Be Specific

The Tampa area in Florida is subject to some wild weather. 
This is a photo of a water spout in Tampa Bay earlier this year.

The first thing I've really learned on my mission, is the power of prayer. More importantly, the power of specific prayer. Specific prayers have changed how I view a lot of things. There have been countless times where my companion and I have prayed to find a specific number of people, and have walked away having found that specific number of people.

I've also learned how to listen to the Spirit. I'm not perfect at it by any means, but I've definitely improved in the last seven months. Last night, we were walking along a street and it was pretty late at night. It was the street we needed to take to get home, but I felt like we needed to go left. It made no sense to turn left, because that would make our route home about ten minutes longer. After turning left and walking for five minutes or so, we met a man who said that his family was going through a really hard time and that he could really use a prayer. It's not some huge miracle, but it was enough to let us know that God is directing His work for the benefit of His children.

Catch the Fire

This is a coach whip snake Elder Griffiths and Elder Jones encountered.

The members in this area are very passionate. There are a few who have also caught the fire of missionary work and are always doing their best to help people feel welcome and supported at church. Typically they are different from members in Utah because they haven't grown up with the gospel, but that doesn't make them any less of a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Some thoughts I (and a lot of other missionaries) have on how members can help the missionaries go like this (I'm going to speak boldly to edify, not offend):

1) Don't be afraid to share your beliefs with those around you. Being afraid or nervous is an excuse and a poor one at that. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift you can give someone. Don't be selfish. The worst someone can say is "no.

2) Invite people to be taught by the missionaries in your home. It doesn't have to be a grand meal every time. Just have them over for a lesson.

3) When you see someone you don't recognize at church, go and say hello.

I love all of you and if you think you can improve in any of these three things, start now. You'll be blessed and you'll bless the lives of others. Have a good week!

Seeing Blessings in Plant City

Elder Griffiths celebrating his birthday in Sebring. The shirt was a handmade gift given to him by someone in the area.

My new area, Plant City, is pretty different from my other areas. When I was in Hudson it was more heavily populated, but it was more of a suburban feel. In Sebring, it was pretty rural and nothing was really close together. Here, it's kind of a mix between the two and it seems to be the perfect combination. There's definitely a lot of work to do in Plant City. 

Plant City has been dubbed the "Strawberry Capital of the World."

My new companion's name is Elder Jones and he's from Nampa, Idaho. He's certainly a unique individual and has a passion for missionary work. 

Elder Griffiths and Elder Jones.

There are a lot of humble people here which makes it a great place to find people who are ready to hear the gospel. It's always scary coming to a new area because you never know what it's going to be like and you don't really know your new companion all that well, but it's never as bad as it seems at first. I've already gotten used to the members and have begun to see blessings in this area. 

Have a great week!