4-15-13

Annie’s Letter

So I just have to tell you about this cool thing.  We had a specialized training a couple weeks ago and we all committed to role playing the 3 points of how to begin teaching (see chapter 10 in preach my gospel) and a baptismal extension. So we did every day. And then this week we found a new investigator and it went so perfectly. It was the smoothest how to begin teaching/baptismal extension on the first visit that Sister Bergeson and I have ever done! It was wonderful! Our new investigator is Mr. Jackson. He is very open. He decided he wanted to learn more about Jesus Christ and then we showed up at his door. Funny how that happens. His wife is very nice but a little skeptical. She is very much into her religion (he is not affiliated with any religion, technically. Although he is in her choir). So we'll see how that goes. He is super open though and it was a really simple discussion. and just really good. And Miles is just doing awesome! "We are super excited about him! We taught the Law of Chastity on Friday and the Word of Wisdom along with some other commandments and he was just awesome. (Big lesson)! He said it was going to be hard but that he was willing to do it. If he commits to something he is good for it. Which is super true, he quit chewing tobacco cold turkey. and this week he stayed true to the commitments that we gave him! and he said it wasn't as hard as he thought it would be and that it felt good! It was awesome. Last night we were at a members house with him. We watched "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration"  and it was really good. it helped him understand the prophet better and the whole restoration, what was going on and things. He shared his story with the Koth's and it was just super amazing. He said that it has been like "when you wake up and it's just perfect and the sun is shining and the sky is that perfect color of blue and the breeze is just perfect... that's how I've felt since I started going to church there." HOW AWESOME! And we learned more about when we found him this week too! He saw us and told his boys to hide and be quite, like they weren't home but while he was saying that he was like being pulled to the back door "like, come on stupid!" (his words, I promise). Then he was outside washing his car and was like "man, they're gonna come talk to me... I'll just tell them no and it will be over." But that is not what happened at all. But it is just super awesome because the spirit was obviously working with him and he didn't even know it but he was super prepared. I asked him if he knew then how talking to us would change his life like it has, if he would still have talked to us. And he said he would have. So many blessings he has seen! He is still good for April 27. We are super excited for him. We just have a couple commandments left to teach, he is super willing to live them. he got mad at us yesterday because we hadn't taught him about fasting yet and he learned about it when he went to dinner at the Smith's house. He goes to dinner there like 4 times a week! How awesome is that?! He is doing really well with fellow shippers. The whole ward loves him, he is a part of the ward. We are a little worried though because this ward is awesome, but not super on top of home/visiting teachers or getting recent converts callings. And when they do get callings they are like...made up ones... so we are hoping that we will be able to help them get home teachers and a calling for Miles soon. We started putting in on progress records 2 weeks ago so hopefully it is on their minds... we'll see.
We are trying really hard to find, but struggling right now. But we will continue onward and I know that we will be able to find more. This is Heavenly Father's work. He is part of it. We cannot fail as along as we are earnestly and diligently doing our part! :-)

It sounds like everything is going well for you guys! I'm glad you all had a great weekend! It sounds like lots of fun stuff! is going one! I love getting all your emails and hearing how everything is going. It's just super awesome. I love you guys so much! I don't really have too much else to say... I'll try to get brother Tines phone number from the Little Miami Sisters (he is in the little miami ward) and get it to you next week. I know he would LOVE to talk to Bro. Brisko and also you dad about his mission. He loves to talk about it. He is a super nice guy. It is so cool how the Lord prepares people for the gospel. Over and over I am reminded how true the gospel is. It is amazing! I love it, I love being a part of it, I love sharing it! Have a great day all! Good luck with work/school and stuff this week! Tata!
Annie

Landon’s Letter

Good, well afternoon here at this time, My family!

It has been so awesome to read all of your emails and see the different things going in your lives. I was excited to see an email from everyone.

This week has been pretty fun. Me and Elder Bergeson have been out working with the ward and also on our own. Yes tracting ;p. But that is alright we are striving to find those who are ready or to plant a seed for them to receive the restored gospel in their own lives. We were talking with a guy the other night and it was really funny to talk with him. He had a pretty good humor about him. Just the way he would describe things. It was so animated. The funniest thing he said was, "I did work, until i found out it was a four letter word. So I quit." It was pretty awesome. No we aren't just going around talking to people to get a laugh. We offered to teach him more about the resotred gospel but he declined. I just thought I would share that story.

Also this week it rained, rained, rained, and rained some more. We were getting wet alot because we were out either walking from place to place or tracting. It was really great because on Thursdays we have a car fast. We don't use the cars on Thursday. So we got soaked. It was either get mad and not do anything or to go out and continue working. So that's what we decided to do. Just go out and get to work. We have seen alot of cool things happen and we are building the wonderful area of Stoney Creek one scoop at a time. That is all we can do.

Rachel- I am glad that you had a great time at prom. I am so glad that things were great for you! I am really jealous that you got to go four wheeling. Did you have your own four wheeler? Did you go fast? Keep having fun!

Natalie- You are doing great. I know school is hard but it is worth it when summer comes. It is a complete relief. Just wait. Just keep trying to have some fun with friends. I did get your card. Thanks! I really liked it haha.

Annie- I am so excited for you! You are doing awesome. That's the exact point of real plays. They are practicing for real live situations! I did get your letter and I will try and get that picture to you as soon as possible.

Megan & Justin- Happy Birthday Megan don't worry I won't get you with that your a quarter of a century years old. I was going to but I won't I still have your letter. I am the worste when it comes to that. I will get it off. I love you!

Mom- Thanks for your letter a week ago. It was really helpful to me! I am good with clothes so far so I don't think I need any new ones. Thanks for all that you do. Really thanks! I love you!

Dad- Thanks for all that you do! I am grateful for all that you have given me. I hope that this week goes good for you! I have been bearing my testimony as often as I can. I love doing it!

I love you all and hope that you have a fantastic week!

Love your favorite elder, brother, and son

Elder Landon Webb