Short note - First Baptism!

It's been an awesome week! Not a whole lot other than GIANT MIRACLES! Especially the first branch baptism. We've been working hard and loving the work cruising around in our minivan. Not a whole lot of time to write, but I love you all and hope you have an exciting weekend. Keep reading the Book of Mormon!

Miss Me?

Hello! Sorry for missing my email last week, I had a few complications and wasn't able to get it out. Here are a few simple updates:

1. We're driving a minivan!

2. It's getting dang cold out here

3. The branch will be having its first-ever baptism this week!!!

That's right, our brand new little branch will have its first baptism of an 8-year old, and they've asked me to baptize him! That's a huge moment for our growing branch. The week before we were asked to take a picture as a branch by the Twelve Apostles that we then sent to them. Our work is going great as we continually find and teach tons of people. Though we've had a bunch of cops around us and drunks not interested, the work marches forward!

This week as I contemplated my progress as a missionary, the Spirit spoke this to my mind, "The measure of the missionary that you are is dependent upon the ways you are utilizing the gifts God has given you." I think this relates to each and every one of us, missionary or not. We've each been given gifts and abilities by our Heavenly Father in this life and He expects us to utilize them. Often times we compare ourselves either by our pride or self-criticism, both of which get us nowhere. Rather than casting our view to those around us, we have to focus on the way that we are seeing ourselves and the way that the Savior sees us. 

As you go throughout this week, I'd invite you to do some pondering upon where you're at and how you'd feel if you were to meet the Savior in the next five minutes. What'd go through your mind, what would you change? Take those thoughts and act upon them. Work to cultivate the attributes of our Savior Jesus Christ, and I know that you will find joy in making changes in where you're at now!

Conferencia Genial

As I mentioned last week, we had transfers! Also, as expected, I'll be here in Olathe at least for 6 more weeks which will make 6 months here. I don't have any complaints about that though. I'm starting to get to know people by name in apartment complexes and neighborhoods we're not teaching just because I see them so often. 

After heading up to Independence and saying goodbye to some of my most favorite friends, I found out that I'd be companions with Elder Young! He's a great Elder and he's also super excited to be here which makes the work great. We've been going pretty nonstop between appointments, though a lot of them haven't been going through as we'd like. 

Most importantly though, we had General Conference!!! It truly is a miracle and blessing to be able to hear the counsel of living prophets. This weekend I especially enjoyed the talk by Terence M. Vinson about giving your all. It made me think about my personal commitment to the Savior and what I'm willing to give up for Him. Not only do I have to sacrifice my wants and desires, I have to do so continually. This life isn't about one time events or moments of giving the Savior our hearts, especially not just every Sunday, it is a constant, joyful relationship. I want to serve and fight with all I've got out here, so that I, as Elder Vinson, will come home with a broken jaw. Working so hard that the pain is swallowed up in the joy of Jesus Christ!

 If you didn't have a chance to watch any of the General Conference, member or not, I'd invite you to listen to at least one speaker and enjoy the Spirit that can be brought by apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ!