Ben 5-5-14

***Here is Ben's Email. It is short and mostly just notes about what he wants to tell us about on Sunday when we get to Skype with him for Mother's Day!!!! I can't wait. It will be the last time we Skype with him before he comes home December 17th. The next time we Skype (Christmas day) it will be with Ben at home and Nate in Georgia. (Let me know if you want to be on the email group for Nate.)  Also, It is Ben's birthday May 29th if you want to email or write a letter. I am sure he would love to hear from you! Thanks! ***

Hey Fam!

How are ya? Sounds like we're about due for an old skyperooo! To answer the immediate questions.  I will probably just Skype from my ipad at the church. Email any information I might need.  We'll plan on about 7:30my time which is about 5:30 your time... Unless anything comes up.  I'll shoot you a quick email if plans change.

 

Man I am loving the mish! I'm starting to feel old as I approach the ripe old age of 20......  LeBron Swept that is awesome!!! Please have some details for me on Sunday!!! RING # 3!  Yes this week the Ft Lauderdaletemple was dedicated and broadcast to us.  Elder D Todd gave a good talk, but Investigators couldn't come to church so that was a downside.  Armando was a little upset hahaha.

 

Also I will need to see Matt back to back with mom so I can see how much he has grown since I left!  Don't rub it in that you guys got to go fishing! That is cool we got the old boat runnin' again!!! Nice country music references pop!

 

So a list of things you can remind me about

Mike, bro tice, bro Ivy

Shantrese (who is getting baptized in two days!!!) Wednesday at 6! (and all her anger episodes)

All my companions!

Irene and Darion! Our miracle of the transfer! Darion is an RM and Irene is his non member wife. They met at slcc (she is from FL) we have had some extremely spiritual experiences with them. Darion should be here for basketball soon.

Massaros and Vickers families

Cervantes fam

 

Oh ya tell me more about coach Liebert!  Dixie State better have my spot when I get back! Hahaha (way out of shape) Don't worry though. 

 

I'm just really excited to see you all!

Come prepared with reports on school and work, Girls, sports, mission prep, new hobbies, plans, dreams, etc!  It is going to be a blessing- last time I see you for a long time!!! 

Love ya!!!

 

Talk to you soon!!!

Elder G

 

President Berry,

I think temple tours are an instrumental way to help Investigators set their vision on the temple.  I think also teaching the pattern of covenants in our lessons will help them in the long run.  Baptism is not an end it is the gate! All the covenants in the church support each other.  Only through the priesthood can families be together, yet no unbaptized mother or father can be sealed to their loved ones.  Principles of Obedience, sacrifice, chastity and consecration are all learned in preparing to be baptized, and we can help them recognize when they do things that will now become a central part of their journey back to their heavenly father.

Elder Gottfredson

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

Ben 4/21/14

***Here is Ben's Email. He talks about our trip to Lake Powell this past weekend with my brother Darrin's family. The water level in Lake Powell is so low. He tells Nate to talk to college basketball coaches right now and secure a place on their team even if he chooses not to play when he gets home. He talks about his Easter box that I sent him. We have been having problems with the apartment building he lives in delivering his boxes so we had to send it to a Senior couple in his ward. Enjoy the story about his fake referral he created. lol (Same old Ben!) He mentions that this will be his first companion to kill. If you don't know, that just means that the companion he is with will be going home. No murder is involved. He also talks about how Nate caught a snake at Lake Powell and how  Gary is upset because our boat we have had for 15 years is not running very well right now. I included a letter to his mission president at the end. He has a number of upcoming baptisms. ENJOY!!!***

 

Family!!!

Man! Hope you had a great time at Lake Powelly! I can't believe it's
that empty! What an atrocity!  I'm sorry you were sick Matt! That is
fun you got to go with Darrin's fam. Man his kids look
huge! Not only am I worried about DJ being buffer than me, I'm worried
about Dillon and Trevor!  I think DJ is going to wind up next to me on
the line at D state!  By the way while I'm thinkin about it, Nate you
ought to take a little bit of time to express some interest to play at
the schools that are looking at you. It would be a good investment.  I
know you are kinda sports out right now, but think about it.  It's
easier to get yourself set up now and back out later than it is to not
show interest now and try to hop back on later. Just a thought!

