that was there and how the lesson had gone well. They decided to ask Chuck to commit to baptism. The answer from Chuck was, "No, I am just not ready for that commitment." The three of them were silent for a moment, then Elder Robertson spoke, "Chuck, have you seen how happy you are when you are at church? Have you seen how happy you are when you are with us and Brother and Sister Miller? When you are not with us, you forget about that and the feelings fade. You have seen how happy the Millers are who are both converts to the gospel, and you know why they are so happy. They are happy because they have the companionship of the Holy Ghost with them at all times and he guides them and is with them ALL of the time. By being baptized you can receive that gift." Elder Hunter then read Mosiah 18:10 "Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you." The question was posed to Chuck again if he would commit to baptism, he said "YES!" Miracle #4. Richard and Chuck have chosen to be baptized on March 21st. Josh wrote of his great joy that he still felt in his heart nearly a week later. Elder Robertson then compared notes with Elder Jacobson at the end of the week to see how his day of miracles had gone. Elder Jacobson too, had similar stories to tell. So they decided to dedicate the month of March to the "Month of Miracles" I can hardly wait to hear of what they accomplish with their great faith and dedication to service to the Lord. One miracle that Josh didn't declare is that he has agreed to sing a solo at the baptism. Oh how I wish I could be there to see that!