Some Martin Missionary Moments: Happy New Year!

Elder Howell, Elder Martin, Elder Johnson, Elder Farrer

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a good New Year!

These last couple weeks have been a giant blur, but have been really good. We've been able to find a lot of cool people to teach and get to church. I haven't written since the new transfer started 2 weeks ago, but our apartment is awesome! I have the chance to work with Elder Johnson a lot, as he's the other zone leader. We're really similar, so the way we want things run, it's pretty easy to work together.

The work in the YSA ward is progressing really well! We've been able to find a lot of people and meet with them often. One specifically we've been working with for a while (we ran into him in the streets) came to church with us this week. We couldn't give him a ride in our mission car, but he also didn't want to ride with a member by himself, so we met him at McDonald's and rode with him and the member. Gotta do what we gotta do to get people to church- that's where the conversion takes place!

We've done a couple exchanges where we've been able to see some miracles. There are always miracles to be had when we work hard and in faith. We got a really cool call from a member in Northern California for his nephew, and referred us to him. We were able to teach him and invite him to be baptized, which he accepted when he comes to know the truth of these things.

We were also able to find a lady who is going through a hard time. It made teaching the "Plan of Salvation" more meaningful, as she just lost her mom. It's neat to see how the Plan of Salvation truly does answer the questions of the soul. We were able to answer all of her questions as well as show her scriptures in the Book of Mormon where she said she "knows those scriptures are true." Such a cool experience!

Yesterday, being the new year, we spent some time proselyting in the park, and talked to those at the courts, as usual. We found a couple of cool kids that are coming to play basketball with us today at the church too. One particular kid, when I asked if he's talked to missionaries before said "Yeah, I've talked to you. In fact, you dunked on my friend once in those same clothes!" Hahaha, it was a good little laugh.

I love the Gospel so much. I hope and pray that each of us can do what we can to come closer to our Father in Heaven each and every day. I know the Book of Mormon is true.

I love you all!

Elder Martin