Our First Week in the MTC

We have had a marvelous experience being here at the MTC.  The Spirit is so strong and it is a great feeling.

We were divided into Training Districts of 4 couples, and this is the group we met with each day with a morning and afternoon instructor.  These instructors are returned missionaries who are students here at BYU.  Bros. Barney and Whiting are great instructors who taught us to be missionaries from the PMG (Preach My Gospel) manual.  What an inspired manual that is!

As we were taught about the Restoration, we were also taught how to prepare a teaching plan because on Wednesday we had a "teaching appointment" with a "real live investigator".

The MTC has volunteers who come to be investigators.  They are given a role to play, and are instructed to stay in character as investigators throughout our "appointment".  We also have to stay in character as missionaries.

Mom and I had to knock on the door, and introduce ourselves to the lady that answered the door.  The information we had been given about her was her name and that she was a referral from a neighbor, but that was all .  I learned that day not to do all the talking but to let Mom have a turn.

On Thursday we had another TA (teaching appointment) to teach the 2nd Discussion about the Atonement.  We had two girls in their mid twenties as "investigators", and as we taught we both felt that our testimony was something THEY really needed to hear for their own personal life.  As we testified of the atonement of the Savior to these two "volunteers", tears were shed and personal commitments were made.

On Friday, we learned about re-activating members.  We roll played teaching another missionary couple and took turns teaching, or being taught playing the inactive members.  We all had thought of an inactive couple we knew in our own life and played their scenario.  Even in this artificial setting, the Spirit was strong as we testified of truth, and it was reaffirmed in our own hearts that the gospel is true.

Our setting apart as missionaries by our Stake President, President Bolen, has been ratified by the Lord and He has blessed us to know what to say at the very moment we need to know.  We can testify of the restored gospel without fear or reservation.

This coming week we will have Office Couple specific training Monday through Thursday, and then we will leave for Roseville CA on Friday.

Love, Dad.

PS: I had pictures to include, but can't figure it out.  Maybe next time.