Ben's Mission to Toronto

From Ben - Needed Hues Lame Zone Leader Elder Smith - Doesn't practice what he preaches - Believes his title as Zone Leader makes him a superior missionary  - See's the value and success of other missionaries based solely upon what numbers they put up. -Isn't concerned about the unity of the Zone and only cares about the missionaries in times of crisis.  Average Zone Leader Elder Smith - Obeys the mission rules except for a couple of exceptions - Does the bare minimum for follow up calls - Works to make a difference without trusting in the gifts of the spirit.  - Is comfortable with cruising through the transfer.  Like Unto Moroni Zone Leader Elder Smith - Strives for an exact obedience alongside Elder McNabb - Recognizes that he and the missionaries he serves are equal in the sight of God, yet puts their needs before his - Empowers the leadership and genius of the district leaders and helps them receive the revelation they need.  - Works in effective harmony wi...

From Ben - Coffee Shop Prophets Elder McNabb and I were sitting outside the A&W on one of the outdoor tables waiting for our friend to show up.  10 minutes after our pre-decided meet up time, we came to the conclusion that the meeting was going to fall through.  The moment we decided to call it quits and make our way home, this guy stepped outside of the fast-food restaurant; he had a front sash tied across his chest that held a cat that peered at us with knowing eyes.  He looked at us and legit said "You two are the ones that I've been praying for to minister to me"  To which he joined us at our A&W table, and pulled out a big, purple Bible and plopped it in front of him, his cat exploring the underside of the table and analyzing our shoes.  He considered himself a minister who traveled from fast food place to fast food place, coffee shop to coffee shop, and talked with people about Christ.  Honestly, a task and a mission no less worthy then my own...

From Ben - Better Motivations The Sudbury Zone consists of six areas and twelve missionaries.  Timmins  with Elder Morphis and Conrad Sue St. Marie  with Elder McGee and Fletcher NorthBay  with Elder Bennet and Powelslend  Sudbury Uptown  with Elder Ellingson and trainee Conrad Sudbury Downtown  with Elder McNabb and I,  and  Bracebridge  with Sister Barton and McMahon.  Each area is roughly three and a half hours apart from eachother! We are the most unique Zone geographically.  It's going to be an incredible transfer; made of amazing weeks and enthusiastic days.  I love Elder McNabb. We're both red-heads. He has a champion smile and a well-trained work ethic. I'm excited to learn to love him, and work with him.  The Sudbury area is beautiful. It kinda reminds me of Sparwood, the vibe is similar. When we pulled in to our duplex (the Ice Castle it's called) I stepped outside and literally felt like I was at Grandma an...

From Ben - Our Great Symphonic Composition Can you picture how invincible you'd be come if you could be grateful in any circumstance?  Either way, not a walk in the park to get there, but it's what I'm striving for.  From this train of thought, I have decided that I am grateful for gloomy mornings. The one's where we realize we slept on the wrong side of the bed for 12 hours, and have a crick in our back, necks, and randomly enough, our wrists.  When I wake up with these mornings, my thoughts take a more melancholy tone, and I think more serious, and important thoughts. On the morning of Monday (yesterday), I woke up a little melancholy, and just had some solid ponder time.  Pondered on the Why of it all, pondered on some of my weaknesses (but those thoughts only get you so far, so I decided to ponder other things) pondered on the adventure of Newmarket, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the missionary life, and after all this pondering, prayed.  Golly, it was solace ...