Little bit of a shorter letter this week.
First off: Danny and his family are definitely getting baptized on 8/20. We verified it yesterday and we're so excited!
Secondly, we had some very interesting lessons this week. The one that topped it off went something like the following:
We show up at this guy's house around 8:35 at night. We're talking and our lessons with him are normally strange--he's a little religiously crazy in that he is very fervent, very superstitious, and very into word games and puzzles, tests, and riddles--but this night he's especially off. He can't decide if he loves us and thinks we're men of God or if we are sent by the devil; and keeps flip-flopping between the two sides. At some point in the conversation, he decides he sees an evil spirit in my eyes, and as any good man would do, he decides to be rid of it.
So the scene changes to me standing stock-still while in another language, he keeps getting closer and closer to my face, all the while slapping my head and face with an eagle feather. It was all I could do to keep from laughing. So, we probably won't be going back, but at least I am officially cleansed from all demons.
I'll be honest, this week has been pretty hard. It's been really hot, we haven't had much luck with teaching lessons, and we've lost a few people we were teaching. But, it's helpful to remember the upcoming baptism and confirmation with Danny's family. The other (and more important) thing I've done is to remember the Savior.
He descended below all things. He felt all of our pains and sorrows. He paid for our sins. He did this through no fault of his own--He willingly sacrificed Himself and did so without complaint. He was tired, He was rejected, He felt hunger and thirst. But He never ceased to give up His will for the Father's, and never stopped turning outward in love and compassion to those around Him.
My challenge: when life is hard, remember Him. He died so that He would know how to help us. I know that if we remember Him and turn to Him, we will mount up on wings of eagles (Isaiah 40:29-31).
Jeramman!
Elder Josh Kilmer
Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission, Marshallese/English speaking
不動心
Fudoshin: immovable spirit
I am so glad you are experiencing the different and wonderful people in this world...much like Hollywood Division of the LAPD where I work...lol...sounds like you have met some real colorful souls........ Keep up the hard work.. and may it continue to be hard work, hot outside, challenging, difficult and not too easy.... The truth, and the good people who are seeking it are never that easy to find.... The Lord bless you and your companions Elder Kilmer.
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