Temple Trip

Hello everyone!  I hope you have all had a safe December so far.  All is well here in the Great California San Fernando Mission.  Not much happened on Monday, but Tuesday was good.  Who said you can't find new people to teach in YSA via knocking?  We did.  We met a girl from Madagascar that is here for school and she was really receptive to the message of the Restoration. 

On Wednesday we were able to meet with our buddy, Mel again.  He's still set for baptism at this point, but we will probably have to pass him to the family ward, because he can only make their sacrament time.  We found another kid during knockout on Wednesday, and he didn't believe in anything, but we talked about being able to have every mistake taken away from us- guilt and shame included, and he was ecstatic.  We taught him about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  It's always so powerful to teach and testify of it.  We hit "In n Out" for dinner, and the cashier swiped his own card and said "Merry Christmas".  Such a good feeling.  It seems so simple, but it feels so nice to serve, and to be served.  I heard a simple quote:  "The spirit of Christmas, is the SPIRIT."  Isn't that true?

On Friday we were able to go to the temple on our semi annual mission trip.  It's always good to go and feel the Spirit and power of the temple in our lives.

Elder Nielsen, Elder Kerr, Elder Martin, Elder Nykamp, Elder Howell

Elder Clarke and Elder Martin

Saturday was a little rough.  We had 4 lessons fall through, even some that we had members ready to help.  We went to proselyte in the park and ran into kids playing ball, so naturally we stopped and played them.  Outcome?  Same as always.  (We happened to see Reggie Bullock run by, too.  If you want to, google him)  We got transfer calls as well.  We're both staying in YSA, and after one short transfer, I'm coming out of retirement and being a zone leader again.  Church is always good.  We had a lesson with our friend Luis as well at McDonald's.  (We didn't buy anything, it was Sunday.)  It went really well.  We read from 2nd Nephi with him and talked about it.

Unfortunately, Elder Hadley is leaving YSA, but Elder Johnson is coming in, and it's gonna be sick!

I hope you all have a very blessed, and safe Christmas.  I pray that we can all remember the meaning of Christmas, the Saviors birth.  It has been such a blessing in my life, and I know it has for many of you as well.

I love you all!

Elder Martin

Chillin' at the LA river

"But let us not forget that we are disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, the living Son of the living God.  To truly honor His coming into the world, we must do as He did and reach out in compassion and mercy to our fellowmen.  Let this become our Christmas tradition, no matter where we are- to be a little kinder, more forgiving, less judging, more grateful, and more generous in sharing our abundance with those in need."  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf