So, of course, we had
transfers this last week, and I wasn't too worried about it. There were
only 3 zone leader areas changing so I knew pretty much where I was
going . . . or so I thought . . .
The transfer
meeting went very similar to my first transfer meeting, in that over the
pulpit they called me to the blessed land of Xenia! Back to the land of
milk and honey! Where I first began my training as a missionary.
Many
of the people have inquired these last few days what it feels like to be
back and let me just say that I am loving it! I loved Xenia when I was
here and it seems that not much has changed. The same ward mission
leader who is a champion is still running the show, and many people have
the same callings as before. I am super pumped for another chance to
serve the people here.
However, I just came
from the great Columbus east 1 zone, where everyone was on fire, the
zone here has some work to do to get up to par. Different challenges lie
before me and more opportunities to grow from it. More leadership is
required of me here.
Part of the reason I am
here is to fulfill my purpose as a missionary to retain and reactivate.
Of my recent converts here only half of them are active. I absolutely
hate it when people fall away. That has become singularly the greatest
trial of my mission. My companion is Elder Bean from Idaho (he sat next
to me on the plane to OHIO). And he is a champion.
Right
now we are focusing on increasing the teaching pool. All of our portion
of Xenia has been tracted in the last 4.5 months so we are trying to be
creative in finding. This last weekend we had a finding miracle when we
knocked on the door of a former investigator who has moved into our
area. We had no idea that he lives here, but thought it was a random
person until he told us he had met with the missionaries before. He also
said that that very day he had been at church (catholic) and prayed to
know what path he needs to take (whether or not he needs to change), and
lo and behold that night we knock on his door. We were also able to
meet his wife. They are a young couple with two younger kids.
It
is amazing what the spirit does. Since being here I have remembered
tons of information that I knew before (1 year ago). I remember where
people live, the names of members and investigators, and streets. I have
often reflected on my experiences in Xenia before and have not been
able to remember many of the names, but since being here it has all come
back to me. I feel like the spirit has brought it all back to my
remembrance. It is almost like I never left.
Well I love y'all and look forward to getting the backed-up letters!
Love,
Elder Beutler
p.s.
I wrote 2 letters last week (for Dad and Corban), but did not get the
chance to send them out until this morning. They may contain old
information . . . expect them soon.
