Charles

2.29.16

This morning we decided to start our P-day by going on a trail run. We

went to the same place we hiked around at a couple of weeks ago. It

was so much fun!! It is such a blessing to have a companion who enjoys

physical fitness and the beauty of nature.

        All three of our baptismal dates are still good to go for the 19th of

March! We were able to have two good lessons with the Binklies this

week, as well as two good lessons with Ralph. The ward has been super

supportive and we have been able to bring a lot of awesome members to

the lessons with the BInklies, who have really been able to add to our

lessons and provide great fellowship. The ward also continues to be a

huge help to Ralph. They are creating a list of all of the things that

need to be done in his house, and will be helping get his house up and

running. They are hoping to make it into a service project.

  We were also able to have a great lesson with Charles! He had

emailed us a couple days before our lesson and told us a couple of

concerns he had with the Book of Mormon and other doctrinal things he

didn't agree with. We text him and told him that we would be able to

try are best to answer his questions. We went over to his house this

Saturday and he told us what his concerns were. After he was done

telling us about his concerns, I felt like we should teach him the

Apostasy. The lesson went really well, and he totally agreed that the

world had fallen into an apostasy. We also watched Joseph Smith's

first vision with him. He told us that he is going to have to do a lot

of studying and praying. He is also really big on going to God and

seeking truth from him. We told him that was exactly what we wanted

him to do! Charles also told us about his conversion to Christ and how

much his life has changed because of it, it was a very inspiring

story. Charles is a very sincere man, and I can see the light of

Christ in his eyes. We are continuing to prayer that he will receive a

witness of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. He is already close

to finishing 2 Nephi:)

  We were also able to meet with one of our investigators named Ray.

We had a lesson with him about the baptismal covenant as well as the

importance of taking the sacrament. We also extended a baptismal

invitation for the 23rd of April. He told us that his desire is to be

baptized, but that he would have to pray about the 23rd. He bore a

beautiful testimony of the reality of God and told us how grateful he

was for God's hand in his life.

  We have been so blessed in this area! God is providing many people

for us to teach, and I am so grateful for the opportunities he is

giving. He truly is aware of our needs and wants each one of his

children to have joy. I love you all and hope you have a safe week!

Elder Griffin