First ever preparation day for Elder Madsen was not anything too special. Our district all gathered at the Battle Creek building to hang out. We decided to go grab some Chick-fil-a which did not disappoint. I am glad i got to use one of my Chick-fil-a gift cards before they got taken (foreshadowing). We came back to the church and played sports. That might be the last week we play sports for the next three months since no one is athletic so it was boring to play. We will figure out other things to do. Sad part of the day was that both our lessons were canceled.
Tuesday began not on the greatest note. We walked out to our car around noon and we saw that our Jesus ITL cards were on the ground outside our vehicle. We looked in our vehicle and things were messed with and my wallet was unfortunately taken. We filed a report with the police and canceled all the cards that were in it. Thankfully no money was purchased on either card. #Godgotme. I would have thought I would have reacted more negatively, but I did not. For some reason I was completely calm and resumed my day with a smile on my face. To be completely honest with you, I did not have the time to be sad about it since we were running from lesson to lesson. I have learned my lesson. I will not leave my wallet in my car, always lock the car when I leave it, and start locking our apartment. There are a lot of things that I could've been better at, but this is a time to learn okay. Sweet is the peace the gospel begins.
It literally gets better. I do not know how. The Lord is just hand delivering us people to teach. On Wednesday we found four new people to touch. One of which came from a man randomly walking into our church building on Monday looking for missionaries. What. The. INSANE. This story gives you some context on how insane this week has been. We are in a lesson with a potential new friend we are teaching. I began talking in the lesson and I just felt prompted to end what I was saying and turn to Elder Madsen. At this point in time Elder Madsen did not know what to say so we sat there for 10 uncomfortable seconds. Elder Madsen finally cracked and blurted out,"well Marcus do you have any questions for us? Marcus literally replies with,"how does one get baptized?" I was in awe. Straight AWE. God is a God of miracles.
Thursday was exchanges with the Battle Creek Spanish elders. I led an exchange with Elder Shawn Allen for the day. He is from Lehi, Utah and also just got into the mission field like Elder Madsen. The area he is currently in does a lot of finding and has not had the chance to teach a lesson. Good thing for him was that we taught 6 lessons on Thursday. We were so busy and only had about 30 minutes total to eat both our lunch and dinner. Sometimes Elder Clouse thinks he can be at more than one place at once which overwhelms him. It was a great day to be taught and to teach Elder Allen. Successful exchange. By the end of the day, Elder Madsen said he missed me.
We have been teaching a middle aged woman named Maria ever since I've been here. She has struggled with substance abuse her whole life. As we have been meeting with her, she has given up alcohol, Marijuana, drugs, and we are almost getting her off cigarettes. She also still struggled with coffee and tea, but we will get to that. Oh and she lives with her boyfriend; however, she is willing to let God prevail so do not fret. We extended the baptismal invitation for February 18th. She has already received her answer on how this is the Church of Jesus Christ, so now it is just getting her to follow the commandments line upon line.
This week was another one that was extremely hectic. It was so awesome. Elder Madsen and I get along really well and are always laughing with each other. It is fun to have the opportunity to train again as well. It is pushing me greatly and recently I feel I have sacrificed more which in return has blessed me more with the Spirit. The Lord has entrusted us with so many people to teach it is honestly overwhelming, but we LOVE it.
On Saturday we had the chance to go to the Historic Bridge Park. The main reason we went was so that Elder Madsen could get a new profile picture. We both took some photos and I attached them to Google photos. Hope you did not forget what I looked like.
Sunday was a fast and testimony meeting. Elder Madsen wasn't prepared to fast as a missionary since he fasted similar to how I did before I came out. Which was that we don't eat breakfast and then eat after church. I went up to bear my testimony and as I get up there I saw the zoom camera was on me and I could see myself in it. I made the comment right when I got up there,"oh wow I look good." I didn't think much of it, but the whole congregation burst out laughing. To be honest I don't think I was attempting to make them laugh, but it worked. I then went on to testify of Jesus Christ and he is the only unfailing source of hope. As I have drawn closer to him, I have felt the peace and joy my Savior brings. I have learned things on the mission that I will cherish for the remainder of my life. The Savior is aware of me and is my advocate to the Father.
Highs and lows this week, but the work goes forward. I am in a great spot as a missionary and I keep pressing forward. Love you all!!
Love,
Elder Clouse
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