Ben 4/28/14

***Here is Ben's email. He is answering our questions and replying to stories we told him in the first part of the letter. Make sure you read the letter to his mission president at the end of the email for the info on his contacts this week. Brother John is in our ward. He was Ben's leader before he left and now he will be Matt's leader. He told stories about Ben and his scary driving experiences in class on Sunday.  Ben gives Nate some advice on the temple. He talks about his bike a little too. (Can you tell we are asking for advice for all of the things Nate will need to buy and take on his mission!?!?!?) I will attach a few pictures from Ben's district mud fight they had on P-day. Same old Ben.....He has always loved to play in the dirt.

 

It is Ben's Birthday on May 29th. He would love to get letters and pictures from any of you who want to send them. I will put his address below. You can also email a letter back to me and I will print it and include it in his birthday box. ENJOY! ***

 

Elder Ben Gottfredson

Florida Orlando Mission

10502 Satellite BLVD. Ste. E

Orlando, FL 32837

 

 

My dear sweet family!

 

How the heck are ya?!?!?! This week was a week full of miracles!   As you'll read in Presidents email we found an awesome family! Eddie and fam! Eddie looks like D wade and he came to play basketball today so hopefully he has a little more respect for me now ha ha!  We have the most new investigators we've had in a while! Ya I think spring break is the time to come!!!  I really don't need any thing for my birthday. My birthday present would just be a letter! Pictures! That's it.

 

Matt I hope you had a great birthday!!! I love you man! Don't listen to everything brother John tells you!!! He's a blasphemer! Hahaha he'll make you teach the law of Chastity!  How did he find out! Man Matt, don't try that stuff at home! You need a baby like the Olds to do something like that!  Brother John is awesome!!!  We have a member named brother Ivy who reminds me of an older Thomas John! He helps a lot and takes us for crazy rides!

 

Temple will be fun man! Ask if you can do the second to last video that came out! Get your pants big, the last thing you want is anything ridin' up when your on the steel horses! Check out the book of Moses. You'll do great! If it helps, the only time I've been to the temple on my mission I put everything on inside out and made everyone wait! 

 

I think Ironically me standing up on my bike has wore on it a little. I think a bike like mine should be fine. Though I have had to replace the spokes and true the rim thrice now. Hopefully, it will last me the rest of themish. Today I got to email Smith! His life is in danger. It's likely me and him will be the last ones married!!!  We still have fun left to have!!!  Say Hi to Brady! 

 

Nate sounds like you had a good promeroo! I dig the Joe Don Stash! I love each of you so much!!! I pray for you!  Matt keep keepin it real with Harrison! Have a good summer! Make some memories and be safe! Mom I love you! What would you like for Mothers day! You deserve the best present because you are the best mom! Dad, keep holding down the fort! Thanks for always being a great example! How could I doubt the gospel with the example you show? I can't wait to have you guys as a team to go see some formers in my old areas! We'll do a little teacheroo!   I love you tons!!! Keep the faith!

 

Elder G

President Berry

This week we saw many miracles with the Lord opening the hearts of the people.  We planned to find a lot this week, and the Lord came through for us!   There was a family who just by making a few simple connections with them the let us in and were excited to read the Book of Mormon by the time we left. Eddie the father asked me this afternoon when we made contact what were some more of the key passages he could read.  I think the members play a critical role in softening hearts. In fact without them I haven't ever seen a heart fully softened. A member taught them with us and invited them to the ward activity this Saturday!
Also this week, we softened Valerie's heart just by doing a little service for her.  I think a genuine smile and a positive attitude is the best how to begin teaching.  We asked her questions about herself and emphasized things she is doing in her life that show faith in Christ, like us, our investigators have more faith than they think they do.  We found out she is a famous Artist and children's author.  We were able to pull out her interests and questions and lay a good foundation.  I would also add that having companion unity is key to softening hearts.   We have been so blessed by the Lord softening the members and the investigators hearts.  Thanks for all the training that is coming down, the district is 100% committed and we are seeing miracles.
Elder Gottfredson