The spirit, is a universal tool. His power can be felt by everyone. We found that out in a good way this week we had a way good appointment with the spirit way strong. It was with an investigator, Thorston Lange, 26 years old, stud, surfs and found door to door. We taught him a fourth discussion the one about the plan of salvation, and with word of wisdom, and chastity commitments. He always has way good questions, and is excited to learn more. So we taught him with a good joint teach. We didnt get to the commitments until about 1 hour 45 min. We told him about the law of chastity, said he would follow that. Elder Waldrip then said, “And now here is the hammer!!” and threw down the list of thinks not to use, that are in the word of wisdom. He made the face of someone, that just saw a greusome car wreck. He looked around at the different assortments of alcohol bottles. We made a few jokes, then straight up asked “will you live after this?” he said, “That? of course I can do that” just the response we wanted. He is doing good, but still hasnt been in church. He has some fear, we are not sure why. So we will see how it goes. Well that was the spiritual part of my letter now for the disturbing, kids cover your ears part. I have a very strange story to tell. Well we have been working with an investigator, I am sure that I have said something about him. He had had the dreams with the temple, etc. read through Gospel Principles book. He has had contact with a less active member for quite some time. . We had an appointment just this last saturday, taught about life after death. He has decided that he agrees with all of the churches teaches, and talks already like he is a member. He his about 40 little overweight, beard, deep old voice, reminds me of the dog on spaceballs. He has paranias, cat, and has 2 kids, daughter and son, he has also talked about his dead wife. He has visited with the Bishop, and also another member. So needless to say, it seems like a perfect contact.
Now here comes the bombshell. . He then asked about our churches stand about homosexuals. As we were about to read something from the proclamation on the family, he went on to explain that he would be a women after this life. What? We were a little confused. “I am not gay,” he said, “but I want to say something that might shock you.” Let me remind you that his 14 year old daughter was also present. He then went on to clarify, that his dead wife is not his wife, rather his ex-man. ok……further goes and explains to us that he USED to be a women!!!!! He is actually the mother of the kids…No WAY!!! we both looked at each other, and tried to keep our composure, as best we could, and just let IT talk. He further explained the process he had to go through, legally. He went to a judge, he had a doctor, and there was an opposing doctor, and they argued about the fact that he was a man in a womens body. His doctor won, meaning that the state insurance had to pay for it. He had to have 3 surgeries, and last of all “ein penis aufgebaut” to say constructed. UNBELIEVABLE!!! you can probably imagine 2 missionaries, sitting here in total shock. We finished our thema, and left. We just ran……not until we were on the bahn. We have no idea what we should do. So we called president, after we told him “Whoa!!!!” He said he is not going to make any decisions, so he is going to call the europe area president. Well I hope that was to bad. in any case, it will be a funny mission story the rest of my life.
I am thankful I am not God, and have to deal with that sort of stuff. The church is true. I am thankful that it was restored through Joseph Smith, and glad for our prophet now. Well I think that is it.
Thank you all for the letters, especially Jeff and Bob, you guys are great.
Tschuss.
Elder Cramer
8 Mar 2004