11/17/2009

Dear Family & Friends,

Well so for the last week of missionary work. I really don't know where to start or what to say. We met with one investigator named Daniel (26) and we did set a date with him for the 27th of December! We are pretty excited but we are going to work really hard with him because he has a problem with smoking and hasn't been to church since I've been here. He is a really nice kid. We know that if he really wants it and if we work our hardest to help him that he will be able to achieve it. Please pray for him also. We set the date with him on Friday afternoon. Right after his appointment we began to fast for Br. Phong. I was praying so much for him last week. I knew that it was going to be difficult to set a date with him but I believed that he was ready and that the Lord would help us out. We met with Br. Phong Saturday night. We fasted all the way until after our appointment. We showed up and the bishop was with us. He had been doing some research on the church and was worried about tithing. We changed our lesson plans on the spot and taught about Tithing. He was stuck on the number part of tithing rather than the faith. In that lesson I realized more than ever that it wasn't about the money but showing our faith and building the kingdom of God. The lesson lasted for an hour and a half but we were able to set a baptism date for the 20th of December. On Sunday he didn't show up until the Sacrament meeting (last hour) and he wasn't feeling the greatest. He was still focused on tithing but a recent convert was talking with him after church and it went well. He was able to talk to him and help him understand that it was between him and the Lord. Last night his family was invited to FHE by one of the families in the ward and it was good to build a relationship there. Just a blessing filled week. I'm grateful for the blessings that the Lord sends me. Thank you for your prayers and please continue to pray for these two sons of God. They are really coming to know there Savior Jesus Christ. It's way sweet to be a part of this change in their lives.

Well we are working way hard and obviously we are seeing the effects of it. A little update on myself. I was able to weigh myself this last week and I found out that I've lost 25 lbs! I weigh 175. I haven't been that light since the 8th grade. It's crazy. I wonder if I'm done losing.

That's crazy about those two wrecks. Everyone is glued to there cellphones these days. I see 8 year old kids talking on cell phones these days and it's crazy. How the times change. I'm sure you've heard about the German Goalie that committed suicide. Pretty sad that someone would go to that extreme.

That's sweet that you were able to sit in the Chapel. I'm glad that it was a good experience. The Apostles teach so well. I've been able to listen to a couple of talks this past week and I find it so amazing how well they teach. I'm working on my teaching skills and expecting the spirit to be there. I know that the spirit of God is with me as I teach. I can feel it's presence and I know that it's real.

I was so excited to hear that the Hallidays are doing good and that Eric and Megan and Seth are doing well.

Well I got a letter from Luci Jones this last week but that's it. Thanks for spreading the news about the blog and giving my address out. I hope that it will be able to help some people come closer to Christ.

Thanks For the great letter. Christmas is right around the corner! Love you all.

"No Regrets"

Love
Elder Merrill