More MND and Home Teaching Takes Off

 We concluded our second successful Mormons Next Door presentation of the week on Saturday. This time we had seven non-members come. We have had a total of seventeen non-members attend these three presentations with one convert baptism to date. The missionaries and members had invited three of the attendees and two couples came who had read about it in the local newspaper. Once again nine of the members took on the “face” of the presentation by reading the script. There have been approximately twenty different members involved in reading the script at the three presentations we have now given over the previous four months. In addition three different members have “volunteered” to oversee the promotion. This involvement by branch members has had a big impact on the culture of the branch, plus each time we do it we learn how we can make it better next time. We have suggested the branch approach the local Jr. College for a repeat performance in the fall. Elder and Sister Riley (a senior couple from Orem, UT) came and are excited to try it in the Escanaba branch where they serve.

Atop the Nauvoo temple. A symbol of the great message of hope for the last days,
Revelation 14:6   

 Last week we also had the opportunity to increase our support to the branch by introducing the 2^nd counselor in the Elders Quorum presidency to his less active home teaching companion and then introducing him to his families. He began making appointments for their visits. Sister Johnson and I have found it necessary to almost hold each member by the hand and demonstrate how aspects of home and visit teaching are to be done including explaining the wonderful benefits of this type of service. Following that visit I picked up my less-active companion and we went home teaching. The new Elders Quorum President had absolutely no experience in setting up the home teaching districts, companionships, etc., so it was a blessing that I was called to help. Everyone involved has been pleased and happy with these small beginnings. Consistent home and visit teaching will definitely be a new experience for the members of the branch here in Iron Mountain. 

 With a little less than four months remaining, we will be prioritizing where we can best place our final efforts. Our goal, as from the beginning, is to find and teach investigators and less-actives. The Lord has given us great tools to use and with His help we will yet be successful in bringing the light of the gospel to those we have already met and some we have yet to meet.

Still lovin’ it,

Elder and Sister Johnson