TRANSFERRED! (October 14, 2013)

HELLO FAMILY!  My my my what a wonderful, busy, crazy week!  I PASSED MY FOUR MONTH MARK!  Can you believe it??  I only have about 20 minutes today, so I'll try to summarize my updates :)

 

-I went on an exchange with our neighboring area, and when we were out and about tracting, a 90+ year old woman who was blind answered the door.  She seemed confused at our purpose showing up at her house, but I was able to explain what it is that we share and why.  Before knowing she was blind, I gave her a small picture of Christ.  When I told her Jesus knew her and loved her, she started to weep.  It was a really tender moment.  It's amazing how small and simple acts of kindness can go so far.

-We taught an AMAZING Restoration lesson to our 'miracle' investigator named Whitney.  Wow.  You could cut the Spirit with a knife!  She is SO prepared.  She has been reading from the Book of Mormon, and LOVES it, and said she can feel the Holy Ghost all around her, and that God has a plan for her life!  YAY!  We challenged her to baptism, and she accepted! Woo!!  We just need to get her schedule re-aligned so she can make it to church.

-On our way home a few nights ago, we ran into a lady trying to get into our clubhouse where we live.  Her name is Heidi.  She was super nice and we told her why we're out serving missions and a little about what it is that we share with people.  We gave her a card because she was in a rush, but she texted us the next day, and really opened up about her past and her faith.  She's coming to church next week, and is super excited to meet with us! Another miracle!

 

In our mission, there are about 50 scriptures/quotes that we are supposed to memorize.  The quote I just memorized this morning is from Bruce R. McKonkie:

"Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness.  It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws the greater will be the endowment of faith."

I LOVE this quote. In my personal Book of Mormon study, I just read in Alma 14, when those who believe in Christ are being burned to death; women, children, families, and scriptures.  What a tragic scene Alma and Amulek had to witness.  This quote really made me appreciate their faith and courage to go forth and stand as witnesses of truth, despite the horror and wickedness they had to deal with.  Aren't we so blessed to live in a country and a time where we can worship freely?

 

Today, we got the a call, and I'M GETTING TRANSFERRED!  I don't think I received my visa quite yet, but It will be really nice getting a new companion and working in a new area.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity I had to be in Centerville!  I've learned SO much.  I'm officially out of training, too!  Woohoo!  No longer a "greenie" :)  I'll be sure to email out my new address next Monday.

 

I LOVE MY FAMILY!  The Gospel is TRUE.  All we have to do to know that it is true is to live it, and FEEL the difference in our lives.

 

Know that you are loved and prayed for! 

 

Love, Elder Jason Allred

 

Picture:  Here is me with the other missionaries in my district today during "Fun Day".  I love my district!