Christmas is Coming!

   Christmas is coming up quick! Not too many people are interested during the holidays to even bother with mormon missionaries. But this is the perfect time of year to share our message that is centered on Jesus Christ. My new comp (Elder Fransen) and I have been trying to use catchy phrases to catch people's attentiion, such as: "This message will help bring that Christmas spirit into your home."

   We have also done what we call the down town walk, where we walk the entire two blocks of Elk City's down town area while people are out shopping. We just OYM (Open your Mouth) at everyone and we and hand out Mormon.org cards. It's fun but we've noticed that if we do it for too long, then people walk in and out of stores when we walk by to avoid us on the sidewalk. haha!

          I just found out that our mission is "the belt buckle of the Bible belt."  Apparently it is the hardest mission in the States. President Taylor also told my comp, who is district leader, that our area is the hardest area in the Oklahoma City Mission. And I've been here my whole mission so far! jeez. At least this areoa will make be a better missionary because we have to be humble and have Faith. We plan on getting at least two baptisms by the end of this transfer. 

     We had a cool thing happen this morning! While we were doing comp study, the phone rang and we didn't know who it was. The man on the phone said that he had a son who is 11 years old and was baptized into the Mormon faith when they were living in Hawaii. They have moved to Sayer, OK and it is in our area. The man is not a member but told us that every church he has investigated has always made him realise that the LDS church is the one he knows is true. He gave us his address and number so we set up an appointment to help him quit smoking and baptism may be near! It is awsome!  My comp and I were freaking out after the call. haha!!

Merry Christmas! Luv y'all!

--Elder Shumway

1st Transfer and a New Companion

On Wed I recieved my new comp! I didnt go to transfers in the city. Elder Naisbitt and two other elders in the district shoved all their luggage into our little truck and went to the city leaving me and Elder Yu in Clinton for most of the day. When my new comp and Elder Yu's new comp arrived it was very exciting! My new comp is Elder Fransen. He is from Idaho Falls. He is a district leader as well. He reminds me a little of Alex Harris and we're already good friends. We're having fun.
    Elder Naisbitt went to the Norman first ward, about one mile away from the OU campus. He's excited to serve there, mainly because there are cuter girls in the city to look at. (haha.) His new comp is one that was in my MTC district. If you look at my MTC pics and find the Elder with glasses and a big head (kinda looks like the kid off home alone). His name is Elder Hansen. Elder Naisbitt will learn a lot serving with him. I hope the do well together.
    Elder Fransen is a very good missionary. He's always looking for opportunities to teach anyone and every one. Always.  He is a very fun guy to serve with. I enjoy making him laugh.
  I'm still in Elk City and have tracted out almost the whole town! We're hoping and trying to have two baptisms this month! And maybe one or two next month.
    I want to corrdinate a time where you would like me to call on Christmas. That way it'll be a lot easier to fit it in with plans. I'm sure you know. Well I'm excited for Christmas! I was gently transitioned into a slightly different pattern of life by getting a new comp. After getting used to how Elder Naisbitt and I did things it is a little hard adjusting to someone who likes to do things a little different. But it's all well.

   So through Christmas (hint, hint) and possibly until February I will be at the following address:

220 Ridgecrest Dr #E-59
Elk City OK 73644
    Hope y'all are doin' well. Luv ya!
                    -Elder Shumway