On the Road Again....

Ward Mission Leader in Valley Forge

Chick Fil A Day

Soon to be Sister Romeris

Dear Family,

Well, we got transfer calls on Friday and Elder Dial is outta here. Don't know where I am going. Tomorrow we have a huge transfer meeting and we all get our new companions and new areas. It is gonna be awesome. Kind of a bummer because Romeris is gonna get baptized this month and asked if I would baptize her, but hopefully I will be close enough that I can return for it. But that's ok! I have loved this area, sad to go, but excited to start a new adventure.

Cool things are happening here in this area. The members are being strengthened and inviting their friends. The bishop told me something cool yesterday. He told me that I made an impact on the ward. Positive one I hope. I needed to hear that. I didn't really have a baptism here in this area, and when he told me that, I remembered how in Chapter 1 of Preach My Gospel it says that our success isn't measured by how many baptisms we get or our numbers. It is measured by our desire to serve the Lord and if we work with all our "heart, might, mind, and strength." We're not expected to be perfect, but we are expected to try. This goes for all, not just missionaries. From the outside, we may not look like we are succeeding. It is always awesome to know that man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh upon the heart. We need to do our best not to judge people by the outward appearance. We NEVER know who is ready to receive the Gospel. We don't see people from the inside out. I think of the verse

"Who am I to judge another, When I walk imperfectly.

In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see",

One of my favorite verses in the whole hymn book. Well sorry for that ramble. Hope someone needed that haha.

Well, don't know what much else to say. Elder Minnich is a boss. He speaks fetching Spanish. I recommended him for training to President Anderson. He has grown amazingly and will continue to be an awesome missionary.

I love serving the Lord. I hit my year mark this month. That's not ok. Going by way too fast! Being a missionary is the best thing ever. I love you all, and I hope that we all do the little things that the Lord asks us to do. It really is those little things that make the biggest difference in our lives. We sacrifice a little for the Lord, and He pays us back immediately. Go read Mosiah 3 and 4 about that, some of my favorite chapters. Love ya, and will let ya know a lot more info next week!

-Elder Mike Dial

A Song of the Righteous is a Prayer unto Me...

Dear Family,

Well Elder Minnich and I finally did a musical number yesterday in sacrament meeting. We did "Oh My Father." I sang the first and last verse in English, the middle two in Spanish. Not gonna lie, and without "being lifted up in the pride of our own eyes," we did an amazing job. We killed it. Elder Minnich did his own arrangement. He took that piano to pound town. He is a crazy good jazz pianist and can do all kinds of cool things on there. Well we delivered yesterday. We thought that it was a humid day BEFORE everybody started shedding tears. It was kind of cool. Several people came up to us and said, "My kids were being really loud and stuff but when you started singing, they stopped!" Well it was a good time. They want us to do it every Sunday... We will if we are still together, but I don't think the odds are in our favor. Transfers are next week, so we will see what happens. But I am SO thankful for the gifts that God gives to each one of us. They are given to us for the blessing of others.

We reviewed baptismal interview questions with Romeris this week. She knows what the church is teaching is true and that it is very good, but still is having problems completely accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet. She feels like she has to know it all. We heard her say that she believes that he is a prophet, but that she doesn't know 100%. She has a testimony and knows a lot more than she gives herself credit for. We tried to help her see that faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. Sometimes we have to take a step into the darkness, but when the Lord is leading us by the hand, everything will be alright. She is set for a baptismal interview this week. I feel confident that even though she doesn't know everything, she knows enough. There will always be unanswered questions, but that doesn't matter. We walk by faith in this life. We get to the point where we stop doubting, but I still have a thousand questions. (How do the dinosaurs fit in? Excited to ask that one in the next life.) We should be set on a baptism this coming Sunday. I can't wait. She is ready!!!!!

We have been doing some solid finding. We found a couple people that are willing to hear the Gospel. That's always nice.

This one lady, Terravia, (She's black, not Hispanic) came to church yesterday. She is an investigator of the English Elders, but we found her. She has purple hair. I love it. She says she is a prophet, she kind of talks funny. But she is awesome. She has read in the Book of Mormon a little bit. She saw missionaries 20 years ago, but WE were the ones to finally get her to come to church. She is very against denominational religion, but that's ok. She is a sweet spirit. She interprets things very interestingly, but we are doing all we can to help her come unto Christ

Well, that is pretty much it. Love you all. Thanks for supporting me, loving and praying for me. This is the Lord's work. He is at the head of it. Love you all. Sorry, didn't take any pictures this week. Next week i PROMISE.

