Monday, April 23, 2012

Dear family and friends,

          Things have been going pretty good this week. We were actually quite surprised to see Dave at church with his wife for the second time in a row this week. We were able to stop by yesterday and teach him the Plan of Salvation, which he mentioned was quite different from the way that he learned it as he was growing up. With him, we want to make sure that we're not rushing him too quickly because he's said before that he doesn't want to be pressured into doing anything. We've also been trying to visit some of the young single adults in our ward because our ward is thinking about creating a YSA class at church for those youth that wouldn't quite feel ready to go to Priesthood or Relief Society yet. Some of them have expressed interest, some of them have moved to another area, and some of them feel like they would be judged in one way or another if they came back to church. We found this statement to be true also with some of the less-actives that we've been seeing. For one reason or another, someone got offended and so they stopped coming to church and they have the impression now that if they come back, everybody will say something negative to them. We've tried telling all of these people that we should go to church for ourselves and to improve our relationship with Jesus Christ and to not worry about what other people say. One thing that I've learned is that the church is perfect, but the people aren't.
           We've also been trying to see some of our recent converts and making sure that they're still doing well. This week we were able to see Jessie and Nick and also Cynthia  and talk to them a little bit about family history work and being able to go to the temple to do the ordinances for them. In fact, Cynthia just had an interview with the bishop yesterday and she just received her "limited use" temple recommend so she can do baptisms  already! We also found out that Nick has received the Aaronic Priesthood and is doing very well along with Jessie.
           This week, we talked with Rochelle and she mentioned that our church "wasn't for her". Her boyfriend's son didn't like her studying with our church because he's "Christian" and he wanted her to come to his church. We didn't have the chance to see Lonnie or Jackie this week, but we do plan on seeing them this week.
           Well, we found out what's happening with transfers and they've changed things up a little now. Now when we find out who's staying or who's going, we also find out our new area and our new companion if we're leaving. So...I'm going to the Warm Springs zone (in Henderson, Las Vegas) and I'll be with Elder Valele. That means that I'm leaving Bullhead City after being here for almost 6 months (plus 6 weeks a year ago). It's definitely been a great time here, but I'm excited to go to another area for the last part of my mission.
           That's awesome that you guys got to see the musical this week; I bet it was good. Have a great time at Virginia Beach this week, also. It's a great way to spend your anniversary, with a bunch of high school kids, haha.
           Well, I think that's it from me this week. I'll let you guys know if I need anything.

I love you!

Elder Meiners