Matt congrats on student council big guy!!! King of the school!!!
Thanks so much for your box mom! Pants are perfect and I should be
good on supplies for now!  I think You could send stuff to the
Johnson's for now, they are the Sr couple you sent the box to. I'm
going to be in golden rod for May and June, and then in July I'll be
somewhere else so you can send my things to the mission office again.
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!  We had a great day and
everything was dandy.  As well as Easter it was also 4/20.  We went to
see a less active and he was trippin for sure!  It was so funny and
sad to hear him start to talk about the gospel high!  He went on a
hilarious rant and ended up throwing a cup holder at my companions
face! Me and Hamilton (the member who was out with us) just started
bustin up.  In the end though, I thought about how an addiction is like
chappy lips.  When your lips are dry and you need relief, at first you
might lick your lips our pour some water on them thinking that will
help, but you will realize that it is just covering up the problem and
it just makes it worse the next time. "What is the only way to
help chappy lips?  "Chapstick of course".  Right, sometimes called lip
balm, prophets have compared the Atonement of Jesus Christ to the
"balm of Gilead" because it is the only true healer..... We'll see if
he remembers his commitment to talk to the bishop.... hahaha

To answer your question about companions.  You just have to wear the
pants.  Really it's not so bad. I have been blessed with really good
companions!!!  This is the first one I get to kill!  If you guys go up
North after May 21st you could go see him!

This week I went on an exchange with Elder U., who reminds me a lot
of our cousin Mykal. Which is crazy because he's from Pennsylvania.
One talent I've been perfecting is impressions of other missionaries
voices and figures of speech.  Elder C. his companion is as dry as
they come, stalwart missionary, but just dry.  Anyway, I called all
the missionaries in our district and gave them a fake referral as
Elder C.  Ronnie D. a paralympic athlete was the character we
created only one arm. Also with that arm he plays the oboe.  Elder
U. came to the Florida Orlando Mission and was a visa waiter.  When he got to Brazil he
got sick and got sent back to the FOM. When he arrived back in the FOM
he found that his trainer was sent home for disobedience.  So on the
exchange we practiced having fun and being obedient.  We saw miracles.
Met this guy named David who had a 'intellectual' lesson for us.  Man
the gospel is so simple.  Question #1 do you believe in the divinity
of Jesus Christ.  That's always a simple question to get agnostics
backpedaling.  You can work off that.  If they are Christian they have
to understand that God is setting up the kingdom of God.  Daniel 2 is
one of my favorite chapters.  Got is setting up a Kingdom. There is no
divisions in the kingdom of God. Our church is the only thing that
matches up with the Bible. Probably one of the biggest fronts that is
spreading like wildfire here in Florida and I can see foreshadowing to
get even bigger in the future.  Non-Denominational churches.  A lot of
these people are really really great. It's half-truths, the teachings
of men mingled with scripture.  A lot of the "all is well in Zion",
Rock concerts in church, and eloquently penned sermons from paid
professionals. No belief in Ordinances or repentance. Fence-sitters on
doctrine.  Anyway, don't get me started haha.  People really like to
hear it around hear is all.

My friend Mike (recent convert) is planning out his endowment
and sealing for next year, he would like to know which week spring
break is so I can be there.
Also how is LBJ doing?  Ring #3 correct?

Anyways, I love you guys tons!!! Have a good Family Home Evening!!! I pray for you
each individually and often!!! I love you! Nate I'm glad you are
having fun with snakes now, on your mission you'll find a whole new
meaning to the work snakes and vipers! Dad If you are sad about the
boat imagine how I feel about the olds(;  Momma, don't let your babies
grow up to be cowboys.  Can't wait for mothers day! Matt! HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!!!

Love Elder G



President Berry,

This month we are looking forward to sacred opportunities to baptize
in May.  Shantrese  will be our first baptism.  She is a single
mother with a very hectic financial situation. She is always working
doubles so it's hard for her to consistently come to church.  It has
really helped her the times she has come so we are just praying
something will work out.  Next should be Matthew. He is a
Member referral we received through a Member posting on facebook. We
are just making sure he understands our purpose and the challenges and
blessings he can expect.  The timeline has really helped.  The
Timeline has also helped a ton with Justin, who would be our
next baptism. His date is May 24th.  Also our dear friend Armando will
be baptized May 31st and confirmed June 1st.  We are just doing our
best to apply the inspired timeline and planning principles as we have
been instructed so we can help our friends make this sacred covenant
and help them receive those blessings that come with it.

