Week 97

Apr 28, 2014 at 3:48 PM

Hey family, 

So, to start, I got 96 from mom and one from grandma and the card from dad.  Life was pretty good this past week. I went on a couple exchanges with other missionaries. It was really good. I'm not going to lie, I just feel really drained sometimes; being tired has gone to a new level.  

I don't really have much to say this time. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you fast enough before Michael signed a lease. We'll get something worked out. Robert, my past roommate, might be an option.  

The only thing I really have to talk about is the Gladys Knight SUV fireside. It was SOOOOOOOO good. Seriously, I absolutely loved it. We were a part of the 12 special witnesses of Gladys Knight. Okay, that wasn't the official title for us, but we were joking around because they kept calling us "the 12". The official title I guess was the assisting 12.  Because we were assisting with things, we were able to watch all 4 sessions. We also were the front runners on getting energy and excitement into the fireside. Seriously, the music and testimonies were powerful and awesome. Incredible, simply incredible. I dead serious wish we had more of that kind of music in the church, like in firesides every so often or something; I'm not saying in sacrament meeting since that is centered around the ordinance, but it was awesome to break all the "Mormon culture." The missionaries, at personal request from the choir, sparked the crowd. I was a whoopin and a hollerin' and a'clappin' away. Finally, by the last fireside, we got tons of people standing up and clapping and swaying and singing along. I think one of the songs was called, Smile, or something, you might be able to look it up or something, but the talent was absolutely incredible. Gladys obviously was amazing, but some of the soloists were astounding. I wish I could accurately describe to you just how memorable of an experience this was. The testimonies were also super powerful. Bro. McDowell, Gladys' husband, bore his testimony of the church and how it is Christ's church and I can't explain to you in words how amazingly perfect and powerful it was. I think it may be experiences similar to this one and probably greater that the prophets are referring to when they say tongue cannot speak, neither can it be written what occurred at 'x' event or that so-en-so said. Bro. McDowell was raised in western North Carolina by strong Baptist grand parents so he was able to relate to the people at the fireside so well. Everything was the perfect combination of energy, humor, boldness, love, and the spirit. We received upwards 300 request cards from people for the missionaries to come by and deliver a sampler CD, a restoration DVD, and a Book of Mormon.  So many people absolutely loved it; I hope they sincerely look into the veracity of this church because I know that anyone and everyone who does so with sincerity and true, pure intentions will know that this church is nothing more than fulfillment of true biblical prophecies, nothing more than Christ not lying and him doing what he said he would do, simply a place for all seekers of truth and lovers of God and Christ to unite. They also emphasized that as they do so, they bring with them their unique and enriching-to-everyone culture.  It was incredible.  And we should all embrace it.  Even though I saw it 4 times, it never got old, and Gladys and everyone said everything from the heart.  It wasn't just a memorized speech that they give because someone told them to.  They do it all because they love love LOVE their Savior so much.  Gladys loves the Lord.  No doubt about that.  At times, it even felt like a pep rally :)  Hoorah for Jesus! :)

Other than that, I really don't have anything else to say.  Seriously, I'm boring.  

Oh, the other part of our assisting responsibilities was while everyone was waiting in line, we just walked around talking with people, helping them feel welcome.  We connected with people, helped them have good, positive experiences with missionaries, handed out the brochures that had the request cards in the back.  I got people water since it was hot standing in the sun.  It was a blast.  I absolutely loved it.  I love people.  Have I ever told you that?  I absolutely love people.  I love culture (real culture, not Mormon culture).  I talked for about 15 or so minutes with this one African American lady and she was the best.  She has had so many incredible experiences.  She works in a prison for women, and I guarantee you that she has such a powerful impact on them because of how loving and sincere of a person she is.  I just love the culture of the south in so many ways.  So many good people, and I'll tell you what, if it weren't for the fact that this is Christ's restored original church, I would be a member at some down-to-earth, African American spirituals church.  I want to build friendships with people of all cultures, races, religions, everything.  PEOPLE.......ARE.....AWESOME!!!!! Seriously, God's best creation ever :)

I love y'all tons.  Nothing new there...

Love,

Elder Thornton #1