Elder Burch π

Greetings, Cadets!

They call Missoula "The Zoo." I am beginning to see why.

The last week has been a massive adventure. Between seeing many
unfamiliar people, some familiar faces, crossing hundreds of miles,
and arriving in Missoula, things have been crazy. Here we go:

Elder Campbell. Oh, Elder Campbell. How I miss you! Elder Campbell
and I waived good bye at a gas station in Sheridan, and he is still in
Buffalo with Elder Allen. All the best wishes to him - he is an
awesome friend and an awesome elder. I hope he finds much joy and
success in Buffalo and beyond.

We drove to Billings that night, and stayed in the mission home with
the rest of the elders transferring to various places across the
mission. The next morning at six, we took off in a van most referred
to as the space shuttle. We made a stop in Bozeman, and then in
Helena, where I was reunited briefly with my first trainer, Elder
Berrett. It sounds like he's still doing well, and it was awesome to
see him again.

From Helena, we took off and headed down to Missoula, where I met
Elder Ray. Elder Ray is my new companion. He is from Eagar, Arizona,
and enjoys guns, trucks, and Pokémon. I haven't spoken Pokémon since I
was young, I picked up gun speak from Elder Campbell, and I picked up
truck speak from Elder Andrews. In short, I think we can get along
alright.

I am also excited to not be drive man anymore. Driving is great, but
having the responsibility lifted from my shoulders is a nice thing.

So, Missoula 5th Ward. We don't have any real potential investigators
right now. But, not for long! With hard work, charisma, and the Spirit
of the Lord, we will increase our teaching pool and bring many people
to the fold! The hand of the Lord has been prevelant in the work
already. We met a Jehovah's Witness woman the other day who we have
a return appointment with tomorrow at 2. We have been trying former
investigators, and two of them have accepted an invitation to see us again.
One evening while walking around, a man approached us from behind and
started talking with us. "You boys doing ministering work?"
"Heck yeah, we are!" He told us of some concerns he was having about his
nephew involving getting a job and the Sabbath day, and after that
conversation had ended we asked him if he'd be down for talking
about the gospel some day. "Not really. I'm really spiritual and all,
but I'm not really one for preaching." He paused, then continued,
"Do you boys want to come and visit at my place, though? Get some
water, maybe some salsa?" Well, we're all into that! So, we walk with
him and talk, and find out that he is a drummer! Sweet! When we
get to his home, we go into his basement to check out his drum set,
and we notice a desk in the corner with some old-looking pictures.
"What are those?" I inquired. "That is my grandfather, and my great
grandfather, and my great-great grandfather..." No freaking way.
This guy had been doing family history work. We eagerly tell him of
the resources available free through family search, and the family
history center available at the stake center. He was excited, and
gave us his number so that we could contact him with the times of
the center, and as we took off, he told us, "You boys are doing good
work. If you ever need food or water, or just want to hang out, stop
on by! If you want to talk about Jesus, too, we can do that, too."
Freak yeah! The Lord is putting people into our path, and is blessing us.

I have a testimony of the promises of God. When He promises
blessings, He means it. As it says in D&C 82:10, "I the Lord am bound
when ye do what I say." I may have shared that before, but it is true.
Please pray for the missionary work in Missoula, and that we will find
more people to teach as we diligently seek to find.

Thank you all for everything! Rock and roll~

-Elder Burch π

"... We've got fun and games."