December 12, 2016 -- Snow. . .It's Cold!!

Well... It happened.... I had to break out the winter gear this past week. The heavy coat, hat, scarf, thermals, heavy wool socks, gloves, and finally the golf ball for knocking doors. After getting all this gear on, I stay pretty warm when we're out working. I'm just glad that I have car instead of a bike this year. I slipped one too many times last year in the snow. The snow has been great though. It's really increased the Christmas spirit. Elder Crandall and I are having a great time here in NY and we are very busy.

I think one of the biggest lessons this past week has been the importance of members in missionary work. Yesterday the Sedlac's, our ward mission leader and his wife, had Marie, our investigator, and her two kids over for lunch and a lesson after church. When we teach Marie at her house, things get chaotic and distract from the teaching environment; so we came up with the idea of having a lesson at a member's house so she could be focused. The Sedlac's were more than willing to host it and provide a meal with it as well.  So that's what happened yesterday. The lunch was delicious and Sister Sedlack connected very well with Marie. That's one thing the Elmira Ward is great at -- fellowshipping. When it came time for the lesson we discussed the 5 things we need to have a testimony of in the gospel. They are God, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Thomas S. Monson, and temples. Marie was very focused and took all of it in. At the end of it all, Brother Sedlac brought up baptism and we set a solid date for Marie -- Jan 26th so she has time to prepare. The lesson could not have gone better and Marie truly has a desire to improve herself though the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the ways Heavenly Father helps us to help our investigators. It really is His work and I am just a tool in his hands.

I know that this Church has the fullness of the gospel and it is the only way to everlasting joy!

The sky is blue, the Church is true, and life is good.

 

Love, Elder Carlile

 

 

Our Festive Apartment