-Elder Mike Dial

So jealous of where you are. (We spent 10 days in Nauvoo area at Bevan family reunion while Grandma and Grandpa Bevan serve in the Nauvoo temple…also visited Adam ondi Ahman, Liberty, Independence, Farr West etc) It sounds like y'all are having a great time.

Well, I guess I should probably write my family....

Dear Family,

 

Shoutout to Grandma Dial for caving and getting a puppy! Can't wait to see Bobby when I get back.

Ok. We had a good week. First, we heard that Elder Shane M. Bowen is coming to the mission. I am richly blessed as a missionary. When I came out, Elder Paul Pieper came out, a few months ago we met with Elder Rasband, and now we get a third GA! I am stoked. We always learn so much from the Lord's chosen servants about what we need to do better as missionaries. The Whole did a survey about obedience, PMG application, and all that jazz so that Elder Bowen knows what to focus on while he is here.

Romeris, our investigator set for the 4th of August, texted us and told us that she talked with one of her old friends and they tried to instill a lot of her old concerns and doubts. I had an AWESOME lesson on Facebook with her about it. Then yesterday, we met with her. We answered every single one of her questions about several topics directly from the bible. (Thank you topical guide.) She knows it now. She believes it. On Facebook the other day, she asked me, "Why is it that as soon as I get things straight, I get all confused again?" I had to think for a while to anser that question. But luckily the Spirit came to the rescue, and I said, "If this really is the true Gospel upon the earth, don't you think Satan would do all that he could to stop you from getting to it?" That opened up her eyes. She said that it made lots of sense now. She is reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. She is going to be living the commandments. I am so excited. If I leave this area, I will be able to see her be baptized! We haven't baptized here since April so that will be a huge blessing!

 

That is pretty much the highlight of my week. I am also out of time. Can't wait to talk to ya next week!

 

Love,

 

Elder Michael Dial

D & C 59:11

Family,

 

DULCE CAME TO CHURCH!! She has told us for like the past 5 or 6 weeks that she would come, but finally came. It truly is a miracle. We thought that she had lost interest, but she told us some things that we didn't really want to hear. Her family does not like her meeting with us. They won't tell her that she can't but they are trying to do everything to discourage it. When they see us calling her on the phone, they take her phone. When we knock on the door, they lie and say she isn't there.

But she came to church. She came in a very strapless dress but hey, that's ok for your first time. We had an AWESOME Gospel principles class with her. First, she had heard things that after you join the church, then the Mormons "really teach you what they believe." Then they divulge their "true doctrine." But then Cesar Sanchez, a Recent convert, totally destroyed that theory. He said that the only thing that changed was him. He bore testimony of how he had made a 180 degree change. It was awesome. Then she brought up her family concerns. The members, not us, the members, helped her realize that we have to please God before family. She loved church. She told us that she felt the spirit. She said that she liked it too much haha. It is a testimony to me of church and how it can influence people! A prayer or two her way couldn't hurt either. Pray that her family will stop being buttheads!!!!

We found a cool investigator. His name is Juan Francisco. He is Dominican (YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!) This is how he was found. A couple members were looking for some less-actives, saw him on the street, then just started talking. They said it's not every day you see two gringos that speak spanish walking down the street! They just decided to talk to him. They opened their mouths. He wanted a large print Bible. We ordered one, and gave him a large-print triple combination in the meantime. We taught him the Restoration and read 3 Nefi 11 with him. He loved it. We set a date with him for the 8 of September. So STOKED!!!

We reset a date with Romeris. She is set for the 4 of August. We just gotta teach her some commandments, then she has to live them, get interviewed, and get dunked. It is gonna be awesome.

We had interviews with President Anderson this week. He is awesome. He was serious in the interview when he needed to be, but then as soon as we left the room, he was joking around and having a good time. He is awesome.