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 4/14/14

***Here's Ben's Email. He begins by talking about Zach Kennedy Getting his mission call to the Georgia Atlanta North mission and leaving on June 11th. Same mission, same day. Nate and Zach have been friends their entire life. He also talks about Chase Jenkins getting his call to Buenos Aries North. Ben always said that he wanted Chase to go to the Florida Orlando Mission with him. He also talks about a letter he sent Nate giving him mission advice. He talks about his companion and the Senior Couples he serves with.

He talks about his week and then tells us to have fun at Lake Powell this weekend. He also mentions some Easter videos and links to check out so I will attach the links at the end of his letter. ENJOY***

 

What's up FAM!

Man that is a crazy fun week! Matt you are getting strong lil bro!!!
Take advantage of the time you have man!  That is a miracle to hear
about Zach Kennedy! You guys are going to have so much fun! My dreams
are crushed about Chase Jenkins getting called to the FOM..... But I
hope he has fun with Gines!!!   It sounds like you guys are having fun!!! How long will they
have you in the MTC for? Like until what date? I'm for sure going to
write you.  My letter is very incomplete, but more will come in bits
and pieces I suppose.  Matt, what would
you like for your birthday??? It's coming right up man!!! Just
remember, save your first kiss til I get home. Do not cast your pearls
before swine.... Yet.

Life is good! Now that I know I'll be here til July, it's easier to
just put my head down and go to work. Elder G. (His Companion is Elder G too) is awesome!

He is personable and funny! He is good at contacting people and it was an
answered prayer when I got a black companion! Asset for sure. I love
him and one of the prayers I have had recently is that I am in this
area for him more than anything. I am certain as much as any companion I've had
that we were supposed to be companions. He goes home in five weeks.
We have a lot of fun the obedient way. Finding people to baptize.  I feel like
The Lord put us here so when he looks back on his mission he can have
spiritual memories, memories of miracles  I have learned a lot from him too.

I have been blessed with really good companions.

I'm glad you say that I've changed! One of my biggest worries is that
my mission won't change me as much as it's supposed to. I don't see
the changes because it's hard to remember where I was at before my
mission. Hopefully, you guys aren't too disappointed!  We have a really
awesome Sr couple in the goldenrod ward right now! The Johnson's! They
are awesome. The Senior couples I have served with have truly been huge

blessings! Elder Johnson told me I have a Florida accent yesterday! That

was fun to hear.

This week was just full of miracles. We prayed about who to drop so we
could free up our time to go find people who's hearts are prepared!
It's hard to build up an area to the point where you are teaching
20-25 lessons a week, but it takes more faith to "pause" (drop) them
to go knock doors and bike in the sun. We were definitely blessed.  We
found DeVon a "recording artist" who is interested. He went to
Full-Sail. There are 4 colleges real close. UCF which just has
concourses of people who need the gospel, lots of Babylon, then
Valencia, which is like more local smaller school, then Rollins, which
is like higher class private school, and then Full-Sail, which is all
about the Arts. It costs tons of money to go there and almost no one gets

hired. The tough thing is that even though we live right in the middle, we can baptize
none of these people. In Clermont or Titusville you can baptize any
age, but here 18-30 is off limits. (They have to refer them to the young single adult ward.)

We prepare a lot of people this age for baptism and try to hand them off, but it doesn't always work.
Another miracle this week was Matt S. He's a shy guy we found
through a girl who is about to go on a mission.  Life is so good!!!  

You guys will have a blast at Lake Powell!!! Have fun with Darrin's new fam! 

Best idea for prom would be a mud fight. I don't know other than that!  

That's pretty sweet Matt can scuba! What a beast!

Gospel is so true! Easter will be great. Make sure to check out the
churches YouTube and Facebook Easter stuff!!! I love you tons and
tons!

