A great conference weekend

Hey everyone!  I hope you all had a great week and conference weekend!

Monday consisted of eyebrows being plucked, a pizza party, and basketball.  Typical, right?

Tuesday we had transfers, and Elder Kerr and I were able to give a training to the missionaries who were going to be training brand new missionaries.  It went well, and then we dealt with the drama of transfers and getting everyone in and out.

The group of trainers we trained.

Elder Martin and Elder Wade

We were able to find a couple of new investigators this week!  On Thursday as we went past, a former investigator happened to be outside, so we quickly pulled over and went and met with him for a little bit.  We have a return appointment with him this week!  The other, was on Friday.  We were right at the tail end of knockout, 5:50 or so, when we knocked on Johnny's door.  He was so prepared for the Gospel.  He mentioned all the hard things he had gone through recently, but later mentioned his struggle keeping his faith.  We shared the message of the Restoration with him and asked what it would mean for him if it were true.  He thought about it for a second, and then answered how big of difference it'd be for him and his family.  We are going back to visit him this week after he reads the pamphlet again that we left, and prays.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a couple minutes left before the end of the night, so we walked around our complex and talked with everyone.  We came across this guy, who turns out to be a member, but hasn't been for 10 or so years.  He said we could come over and teach his wife who is a non member- so we were able to be there again this weekend and teach her more about the Book of Mormon.  As we were reminded from conference, it is the most important thing there is.  "A priceless gift from God" as Elder Tad R. Callister put it.

I'd like to add a couple quotes and things that stuck out.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
We will have unimaginable progress as we serve God and others.
"God will use you, IF you're willing."

Bonnie L. Oscarson
Why save the world when we neglect our neighbors.

Russell M. Nelson- read this whole talk (Saturday afternoon)

Dale G. Renlund- read this whole talk (Priesthood session)

David F. Evans
Obedience + daily scripture study + daily prayer= Alive testimony

Richard J. Maynes
"Trust is built on integrity"

Donald L. Hallstrom
"What constitutes a miracle?  A beneficial event brought about by divine power that we can't understand."
He gave the example of being a child of God is a miracle.

Henry B. Eyring- read this whole talk (Sunday morning)

Tad R. Callister- read this whole talk on the Book of Mormon (Sunday afternoon)

Ian S. Ardern (my home boy!)
"Where we turn for answers requires great care!"

Jose L. Alonso
"Love without service is like faith without works- it's dead."

Robert D. Hales (passed away, but short message was delivered via Elder Andersen)
"Our faith prepares us to be in the presence of God."


I encourage all of you to review general conference, and look and pray about the things taught and what they mean to you.

I love you all!

Elder Colby Martin

The crew at conference

Sunrise from our balcony

"My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions- every day.  I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open,and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life."  Russell M. Nelson