October 8, 2011

Hey Mom and Dad!

Things are great. Conference was so good! Every talk. The most significant thing I learned from conference was that the Brethren are trying to hasten the work. Most of the talks either had a prominent or an underlying threading of missionary work.

I am so grateful to be so heavily involved in the Lord's work. I hope that throughout my life I can have the same desire to share the love of the gospel as I do right now. We had 3 investigators come to conference, 2 that were new, and a few watched it at member's apartments. They all learned a lot. We went by yesterday to teach one named Demi and she had taken a few pages of notes. We were shocked at how much she got from it. I guess we shouldn't have been though, since it is the Prophets and Apostles haha. But it was cool because she is trying to gain a testimony of modern day prophets and as she studied after conference the Spirit guided her to read some passages in Jeremiah. The verses really touched her heart and helped her realize that God could call prophets, and if He did, He would answer her prayers about it. Then another named April enjoyed President Monson's talk and his sense of humor. It was just a great experience for all of our investigators.

This week was arrivals, transfers, and departures. It was busy, like always, but fun to help with. Zone Leader Council was this week too. It was really good. I felt like it was one of the best I've ever been a part of. We talked about a lot of good and important things that will help the work. 5 of our members came to do some role play with all the ZLs. They LOVED it. They were thankful they could be a part of it.

I was sorry to hear about Uncle Ed's passing. Please tell Grandma B and Aunt Verna and her family that I love them and that I am thinking of them.

So we should be having 1 (possibly 2) baptisms this next Saturday. Dave is excited about his baptism and changing his life. He is reading the Book of Mormon and is close friends with some members that are giving him a lot of support. And Steve is waiting to gain a testimony of Joseph Smith. He just finished 1 Nephi! So cool. But his original date was for the 29th. He is so ready though. So we can pray for a miracle! He is great though. All of our investigators are just awesome. And Steve and Dave are both going to be Priesthood holders! Our area hasn't baptized guys in a long time haha. It will be wonderful. We have a lot of people that we are teaching and are trying to help them accept dates. God is blessing us with success! It's great. So things are just super fantabulous. I LOVE YOU BOTH! Have a great week! Hope you feel better Mom!

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Elder Austin Gable Engemann