DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY

Dear Family and Friends,

IT RAINED!? That is a miracle! Miracles are EVERYWHERE! I know that is true, Heavenly Father's hand is in our lives everywhere! I have seen that out here in the field, and I have seen that back home too, and it is interesting that He will bless us in normal and natural ways, almost to the point that if we don't look for it specifically, we will never see it. It takes some effort to see His love and blessings, and I think that is for a reason, because those who love Him, will look for all He does for them and try to give back by service! Our choices we make really do show our love for God and our love for others :) Decisions determine destiny. 

That is a neat topic for the lesson! I have used that out here in the mission too, especially teaching people that we will be safe as we follow the prophets. That is such a comforting feeling. Safety comes from following the prophet and other Church leaders :) I know that is true, I have seen it in my life.

This week, Brother and Sister R were interviewed for baptism! They are going to move their baptism back a little bit, but their kids are being baptized on the 15th of this month! K T is being baptized on the 15th also and her interview is tonight. We are working hard to help the other people we are teaching stay committed to the dates they are planned for. They are doing great. D S is getting a little hesitant this last few times, and so we are going to set up an appointment with her soon and talk about it. Brother B quit his job, and now he is coming to Church! It was great to get to sit with him this sunday in Elders Quorum. He has been having a rough time with Church attendance, but now, is able to come. They are trying to be sealed together in the temple and will keep working toward that goal! Brother and Sister R and getting married this friday at 6:00! 

Many miracles are happening in this part of The Lord's vineyard and I know they will continue to happen as we put our faith into practice! We are going to go to the temple this wednesday and thank you for sending those names!!! I am so excited about the ones you sent me! I get to see them start from the beginning and go through to the end! 

We get down on ourselves a lot in life. That is something satan uses against us. He uses our greatest virtues to become our greatest vices, and in the process he makes us turn away from the things we love. Why do we as human being get down on ourselves? Sometimes it is because of unrealistic expectations. Sometimes it is because we need a coping method and don't want to face truth, and sometimes it is because we are distressed. I am so grateful for The Savior, Who makes Salvation possible! Elder Nelson says perfection will not be attained in this life. 

I am going to try to get permission from the Zone Leaders to teach J! We met an investigator named J this week! SHE IS PREPARED!  She committed to be baptized, and she also in a kneeling prayer at the end of the lesson said she felt like she had been missing something in her life and this might be it :) I know it is what EVERYONE is looking for! Everyone who seeks after Jesus Christ will find Him, His teachings, and His love here in this Church, because it is The Church of Jesus Christ. He loves us and I love you too! Hope you all have a great week! 

Love,

Elder Abner Apsley :)

WE ARE HIS HANDS... INVITATION PROCEEDS ACTION :)

Hi Mom and Dad and all other family!

This week has been great! Sister T is done smoking and is getting interviewed for baptism this week! Her baptism along with M and A's is next week on the 15th!

D S is getting baptized on the 22nd and even more people in March as well! :)

Sister M, one of the recent converts in the ward, has a son who is being taught. His name is D. He is overcoming his addiction to tobacco, and has committed to 'try' to live the Word of Wisdom by Feb. 25th. He has a baptismal date for March 8th :) Will you keep him in your prayers? 

Things that made me laugh this week... TANNER'S E-MAIL!!!! Haha! That was amazing! And if you read the Ensign this month, Elder Scott gave a talk and talked about coat hangers, that was pretty funny too :)

So yes, we have had lots to do this week and are hoping to have more and more to do next week! We were able to sit in correlation meeting this week again and talk about the plan to do the work in this ward! We have had success in teaching with members and especially in helping members invite friends! Mom, I love what you said about it is the members who can find best and then the missionaries are there to teach! 

One way we are helping members is by this 365 day calendar! It helps them to see opportunities to invite their friends to Church and especially TO MEET THE MISSIONARIES, and thereby learn of Jesus Christ :)

Now one thing that is so important in this work is to talk with everyone! It is so neat to see how that helps us BECOME missionaries! Also, Ch.11 in Preach My Gospel has become one of my favorites! It is there to help us learn how to best invite others to come unto Christ! Invitations are so important... otherwise people usually won't act. Along with promising them specific blessings and then bearing testimony :) 

That's so neat Chandler's friend got baptized!!! :) She was really smart when I got to meet her the few times I did! And what a blessing in her life to find it with a friend :) 

I did get the towels! I love the Koll family. They have a very special place in my heart. :)

I will keep those girls in my prayers! I also will keep Chandler's friend in my prayers. For some reason, the more you pray about someone, the more you will know what to do for them! WE ARE THE LORD'S HANDS! It is another testament of His love, to allow us imperfect people to do His perfect work, for as we do His work, we are sanctified by His Spirit :)

Thank you to everyone who reads these e-mails for your support and encouragement. I wish I could call each of you individually and talk to you but I know that prayer keeps us close as well. I love you all, and pray each of you have a great week! I know that Jesus is The Christ, and I know that as you read The Book of Mormon, you will come to know Him more and more. I know that baptism and the covenants and ordinances of The Gospel are here to bless the lives of everyone who partakes in them, and eventually allow us to have Eternal Life with Heavenly Father :)

Love,

Elder Abner Apsley :)