Dannevirke is a town with a ward that used to have an attendance of about 150 people, but had dwindled down to only 20 - 25 people each week. When I was told this, I knew that my job in the mission field was to help people come back to church.
The people of Dannevirke have been awesome. Everyone knows who the missionaries are. There weren't a whole lot of people to teach as the town is small and everyone has had their doors knocked on at some time. So Elder Chong and I - and then Elder Suard and I - started going through the ward list to visit less active members.
Dannevirke, although a town, is spread out quite far. Visiting less active members was difficult at first because we only had bikes. However, in May, we were able to get a car. This was a real blessing because it enabled us to go out to some of the more rural areas and visit and serve people. I have loved having the opportunity to help people and show them where they can find true happiness. It has brought so much joy to my life.
I have seen miracles in Dannevirke. Since i have been with Elder Chong and Elder Suard, we have seen growth in the ward. We have two baptisms in the coming month or two, but even more exciting is the reactivation of 3 families. We actually had 51 people at church this week! That's double from the number that came when I first arrived. Seeing the chapel get filled is such a blessing. The Lord is preparing people, both on this side and the other side as well. I am so grateful for the many experiences I have had here.
This week was transfer week... and there was part of me that was excited about the possibility of transferring somewhere else. However, it looks like Elder Suard is moving onto another area and I will be staying in Dannevirke to train another elder. I may be here for a long time! This is OK... I will go where you want me to go Lord. I will stay where I am needed. I love missionary work. I love the people in Dannevirke.
With deepest love,
Elder Shaw
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