I got a new Companion this week, Elder Rosales and he is a lot like me. Layed back, fun to be around, but loves to work and share the gospel. We have already taught 15 lessons together! He is from Yorbalinda, California which is next to Anaheim. He is a rhythm man, so he played Drumline, Drums and Piano and Jazz band and stuff like that. We both love music and we get along super well. He is like 1/4 Mexican but doesn't speak Spanish. I feel like we are going to be super companions! He has brought a lot of enthusiasm to Mountain Home :)
This was a very busy, very exciting week in our Area. We didn't
have any free time from Wednesday afternoon till Saturday evening. Going
to church this week was like the break of the week. I love going to
church and feeling the spirit.
We had some really great lessons. Our
investigators baptismal dates are still solid! Sara and Samantha potter
on May 22nd, Heather and Hayley Logan on May 31st and then Kari Siira on
June 7th. They all were at church yesterday and understand that baptism is going to be such a blessing for them. It
will be life changing. It will be the start of a new life for each of
them. They will grow so much closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus
Christ from it. Bishop Christiansen in the 7th ward said something very profound, "It is not baptism that lets us
enter the kingdom of God, it is what we do after our baptism." Baptism is the first fruits of repentance. (see Moroni 8:25-26.) It
is the moment in which we change our hearts and lives to follow Jesus
Christ. It is such a wonderful thing that brings happiness. We are very
excited and happy that Sara, Samantha, Hayley, Heather and Kari are
making this commitment to not us, but to The Lord.
Elder Rosales and I started a Book of Mormon reading book club
with people we are teaching! 8 people were there! We read
the first three chapters of the Book of Nephi together and assigned all to read chapters 4 and 5 by Tuesday. The Book of Mormon is very
powerful and True. All we do as missionaries is invite people "Read
this Book!" It is a Testament of Jesus Christ! Just like the Bible, it
is words from ancient Prophets and we can apply it to our lives. The Book
of Mormon and the Bible lay a perfect foundation for a testimony of Savior Jesus Christ. I am excited to be reading it through yet again.
I am excited for this month and to work with Elder Rosales. I am growing to Love Mountain Home and the people here!
Keep Moving Forward,
Elder Ethan Howard.
