April 4th, 2016

I actually talked to my mission president this week. He gave me some great advice. The mission has made great changes to me.

The family of investigaters are on fire! So we taught them 3 times this week. The first time we taught the mother from the Book of Mormon about faith. We read alma 32 with her and just broke down the scriptures and helped her read it. We helped her understand the significance of faith and how it's an action. Peter and the kids were sick so they couldn't join us, but two days later we gave the whole family a chapel tour and showed them the brand new chapel that we have here in the Salisbury branch. It is less than a year old. The Spirit was strong when we took them into baptismal font and taught them about baptism and the Holy Ghost. Then this Sunday they watched a session of conference. Because of the major time difference they could only watch the Saturday afternoon session which wasn't the best one but I sat next to the Dad who silently asked me questions the whole time. Elder Bednard's talk on baptism and the Holy Ghost was perfect and they also like the parenting tips from Elder Ballard. The sprit was strong. The Lord is most definitely working with them and with me.

Conference is like the super bowl to a missionary. It is a time of spiritual rejuvenation and for me reflection. I have seen so much growth in the past months of my missionary service and I have come closer to the Lord then I have ever been before. An impression I had while listening to Elder Christofferson's talk was, our capacity to love increases as we love and feel love through time and experience. He never said this word for word but it was an impression I had from the Spirit. As I reflected back on the love I have received and given in the past I realized how much growth has taken place within me. The Savior through His atonement has truly increased my capacity to love. The power of love is unmeasurable yet it is the most powerful force that exist. It is the reason for our existence and the more love we give the closer we will come to our Father in Heaven and His Son who is our rescuer.

Life can be stressful, but I am trying to do what Heavenly Father wants me to do. I strive to follow Him because I love Him.

Thanks for all your love and support. I don't think I need anything right now besides a lot of prayers. Let me know if you need anything! 

Love, Elder Johnson