Ben 6/17/13

***Here is Ben's Email.  He got TRANSFERRED.  He is excited and sad all at the same time.  I tried to attach two songs he sent us for your enjoyment (but not for blackmail).  I hope you can open them.  I am not very tech savvy!  Enjoy!

 

Fam!

Oh man! Just found out I got transferred to Titusville with Elder Galindo! No idea who that is!!! Titusville is on the opposite side of the mission, so I haven't met anyone even in my district. It's in the Cocoa beach zone, not exactly where I want to be in June July and August, for temptation reasons haha. This transfer means a lot of things. It brings a lot of opportunity spiritually.

For one it gives me an opportunity to demonstrate some real faith and trust. There is a new missionary coming toClermont, so it's hard. I have dedicated six months of my life to working and fasting and praying for these people. There are so many people here that I have seen change. So many miracles I've seen. While I was here we baptized Ricky and his mom and Priscilla, Andy, and Ryan. We've been just desperately working since then to get these people ready for baptism. For the most part, baptisms aren't very telling as to how hard the missionary has worked. You plant seeds and then go reap someone else's. The Lord through president usually sends you to an area where seeds need to be planted, and sends a missionary who needs to see some blessings to reap what you sow. So I have faith that Elder Dixon and Elder Spry can baptize the M. family, Aida, Enjelie, Jose, Reuben and Amanda's kids, Jansen, Rafael and Elijah, the W.'s, Susan and Vinnie, The S. family, Steve's family, Sarah R., Mandy, Matt and Ashley, Cathy and Harry, Joey, Clamont and Miss Loretta, Debbie, Gian, Kelly, Sydney and Brooke, Evelyn, Caroline, Tatum, Talon, Brittany... Wow. It's hard to leave these people. It teaches a lesson on trust and faith. I know these people have been found and prepared and hopefully the Elders can be fruitful. Definitely primed for baptism and the gospel. Don't even get me started on the ward. I love the people here.

This transfer also offers me a good chance to repent. There is still a lot to work and a lot to learn. I have a clean slate to take everything good I've learned here and take it to Titusville and leave everything I messed up on and leave it behind. Repentance is such an eternal principle, something I'm grateful for. My guess is T town is going to be pretty opposite of good ol' Clermont! I think I've learned as much about myself, life, and the hand of God in the last six months as I have the rest of my life combined. What an opportunity for growth and repentance, purging and refining.

So I have now learned that yes Titusville is on the coast! We have the NASA Space rocket launcher on Cape Canaveral in our area! That should be neature! Things will get crazy the next transfer! President Berry will have the mantle in less than two weeks! Crazy. Missions are a trip! Packing is gonna be brutal... Hope I don't leave anything! I hope you liked the box! The cross is Green and Gold from Kathy!!! hahaha Awesome right? The G is for you guys! did you get my planners? Oh man I love you guys!!!

Nate: Good sections of doctrine and covenants 1-4, 6, 9, 18, 19, 20, 35:13-15, 45, 64, 65, 68, 76, 84, 88, 93, 98,121-122, 130, 132, 135

If we can get grandpa's the work and the glory set I think that is something I would enjoy. It would also be good for you Nate, not that you have time to read.

There is a sister that came out from St George, Sister Jamison.

Couple experiences. This week I went to Apopka and we saw blessings in people we found. Yesterday we taught Kalinda C.'s boyfriend, Joey. Pretty cool guy who had some question's. The same C.'s who have two kids in the mission field. Anyways, Brother C. said it was "the best discussion he had ever been a part of". That was a tremendous compliment. Especially from someone who is so humble and such an honorable priesthood holder. The work is true. I made a lot of mistakes here in Clermont, but right now I have peace. I think I learned and grew. I know I knocked every door in this town! I can't wait to bring you guys back and show you!

Enjoy the serenade! I love ya tons!!!!!

Elder Gottfredson