Love Elder G

 

http://easter.mormon.org/

 #StartingToday ...Every day is a new beginning. You can change your life, because of how one day started, 2000 years ago...watch how you can start today here: http://bit.ly/ytStrtTday — with Linda O'neill.

 

"No goodbye will last forever." #BecauseofHim

PIN IT:http://bit.ly/1hNRNnR

"My other plea at Easter time is that these scenes of Christ’s lonely sacrifice, laced with moments of denial and abandonment and, at least once, outright betrayal, must never be reenacted by us." - Jeffrey R. Holland,http://bit.ly/NoneWereWithHim


 ***Ben's Letter to his mission President***
I think it is a must to teach simple. I remember what one of the
brothers said about how nonmembers wrote the pamphlets.  I think that
shows a lot about how we should teach. We need to use dignified and
refined, but reverent language. This week we taught a part member
family. Stephanie joined the church when she was twelve and fell away
and her nonmember boyfriend Justin agreed to meet with us. An overview
really helped make it more applicable to him. He was grateful when we
pointed out the terms in the back to explain things. We extended a
date after explaining simply what baptism was and how the preparation
would come by the spirit. He accepted and we are very excited to work
with this great family!

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 4/7/14

*** Here is Ben's letter. He writes to us about a picture we sent to him. We went to General Conference on Saturday afternoon  in the Conference Center and the camera caught our family during the rest hymn, The words on the screen were, "Thus onto Eternal perfection, the honest and faithful will go". Too funny. Nate has been growing a beard out while he still can. Ben and Nate are so competitive that they argue about who's beard is better. Too funny. We also picked up two young men who were hitchhiking to Zion National Park. They rode on our car with us for the last 3 hours of our drive home. They listened to 2 full hours of General Conference with us. ;-)  I was admittedly apprehensive, but it ended up being a great thing. (Nate's idea.) He talks about his favorite talks from General Conference. He talks about us getting our screenings because Gary had a mark removed from his face. All is good, we just feel old. I included a letter to his mission President at the end. ENJOY!***

 

Fam!

Thus on to eternal perfection, the honest and faithful will go! Hahaha that picture of you is so awesome!!!!! To be honest I didn't see you then, though I was paying attention and looking!!! I thought I saw Nate on a side profile at a different time, but clearly not, the beard is improving, but you still have a lot of beard to grow young padawon.  Wait til I send you pictures and you think I'm Zac Brown in the flesh. 

Man the conference was great!  Always is.  It went by way too fast!!! My favorite session this time was priesthood!!! You guys are so blessed to have been there.  I had no idea Mom and Matt had never been there!!! We'll have to go again as a fam.  That is such a great story about the hitchhikers! Look at my missionary fam!!!  I bet that had a big impact on them!  You are a great example to me!!!  I wish we could pick up hitchhikers...  Some of my favorite talks were all three of the first presidency's in reverse order Uchtdorf,  Eyering,  Monson. Also Elder Bednar's about the yoke and the load in the truck, it's actually a great way to explain covenants. 

This week the funniest/funnest thing that happened was hands down the mud fight!!! Usually for district p day people plan on playing games or going bowling...... I was just like no we need to do something fun.  We went on this mud hike that made you feel like you were in the amazon. Gators and snakes could have come from anywhere. At first everyone was a little apprehensive, but as we got going we turned it into a really fun mud war including mud wrestling!!! Wait til you see pictures!  It kind of reminded me of the big water fight me and Ben Smith went to in Bunkerville!!! It was fun to have no mercy on sister missionaries and pelt them with mud. (Don't worry mom they wanted to be involved).  It's a big blessing because my whole district gets to stay together this next transfer. It will give us a little stability and continuity. Upward and Onward!!!

Nate  I think you're right on the money with your plans!!!  I have just a introduction of mission advice I'll try to get to ya.  In less than a month I can give you more via Skype!!! (Our Mother's Day Skype is coming!!) Then it's your time big man!!! Even more rewarding than baptisms is missionaries.  In all my wards I've loved working with priest who will soon serve missions. Last night we attended one with a guy named Luis who helps us a ton! He is going to Denver South Mission!!! I hope he is still in the MTC when you get there! I wish I could be there with you, my prayers and letters will have to do. You are going to do great things!  Make sure Mom and Dad get there medical screenings.  Old fogies...  Matt things are going to pick up big time for you.  I keep looking at the pictures of you I've been sent recently! You're getting big man!!! Tall and ready for war! There's a lot of good things coming your way!!!  I'm glad to hear you enjoyed conference!

