New Companion = New Enthusiasm

From May 5
 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.