Friday, June 20, 2014

January 6, 2014 ~ If you want to know how to seek more joy, the answer is in this email...

Hola familia!  I don't know why but this week has taken some time to pass by.  I forgot to tell you last week but in the month of December our mission had a goal of 50 baptisms, and we got 57!  It was really exciting.  This month, for January, President Walkenhorst has set the goal for 70.  It's going to be a push to get there, but I know it's attainable.  As a zone we really want to contribute, so we doing all we can to encourage the missionaries to seek ways to improve and repent and qualify ourselves for those blessings of baptisms!

Remember Michael? The man I told you about last week? I was on an exchange with another elder this weekend and we had a lesson with him and we set a baptism date with him for Feb. 22nd!  On Saturday we were asked to help a family move into the ward.  While at the apartment complex we were waiting for a second trailer to come.  Across the street there was a different couple moving out of their apartment, and they only had one truck.  They knew a member that was with us so the member went over and struck up a conversation and asked if they would like help.  They politely declined, but the member persisted and they then accepted the help.  A trailor and 4 trucks beds full later we made a big dent in their boxes they needed moved and the couple was very grateful for the help.  We asked if we could come by later on in the week to share a message with them of Christ and they said yes!

 There was also a man named Ricky, that Elder Burr found while on exchanges and we've talked since a few times, yet haven’t been able to have a sit down lesson.  We're going over tonight with a member and he should be there though.   As I've been on my mission the more and more I'm convinced and my knowledge has been solidified that this is not the work of any mortal man, and this is not the church of any man, but it is the work of Heavenly Father and savior Jesus Christ.  There have been too many evidences, or tender mercy's, for this to be any church or work other than our Heavenly Father's and Jesus Christ's.  I've been doing a better job at recording these tender mercy's and miracles and it's really been a blessing in my life.  There's nothing better than helping someone enter the waters of baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  However I can't describe to you the joy I felt as I saw B. Shinn, a LA member we've been trying to get to come to church now for a month, walk in last Sunday and sit down next to us, or as we took Gabriel Arredondo, a recent convert of a month or so, to a lesson and see him bear his testimony and feel the spirit that accompanied his testimony, or the joy that comes from hearing an investigator couple that's been living together for 8 years tell us that they're going to get married!  If we are seeking for more joy, share the gospel.  Because the gospel is the only source of joy that will not fade or diminish.  It's everlasting!  I love you all, and am grateful for all your prayers, letters, and support!!  Keep on keepin on!
Elder Traasdahl

 Happy New Year! 2014!


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