Elder Powell: All are Missionaries

Howdy hey!

We are rolling up to the halfway mark of March in a couple days! Spring is just about here. It’s always nice to have the time change to have longer days however the mornings are brutal. Haha. But even better, the Utah Jazz just keep winning! 11 straight road wins. Woot! #NBAPlayoffs here we come!

This week was full of work and flew by quickly. Last Sunday night I already knew we were behind schedule without even starting the new week. There are just so many things to do in only a few days. There needs to be more time!

The highlight of the week: (not to mention Subway yet) District Meeting & Interviews in Gilmer, TX this past #HappyFriday! With this District Meeting the only “in-person” meeting we have each transfer, there is much preparation that goes into planning a fun, eventful, Sprit-filled meeting. With 10 missionaries being interviewed in my District, and 8 other missionaries in the other District being Interviewed before ours, we all got behind schedule. Our meeting had to start 45 minutes late and last three hours. It’s always fun having to plan for long District Meetings and staying focused. The meeting turned out incredible. The theme was about “becoming converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Missionary Work through the Doctrine of Christ.” There were incredible trainings and comments made by the members of the District. We all had a wonderful time.

This past Tuesday, we were able to help one of my favorite families take down trees at their house. Their house is lakeside of the Swayer Oklahoma lake and is gorgeous. The scenery is very similar to Bear Lake. Their house is a cabin which is even more wonderful. Lots of tall pine trees and makes me feel I’m at home camping again! We took down and trimmed 8 trees. Before we started, the wife came out of the house tearing up. She requested we come inside real quick to discuss what happened. An hour before we arrived at their place, she found out that she has cancer and is starting radiation treatment in 10 days. It was indeed heartbreaking. We gave her a blessing and she really appreciated and loved it. Pray for Nancy Mitchell as she gets through this tough time!

Yesterday evening, we met with the family we met two weeks ago on #FridayNightDateNight and taught them a brief Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It went so well. They are excited to continue reading in the Book of Mormon and said it makes sense to have one church on the earth with His full Gospel; including living day Prophets and Apostles. They really enjoyed having us over and are teaching again this week!

I suppose it’s time for……. #FridayNightDateNight!! President Dalton said to me that he and Sister Dalton are going on their #FridayNightDateNight ❤️ to Chick-Fil-A and a movie. I was soooooo excited and jealous!!!! I was freaking out. He couldn’t stop laughing at me. Hahahaha. I explained how much I miss Chick-Fil-A and he said “well I know Hugo has your favorite Subway and you’ve been able to save A LOT of money without Chick-Fil-A so really it’s a win-win situation for everyone.” I couldn’t believe it.

Anyways, yes, of course, we went to my favorite Subway that evening after arriving back to our area. The staff was beyond excited to see us. As always hahaha. They made sure to bake up fresh peanut butter cookies in the late afternoon for my arrival. They always give me one free extra cookie too it’s wonderful. We sat down and started eating our meal. One of the Subway workers came up to me and said they invited her friend and boyfriend over to listen to our Eternal Marriage message. I was like “NO WAY.” They arrived about 15 minutes later and we had a great discussion. They are both 20 and been dating for 7 months. They had completely no idea that marriages could last forever. They said the wedding vows make a lot more sense now since it’s “til we part.” Then got all interested in Temples and family. Elder Grimes brought out his chips and talked about how they are kinda like the “pre-mortal world” and then I used my footlong Sub to explain this is our “mortal life” and then my three peanut butter cookies to talk about the Spirit World and Three Kingdoms. It went beautifully and made so much sense. The couple really enjoyed it and wanted to keep learning. Two new investigators! Wahoo! What a cute couple hahah.

Anyone can be a missionary. Even non-members are missionaries, without them evening knowing it. A simple act of kindness and/or invitation is all it takes to be a missionary. It’s that simple. There are opportunities that arise each day to uplift God’s children, our brothers and sisters. This is another reason why we say our morning prayers, to ask the Lord who we can help today and be able to recognize those opportunities. I am so grateful I have the privilege to be a full-time missionary and wear a black name tag for my remaining 4 months.

I love you all! Thanks for your continued love and support. #HappyMonday and halfway mark of March!!

Bye