Superbowl Bound

First off, sorry for the missed email last week. We had a Zone P-Day last week and we took everyone bowling. It was a bit hectic and didn't work out as well as they made it seem like it would, but we ended up having a good time and we even saved a little time to play basketball afterward.

In the last couple of weeks, we've had the opportunity to attend two baptisms from our ward and provide a brief intermission, Elder James and I plus one ward member sang some songs for a roomful of old people, and we've started teaching another family from Africa. Their names are Fred and Osé, and they are a father and son from Nigeria (the rest of the family doesn't usually join or lessons). Lately, we have been able to have excellent lessons with them, especially as we read out of the Book of Mormon with them. They are well versed in the Bible, so reading the Book of Mormon has been really enlightening for them, especially as they realize the truths it contains. The first time we opened it we read in Alma chapter 7, which contains one of my favorite verses. Verses 11 and 12 read as follows,

       "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. 

       And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

What a miracle it is that Christ has descended below all things, and because He has done so, He knows exactly how we feel and how to support us. Like our Elder Brother, He is conscious and aware of each of us individually, knowing our deepest pains and desires. 

With such infinite power so near, it's important for us to tap into His great love and continually grow closer to Him. I may have mentioned it before, but our mission is completing an initiative called "90 Days to Come Unto Christ," designed to help us prepare for the upcoming General Conference. Below, I'll attach a picture of that initiative, and I would invite each of you to study and ponder the designated material. I truly know that as you do so, you will gain a greater relationship with Jesus Christ, and have an enhanced understanding of His great and eternal sacrifice.

I hope each of you had a wonderful Martin Luther King Junior Day, I sure did!

Hinges

Well, this week had me singing the primary song "Hinges" in front of a room full of missionaries. So that's about how this week went. Not to mention the day of walking in the snow, but that was a fun, miracle filled day.

We had the great opportunity to go to Zone Conference this week. One of the trainings given was on heading the promptings of the Spirit and the direction of Priesthood keys immediately. Another trainings given was on a 90-day challenge we're kicking off counting down to this upcoming General Conference. It involves following the counsel of President Nelson as well as studying an attribute of Christ. The study is intended to prepare us for Conference, but even more importantly, bringing us closer to Christ.

One of my overall goals between now and then is also having more fervent prayer. I've found that even the smallest of adjustments can help bring the Spirit into my prayers, and help me to feel the presence of my Heavenly Father. I'd encourage each of you to contemplate the faith and focus you place into your individual prayers, and find ways this week to make them just a little better.

Have a great week!

Super 8

Well, this week brought a couple highlights for the journal. One, in particular, came as we were attempting to visit someone who was currently living in a Super 8 with their family. We weren't even sure if they'd still be there, but we felt like we should go. As we pulled up we could see someone out trying to jump a car... it ended up being a different man we'd been trying to work with who is nearly impossible to meet and contact, and there was no reason for him to be over there. So as we were helping to jump this guys car, Elder James spots our man Anthony coming out of the Super 8. We split up and he talks to Anthony as I help jump the car (within sight and sound of course), and we get a return appointment set up with Anthony for the next morning. That was a huge miracle! I was also able to head out to Smithville this week with Elder Sanders, the district leader, and were able to get our hands dirty and do some service while put in the boons. 

As of now, we've got three people on date: Marcus, Mesilva, and Mison. The last two are from Chuuk, a mom and her son, and the dad is already a member of the church. Overall, we're seeing lots of miracles as we meet people and allow the Lord to guide us to where we should go. There's lots of good things to come from Zion! Until next week.