Well there are miracles happening here in Valley Forge. It is awesome. The Gospel is true. Of that there is no doubt. I love this work. I am a month away from my year mark. Scary stuff man. Love ya all

-Elder Mike Dial

One does not simply Hie to Kolob!

Dear Family,

It was a great week this week. We worked our TAILS off. And it paid off as well. We got 11 new investigators this week! We have really been blessed in our finding efforts. We make sure that we are talking to everyone, making sure that we give everyone a chance to hear the gospel. We have been praying and fasting specifically to find the elect, and let me tell you, the promise made in 2 Nephi 32:9, ..."pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul." It is a true promise. The Lord is consecrating our performance that we might be a tool in His hands to bring forth His mighty purposes.

We haven't been able to meet with Romeris for a while. Satan is working with her. But that's ok. We can help out. We are meeting with her on Wednesday to set a new baptismal date with her and to help her know for sure that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God. Sending a couple prayers her way would be awesome. She really wants to know the truth, but she has to open herself up to feel it. She has made AMAZING steps, and is almost there. She is at the steepest part of the mountain, but once she gets to the top, it will all be worth it.

Dulce told us for sure that she would be at church. She said, "Yeah, we don't have anything planned..." Well apparently going and touring Eastern State Penitentiary in downtown Philly was an appropriate way to worship the Lord. Sending a few prayers her way would work wonders as well. We think that her boyfriend Juan might be what is keeping her from coming to church. We need to know what we need to do to help them both realize that the Sabbath day is a Holy Day. It isn't just another day.

Mom and Dad, thanks for helping me realize what the Sabbath really is. It took not letting us watch certain movies, listen to certain music, not wearing certain clothes, and a ton of other things, but I understand know how much it has influenced my life. It isn't about keeping the white shirt and tie on. It is about respecting and worshiping the Lord. We worship Him best by keeping His commandments, and living the way that He would want us to live.

Well there is that rant. We continue to find and teach. The baptizing part will come very soon. I know it. I love you all so much! This work is true. Through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind can be saved. Not just Mormons. Not just Christians, all mankind. We are the vessels in which people can come unto Christ and exercise his infinite Atonement. I have a huge testimony of that. Love you. Over and Out..

Meeting the new President and Sister Anderson!

I am writing today because Pres. and Sis. Anderson did a mission tour yesterday. We drove down to Philly to meet them. They are way cool. From Hyrum Utah (had no idea where that is, but it is in Cache Valley) He told us about himself. He loves to hunt (Sister Anderson too. She took down a moose), fly, ski, water ski, and all that good stuff. He is a really cool guy. I am excited to be able to get to know him over the next year.

We had some way good experiences finding yesterday. We were just able to talk with a ton of people and find people that were interested in hearing the message. We were walking down a street, then saw a house with Christmas lights and a broom on the porch. Sure tell-tale signs that a Hispanic lives there. They didn't have the occasional Car Seats on the porch though. So we go up, knock on the door, and the lady opens it and two of her kids come running out. She looked at us in a certain way that I knew right off the bat that she would be interested in the Gospel. I asked her if she knew anyone who would be interested in a message about the family. She said that she was. (whoo!!) Her name is Maggie. Way Hispanic. We had an awesome conversation with her and are meeting with her family this week. We have been hoping and praying to find a family. Who knows? This may be it. We are SOOO gonna baptize them. Get excited Valley Forge 2nd Ward.

Have no idea why I didn't find this before. I was flippin around the Book of Mormon, and came to Alma 12. In the last couple verses, Alma explains about Adam and Eve, he explains PERFECTLY how justice and mercy work, and what we need to do to become clean. It is AWESOME. The penalty for sin is spiritual death. The more we sin, the more we are separated from our Heavenly Father. Done. That's it. But, those who gain a remission of their sins through the blood and Atonement of Jesus Christ are cleansed. It says that we must 1. Gain and retain that remission of sins and 2. Soften our hearts. I though it was interesting that only gaining that remission of sins wasn't enough! But that's what the scriptures say. Then in verse 37 he says that we know these things, so let's do them! Christ wants us to use His Atonement, and laments when someone with the knowledge of it won't humble themselves to do it.... It is way interesting because I didn't necessarily learn any new doctrine, but the Spirit really illuminated me and I was taught a lot. Neat stuff goin on in Personal Study.

Well, that's pretty much all I got. Our investigators are kind of struggling keeping commitments, so we are gonna lay the hammer about commitments. How can someone be ready to keep baptismal covenants if they can't keep a commitment to read in the Book of Mormon, pray, or come to church? It's gonna be an AWESOME week. Get excited.

-Elder Dial

P.S. Remember James Seaman? He took piano lessons from Jackie? Yeah. He is doing summer sales out here and comes to the VF 2nd ward. Pretty crazy. I have met like 3 people I know and like 5 people who know people that I know in this ward. Crazy stuff bro.

"There's a snake in my shirt!"

Lookin' "Bad"...his district

Hmmmm

An excerpt from Mike's companions blog, "Funny story, this week we went to the Roses for a dinner, and Brother Rose has pet snakes. OF COURSE  we held them. but Elder Dial's shot like straight into his shirt! and it pretty much just chilled in there....haha. They had to unbutton his shirt and put ice on the snakes tail to get it out.. it took about 5 minutes."

Hello Family:

 

First things first. I don't have bedbugs. That would be awful. I just have a rash from something...... Don't really know what. I don't know if that comforts you or worries you further. But that's ok. One can still carry on the work of The Lord with a rash.

Can I tell you what is the absolutely best thing in the world? When you get a hard, firm commitment from someone saying that, "Yeah, of course I will be at church!" Then we remind them throughout the week. We stop by. We text them. We call them. We talk to them on Facebook. Sometimes the very morning, 15 minutes before it starts, they say, "Yeah I'm on my way..." Psych. They don't come. BEST THING EVER. I don't know if you can sense my sarcastic tone right now, but that's what I am trying to get across. The Lord is great at humbling us. That's for sure. But that's ok. The Work goes on.

I Don't know if I have told you about Romeris, an investigator. Her boyfriend is a member. She's Dominican (YESSS!!!!). She studied for like 4 or 5 years con los Testigos, (Jehova's Witnesses) but decided to try out our church. Well now she is getting baptized. She was very intrigued with our doctrine, and the Book of Mormon was the HARDEST THING IN THE WORLD FOR HER TO ACCEPT. She reads from her Bible every day, but had such a tough time with the Book of Mormon. We totally went the wrong way at it. We just said that if she would read in the Book of Mormon, pray, she would know. But that didn't work. Luckily one of the members, Brother Garcia, took her to the DC temple with his family. He is awesome.While they went to the temple, she spent time in the Visitors Center. She saw the Testaments movie, looked at all the exhibits, but most importantly, she talked to a Sister Missionary. She brought up her concerns about points of Doctrine that we have. She said and has told us that if she could have answers from the Bible, she would believe! Luckily, The Lord put this sister in Romeris' path. She answered every single question Romeris had directly from the Bible. After that, Romeris went home, and though about it for a while, and in our lesson on Wednesday, she told us that she wants to get baptized. Apparently we weren't getting the message. But it is a testimony to me that the Lord works in mysterious ways, and makes up for what we cannot do. She is set for the 7 of July, a date we set with her a while back. She doesn't drink, smoke, or any of that good stuff. She has been pretty diligent in coming to chuch, and has been reading in the Book of Mormon constantly too. Saturday, she told us she spent 8 hours on lds.org comparing our Bible to the New World Translation, and she said it has given her such a broad understanding of things. Like Alma said, the word is beginning to be "delicious" to her. Wow that was a long paragraph. It has been a good week though!

We can have iPod touches, so I bought one a few weeks back with money I saved up. President locks Safari and Facetime and stuff, but it is an awesome tool.  I have a FAcebook Messenger app that lets me use the "chat" feature from Facebook. I have my scriptures on there so I don't have to lug around a quad along with my Spanish Scriptures. I record my Journal on it. I can type so much faster than writing it down haha. It is a really cool thing. I also keep track of what I eat on there. Sometimes it hurts me to look at it but it's ok...

Was that training awesome yesterday????? Anyone sense a theme? Member missionary work? Yeah. We are gonna get these members going. Well I don't have too much time, but this work is AWESOME. Even when it sucks, it is still great. Every day is a good day as a missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ. He lives. I know it. Love you all!!!

-Elder Dial