I love soccer parks!

Hello! This week was rather hot, so that was a nice change. it was a good one, lemme tell ya...

Mån: Nothing big for Pday, just went into Stockholm for a bit. Later we met with and dropped one potential whose heart wasn't ready then met with another who told us he needs time to let all the stuff we've been teaching soak in, but say s he is willing to find out the truth. Afterwards, we met up with H and a few YSAs to play some bball. Oh man, that was loads of fun. Someone has still got it:) Just sayin.

Tis: I could see a huge difference in H today after we met with him. He's super strong in the gospel and knows how much it has blessed him, so things will get better for him. The rest of the day we did some swingbys and we were able to meet up with X! She was saying that it is hard for her to leave her old religion because it means leaving her family. Yeah it would be super difficult, I have no experience- but at the same time, if you want to follow God to the fullest, some sacrifices are needed. It was awesome to pinpoint that her attitude and life had changed dramatically because of Jesus Christ. We are happy we had this meeting with her.

Ons: We met with M and read Mosiah 24. M slips sometimes, just like we all do, but God can lift our burdens and we can endure our trials with patience and a surety that He will help us. We taught a couple of people on the street and at the doorstep -some saying some interesting things to us. You know, as a missionary, people tell you some of the most absurd things you would ever hear. It's crazy but funny! We met up with T but he is asking many Why questions, to the smallest little detail instead of actually studying and praying to God for the answers. We will see where it goes with him.

Tors: So district meeting was good. We are working on changing the mission culture. Seriously, everything starts on a good attitude. Set high expectations and look forward to the future. I shared my story of Eskilstuna; when I had gotten there we only got 3 lessons the first week. That was unacceptable to me. So my comp and I worked so hard for the next couple of weeks and were able to turn things around by getting 22 lessons at the end of the transfer. Hard work and a good attitude work miracles.

We and another member taught B. When we give her a chapter to read from the Book of Mormon, she does it so precisely and can relay it back to us perfectly. The member did a perfect job of bearing testimony, inviting to church and fixing a ride for her. Wow, it was fantastic!! Later that day, we were able to meet with S with another member (who actually served his mission in St. George like 2 years ago.) He's super funny, and we had a great lesson. As we bore testimony, it was cool that it was the spirit telling him he needs to read the book of mormon, pray and come to church-not us. Man, that was a great experience!

Fre: We had some good lessons and in one the spirit was so strong, my comp did the church invite and he flat out said no. It was the weirdest thing! Ha, the spirit was strong but he just wasn't ready for it, tyvärr.

Lör: We visited M, who was investigating in spring but was gone the whole summer. She said that she had been thinking of becoming mormon but wanted to do more studying on the subject. We came at the perfect time! She set up 2 appointments for us and said she will read the BoM! Wow, thats awesome!

We went to a party for one of the members because she invited some investigator friends there, so perfect opportunity. they are a super family! Dinner (and karaoke) with B afterwards, so we were pretty stuffed of all that food. But it was a great time!

Sön: Fast sunday! I fasted for some specific things and I got my answer. I love the power of fasting and prayer! We had correlation meeting and ward council and it was so right and efficient. I love it!  We went to church and had a good time. Neither B Nor X made it, but S was able to come and H received the priesthood and a temple recommend to go with us this weekend to do baptisms for the dead!!

So I read something from Preach My Gospel this week that has really stuck out to me. In Chapter 4 there was a quote that said “Every morning … missionaries should get on their knees and plead with the Lord to loosen their tongues and speak through them to the blessing of those they will be teaching. If they will do this, a new light will come into their lives. There will be greater enthusiasm for the work. They will come to know that in a very real sense, they are servants of the Lord speaking in His behalf. They will find a different response from those they teach. As they do so by the Spirit, their investigators will respond under the influence of the same Spirit.”-Gordon b. Hinckley.

I can say that I have taken this challenge to heart and have already seen a significant change in my attitude. I love it. The power of prayer is real. I know God lives and loves us and will do anything to help us. I am forever grateful to be His humble servant. I love you all, have a great week. 

Love, Elder Johnson (or Johnsson in Swedish)

ps Elder Bednar is coming to talk to us this week!