Februaruy 13, 2012

Dear family and friends,

          Things are going pretty good this week. Jessie was sick yesterday, so she didn't come to church, but Nick and their daughter Megan (9 years old) came and so we got to teach them after church. I guess it never occured to me that Megan can also be baptized along with Jessie and Nick. We had started by just teaching Jessie and Nick, but then after a couple times, Megan started joining in also and so we can set her for baptism, also. Cynthia didn't come to church this week either because she was in Prescott, but if all goes well she'll get married tomorrow and then we can set a definite date for either this week or next week for her baptism. We were also pretty surprised with Damian and Chardonay because we talked with their mom about changing the baptism date for a little earlier. They were planning on having family come during the summer and get baptized then, but now we might be able to baptize them in March or possibly this month.

           We also got to teach Michelle Montana and Matt this week. We were able to finish teaching the Plan of Salvation and since it was also brought up, the law of chastity. They seem to be warming up to us a little more and asking us sincere questions. They even invited us over to dinner on a day that we didn't have dinner, so that's always good.

           We went and saw Josh this week and things have been a little hard for him since his baptism. He's always had problems walking around because he has infections on his feet, but now it seems to be getting worse and they might have to do some major surgery on them. On top of that, he's been having problems with his daughter's mom and it's getting him a little stressed out.

           We also had a dinner and a lesson with a part-member family, the Kleinhampl's, the ones that we did some service for about a month ago. We taught Dave the 1st lesson and we went over a couple of his Biblical concerns. He admitted that it might take him a little longer to get a grasp of things and to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. He's learned a couple things from when the missionaries used to live with them, and the wife mentioned that he's never gone this far into it, so we'll try not to rush him into anything yet.

           Rex's mother-in-law passed away this week and we just went to the funeral on Saturday at the church. Even though some of the family was sad, I think that most of the family was just relieved that she's gone to a better place and in the presence of God because it took a lot of effort and patience to be able to take care of her. She had dimensia for about a year and she was always out of it when we came over. I'm a little sad that I didn't get to see the "real" her, but from what I heard she was a very respected woman. I liked what Bro. Thomas said was that the joy of having her come back home is greater than our sorrow here on earth. It seems that every time something like this happens, the family seems calmed because they know that they will see that person again and it's the assurance of the Atonement and the Resurrection that all of that is made possible.

            Just when I thought all of the rooms had been painted in our house, you guys go and paint the living room, too. I'm going to come home to a completely different house! I guess that's cool, an 18 year old house could always use some makeovers.

            Our area is slowly diminishing. We basically have the solid people that are set for baptism and come to church every week and nobody else. We've tried tracting and street contacting, but that didn't work too well. So we're still thinking of ways to find more people to teach. I think that all there's left to do is keep being obedient and doing what we're supposed to and have faith that the Lord will do the rest. I guess we need to show Him that we're willing to keep His commandments, and he'll bless us for that.

            Well, I think that's all I have for this week. I'll let you know if I need anything.

I love you!

Elder Meiners