Transfers Already?

Hello!

I have great news! Well, first of all early this week we got a call from the Bishop and he told us that Marcella was moving 2 hours south, and that she was already gone. This was really hard for Elder Larson and I because she hadn't told us, and it was really sudden. A few days later, however, we found out that it was just a big misunderstanding and that she was only going down to move her daughter to college. Our spirits were immediately uplifted once we found this out and so we set up an appointment with her right away. We had her over at Bishop Nielson's home and just like our last lesson with her, the spirit was super strong. The lesson went extremely well, and we set her with a baptismal date for Sept. 25!!! I am so grateful for her and her decision to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Later that day we talked to Tony, but this time we took Bro. Meyer with us and it made a huge difference. With a fellow scientist around his own age, Tony opened up and was more accepting of our message. Member work is so important! If it wasn't for the Bishop and the Archibalds, I know without a doubt that Marcella would not be preparing to be baptized. It really makes all the difference to have that support system around you, and to know other members who love you and will do anything for you. My testimony of this grows each and every lesson we teach with a member present.

Transfers are coming up next week which is pretty crazy! I'll probably still be with my companion but you never know. Elder Litzenberger, who I live with, will be transferred unless some divine intervention keeps him here. He's been here as a zone leader forever!

This week I've really thought about how blessed I am to have the Gospel in my life. There are so many people in this world who are lost and don't even know it. Every day we meet someone who is living a miserable life, disguised in pleasure and worldly possessions. Everyone needs the Gospel. I only wish that more people would listen and that their hearts would be softened. Knowing what's truly important in life and how to get it is so important. I have even met people who despise God and curse him for the challenges and trials he gives them. So many people lack the wisdom and the foresight to realize that trials really truly are blessings. When presented with those trials in our lives, we can do one of two things. We can learn and grow from them, or we can let them destroy us. I know that through consistent and sincere prayer/scripture study we can overcome trials. Not only does that bless us in this life, but it blesses us in the next life more than we can comprehend. I love you all and am thankful for your prayers.

Love, Elder Tilley