***Here is Ben's Email. We had such an amazing Skype conversation with him for Christmas!! We got to hear a ton of different stories and experiences he has had. In case you are wondering... He looks and acts the same, but he is bigger, better looking, and more mature! (I might be a little biased.) His letter is full of excitement for the people he is teaching. He is on fire!!!! He will get transferred on January 14th for sure. He is very sad to leave Titusville and the wonderful people he has met. ENJOY!***
Fam!!!
What's happenin' gang!!! Christmas was Christmas! It was the biggest blessing to see you! but I don't know that it'll ever be enough! It was so fun to see you all! I just wish I could better express my love and convey all the miracles and blessings I've seen out here! I think that is the hardest part. I wish I could make up for lost time! Truly. Just be comforted knowing that I won't get married without my brothers there! Nate you have nothing to worry about. I love the picture of us that you sent!!! Nate and Matt you are going to get letters I already wrote, lets just say it's about to get WILD at SC!!! Matt! Two weeks in a row no email? I missed you the most at Christmas time man. I love you so much and I loved to hear your new voice!!! I have a favor to ask in my letter I'm writing you!!!
This week has been really great!!! We had Christmas obviously and saw success as well! We are teaching and set a date with Lori and Joe! Long time investigator! What a stud!!! He has a pentecostal background so he gets a little Liberal but he's really going to contribute to the ward!!! I've worked with him a little in the past but he's just been kinda stubborn. But three days before Sunday he woke up and he said "God told me to go to the Latter Day Saint church! Then he said he looked down at the Book of Mormon cover and it read "The True Church" he shook his head and looked again and it said "The True Church" He took off his glasses and of course we don't really print that on our Books of Mormon. We taught gospel principles and he just said it was the perfect lesson for him. As I taught he was just like praise God Amen Thank you Jesus- kinda like miss Loretta except she was black and never really understood our message- Joe understands better exactly what's going on here. Once he takes a chill pill he could be a great Elders Quorum Counselor. I think we'll teach reverence again! I love him to death though and if nothing else he'll keep everyone wide awake. Ronaldo, Vanderlea, Cynthia, and Raphael are on fire! Money hole!!! Family!!! If Joe can be an Elders Quorum President Ronaldo could be one of the three nephites!!! I tell you this man is unreal!!! Don't count your chickens before they hatch, but it would be a blessing to introduce a stake president to the gospel. Also Josh and Ashley! She had some contractions but the baby is still not here and she is a trooper coming to church and all! These people and some Wonderful others!!! It's a hoot out here!!! I think I told you I'm putting together a book for the sisters who will be replacing me. Tomorrow we have interviews with President, Thursday is Zone Training Meeting, next week exchanges... It's like region nine basketball! It's gonna fly by!!! I can't wait til you all can meet these awesome people!!! Titusville is somethin else!
Karelian!!! That is the best Christmas present you can give me!!! Keep it up mom!!! How polygamist is she?!?!? Dad do you have any non member co-workers at work?! Hahaha St. George is white already to harvest if you ask me!!! Brumemailed me back too! Suhweet! Life for me is good!!! I'm a spoiled missionary! My biggest concern is that the four in the house on the corner know how much I love them and how much an intimate part of my mission they are. It's a blessing to be here with a wonderful family like you. I didn't realize dad was 46!!! Yikes..... I knew one of you was born in 70 and I though it was dad, turns out it's mom..... OK geezer status!!! Dad was born in the 60's hahaha!!! Congrats on 23 years of marriage that is really somethin! What's the secret??? Tell Matt to check his email I just emailed him!!!
Well the gospel is so true!!! It's about the most simple deepest thing and it is truly the universal healer. When we seal our life with our testimony we follow the savior in binding up the broken hearted. When we understand the Atonement we can better heal someone with an infection of doubt, wound of grief, or sickness of sin. We can lead them to the Master Healer who was nothing but perfect, and of the divinity of his life mission and resurrection it is our privilege to bear witness. Serving God is a blessing in any capacity. I pray for each of you every night! I love you and wish for nothing more than your happiness temporally and spiritually!
Elder Gottfredson
***A Letter to his Mission President***
I want to keep the vision we have set and learn to better plan for success. It is important to me not to get complacent. I want to be an example of obedience that is above and beyond what is asked. I want to see the mission baptize and help create a culture that would be expected in our prophesied time. Time management and Organization are always things for me to work on! 2014 looks to be the best year of my life.
Elder Gottfredson
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