“I pictured it just right...”

This week was really, really good. Three main things: 1. Kathy, 2. Baptism, and 3. Testimony. Bueno.

First: Kathy. There is a family in one of our wards that has been taught on and off by the missionaries for years. The husband is a long time less active member, and the wife is not a member. It seems like there is a slight lack of commitment, but the biggest issue has been divorce logistics. As we contemplated how to help this family, Elder Craig and I both felt like perhaps focusing on the wife’s mother, who also lives with them, would be the route to take. We show up for the first lesson after that decision, and it must’ve been inspired. Not too far into the conversation, Kathy (the mom) started talking to us about how she has been trying to quit smoking, and the positive feelings she has had toward the LDS church, and how she feels drawn to the Book of Mormon. We testified of the truth of the Book of Mormon, and the restoration, and the power of commitment and action, and she was down to act. Thus far, she has kept all her reading commitments (though, she needs to come to church with the family, those little punks). We have another lesson with them tonight, and we are excited for that. Pray for us and Kathy, please.

Second, we had the baptism of Amber! It was a good experience, and I felt good about it. Also, she bought a 2016 Subaru WRX STi. Midlife crises, and stuff. Anyway, we felt really good about it all after we had an interview with her beforehand. It was good. Impromptu talk on the Holy Ghost. Also, cool stuff happening with her son. Ask about that more later, or when I get home. But know that it is cool. Pray for him (Kyle).

Lastly, I wanted to bear to you all my testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I’ve had far too many experiences and seen far too many lives changed for the good to have reason to doubt that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the World. I testify that He is the promised Messiah, the Holy One of Israel, and that we can become the best people we can be if we turn to Him and abide by his precepts. His gospel is one of self-improvement and service, and getting strength beyond our own to overcome weaknesses through the grace of Jesus Christ. He has restored that gospel to the earth, along with all the blessings and miracles from God, in these Latter-Days through a prophet of God. God seeks to bless us, and He does so through giving us guidance on how to live and power to do it. I testify of Him who is mighty to save, and invite all to experiment upon the Word. 

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts.” - Jacob 6:5

Until next time. Rock and roll ~

-Elder Stephen Burch π

Baptism of water and of fire

A Chameleon!

Picture with the Bly guy

The king and I

Eat drink and be merry

“If I could write to the kid I was before...”

Everyone,

This week was solid. Highlights:

Zone Conference. It included the following interaction:

Me: “Hey, so what is your training on?”

Sister Training Leader: “What?”

Me: Oh, shoot. “Did you not get the zone conference email from the assistants?”

STL: “No! We have a discussion?!”

Me: “Rats. Um, yes. Thirty minutes.”

STL: “ELDER BURCH!”

Me: “It’s on faith and miracles. That’s easy enough to fake, right?”

STL: “Elder Burch, I’m going to kill you.”

Their discussion went really, really well, and I think we’re still friends. Think. I don’t know; sometimes they don’t forgive. They don’t forget, either. You can run, but you can’t... forget.

Honestly, the Lord keeps dropping blessings into our hands that we don’t deserve. I guess faith is a miracle producer. It must be Elder Craig, because I can be a faithless little punk way too often. The other day, after a lesson, we had some time before dinner, so we chose to knock some doors on the street we were on. No new investigators, but we had a solid conversation with a guy who runs a group for those with PTSD to help them recover through Christ. He gave us some referrals. It was cool. And then! We pulled in on Sunday after Stake Conference and there was a teenager outside our apartment who asked us, “Hey, do you guys know of any youth groups around here?” Of course we do. Had a good conversation with him. He wants to reconnect with Jesus because he’s been in jail for drugs since he was 13. We are going to be inviting him to the YSA activities. It was awesome. 

Blessings falling down, you know?

I think that is all for now. Thank you all for your support. Love you! 

Rock and roll ~

-Elder Stephen Burch π

“... I’d tell him you’ll get everything you’ve ever wanted, and you will still want more.”

Elder Craig, myself, Elder Carter, and Elder Giles

Zone Conference

Missionary work is tiring

"There's something about the way the street looks when it's just rained..."

We have talked to a lot of people. It's crazy how many people are outside when the weather is nice. We spent three hours on three streets, just talking with people outside. It was nuts.

And then it rained for two days. It is also crazy how many people are outside even in the wind and rain. We talked to more people. Hooray!

We gave talks in church on Sunday in the YSA Ward. It was Mother's Day. We spoke on the priesthood. Not sure the inspiration on that, but it was truly inspiration. Many people commented that it was just the thing they needed to hear. 

Elder Craig is awesome. Thought I'd throw that in.

Sounds like all is well on the home front. That's good. Skyping was fun. 

We went hiking this morning. I am likely really sunburned again. Oh, deceptive overcast.

Enjoy pictures! We need to take more. 

Rock and roll ~

-- 

Elder Burch π

Hiking

ZLC Facebook chat, feat. Elder Loran, Sister Bauer, Sister Russon,
Elder Hayes, Elder Burch, Elder Craig, and not Elder Carter

We are quite popular in the YSA.