My companion and I went back to the basketball court this last week.
There were a whole different group of people there. These weren't
kids, these were huge guys. a lot of them were taller than me. They
all had tatoo's, and long dreads. Once again I started talking to
them, and the same thing happened. They didn't listen to us. So I
decided to play again and see what would happen. Those who have seen
me play basketball, know I cannot shoot a 3-pointer to save my life.
Well, that changed. I hit 4 threes in a row, and won the game for our
team. If that wasn't the help of God, I don't know what is. And after,
the same thing happened as last time. They all couldn't believe what
had happened, and were curious as to what we did and taught. Who says
tracting is the way to find people to teach. After those two times of
playing on that court, we had 6 people to teach. These people are
living in an environment that will lead them on a bad path. How
influential this gospel could be in their lives if they accept it!
Transfers are this week, and they are always up in the air, so we'll
see if I stay to teach them or leave to another area.
   We also visited a man who goes by the name "Preacher James". He
has been talking with the missionaries for some time now. He is a paid
preacher at a local Baptists church. He pretty much gave us a sermon
on why we are automatically saved as soon as we take on the name of
Christ. He feels that repentance is a one time thing. After he
finished, a thought came to my head. I told him that if a freshman in
high school makes the varsity football team, and does really well the
first year, but during the off season he lets himself go and doesn't
work out or show signs of getting back into shape, does he still
deserve to be on the team? I believe the same is with Heaven. We must
continually prove that we are worthy to stand in the presence of God.
The scriptures tell us that no unclean thing can enter into the
Kingdom of Heaven. How great of importance repentence is then! After I
had told him this, he looked at me, paused, and then said "you have
given me a lot to think about", and that's all he said. I know I was
an insturment in the hands of the Lord, and it was his words that were
coming out of my mouth. Something I will never forget.
    Till next week!

Elder Michael Litchfield