November 11, 2013

Hello Everyone and Happy Veterans Day!  Thank you to all those who have served and are serving today!  It means so much to me to be able to live in a free country where the Gospel of Jesus Christ could be restored and I have the right to go forth and preach it. So thank you so much!  

I have transferred to the north woods of Wisconsin in Rhinelander, our area is huge! It would take us three hours to go from the west end of our area to the east end.  The ward in the area is smaller but the saints here are so diligent and faithful! Some members have to drive 72 miles just to get to church every Sunday.  Their temple is in a different state 4 Hours away.  They have such a desire to share the Book of Mormon with their friends!  I hope we all can have the same dedication to share the blessings of the gospel with our friends and families.  

So Rhinelander is cold, about a 20 degree difference from my last area, it is usually in the 20's but i've been able to stay warm and i haven't even whipped out my thermals and wool socks. I am excited to see 6 feet of snow, I haven't seen that since my sophomore year where it snowed 3 feet over night and then another foot while I was snowboarding.  My new companion and I don't have much to work with as far as investigators go so we will have to find our own. We have been tracting for about 3-4 hours each day to try and find those who are interested.  So far it is hard to find people home but we will keep at it.  

This week I want to talk about prayer and the amazing gift that it is!  We have a direct comunication to the ultimate source of power and comfort in existence. Our Father in Heaven is always there for us.  We can turn to Him any time and he will strengthen us. I have really felt that this past week, I'm in a new area, its cold, there aren't many people interested in the gospel, and I don't want to knock on doors.  But I have prayed for strength and desire and I testify that when we have faith that God can change us He does.  I found that I didn't notice the cold, that I was excited to talk to new people.  I know that that is not me, my attitude was changed and I was strengthened by the Lord through His Atonement. I am so grateful for the prayers of everyone, my family and friends and those all over the world, I can feel that love and power from everyone. I don't know how I could do it with out prayer.  Alma taught us to "let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually" alma 34;27 We can't do it without prayer!  

Have an amazing week everyone! Get ready for thanksgiving! I love you all!

Elder Ward