I can't believe Maddie and Tori and Austin are getting married. I think it's great for them, for me however, I would have been very dumb to try and do something like that without the experience of a mission. I think even with the experience of a mission, I'll still be too dumb to try anything like that!  I'm forever living in that LeBron James/Warrior room and messin around with my bros!!!

Ya dad, I'd like to have Todd Smith give those liberal women who want the priesthood a quote or two!  Just remember when you give hitchhikers a ride mom, their "Mama tried" too (;  I thought of you a ton throughout the conference!!!  Can't for Mothers day (: Keep going strong fam!

Life is such a blessing! We can't wait to get back to work!!! I love you guys tons!!! I'll try to send out a letter today!!!

***Ben's Letter to his mission President (He must have asked what Ben's favorite talk was from Conference.)

 

Can I only pick one?  Please don't reprimand me if I pick two.

1. President Uchtdorf's talk in the Priesthood session.  "DON'T SLEEP THROUGH THE RESTORATION!"   The Restoration is not complete, it is only set in motion!  That talk will do wonders to reset our vision and understand our role in the work.  Faith will bring us miracles! Miracles don't stop after the doctrine and covenants are over!  I believe the Lord is just as willing to give the Waterford, Goldenrod, and University Park wards miracles as he was to give Joseph Smith and Heber C Kimball miracles.  We not only teach about the restoration of the gospel, but need to better exemplify it.

2. Elder Bednar's talk on covenants.  In the famous scripture found in the last verses of Mathew 11, we find a scripture we very often associate with the peace and rest that accompanies the gospel.  Jesus says "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden" and then he asks us to what? Take his 'yoke' upon us?  Yokes require work and responsibility! I thought I was coming to you to receive rest?  If everyone understood that making and keeping covenants is a blessing and that this responsibility helps us find peace, more people would be baptized and go to the temple, and members and missionaries would be more diligent in sharing the gospel and keeping our covenants. We went to a dinner appointment right after conference with a man married to a temple worker who is not a member.  We felt prompted to share this principle with him, his wife, and his returned missionary son.  We invited him to set a date for baptism.  He decided not to, but the spirit bore witness to all our hearts the importance of covenants.

We are grateful to have most of the district together for the next transfer.  Transfers truly are inspired!  We have big plans and we are excited to get to work.

Ben 3/31/14

***Here is Ben's Email. He refers to a campout and an 11 mile hike that Nate took Matt on last Friday night.  He also talks to Nate about the beard Nate is growing and also serving in the Georgia Mission. He claims to be the happiest man in the world. Enjoy!***

Dear fam!!!

Well I love hearing about things for you all!!! Sounds like some good ol fashioned wilderness time this week!!!  This week was awesome for us as well! It took a wild turn on Tuesday when I received a call from President Berry.  He informed us he would be proselyting with us that night!  Hahaha we were just like wow not much notice!  We were somewhat nervous, but everything went surprisingly smooth. It was a lot of fun having him on the front lines though! President Berry has never ever taught with missionaries so it was quite the blessing. We taught Armando with him and it went swell!  I cannot wait for you guys to meet Armando!!! I love him so much!!!  He's going to join the church in May.  Then we went back after a night of teaching with President and we did a quick exchange and then me and Elder Anderson got to plan with president.  That was just as good! We saw miracles the next day from those plans.  After planning and talking with Prez about our plans President asked me to come out on the porch and talk to him privately.   It was a great priesthood interview just on the vision for the mission and where I can improve and where and how we need to direct the work. President Berry is a great man!  He's the perfect mission President for me! President Hall really loved me and we fit each other probably a little bit too much for our own good. Man, the last assignment he gave me was Titusville, the Holy Land.   Inspired!  So anyway last thing was he invited me to a special meeting where some of the men from the missionary department who helped the apostles write preach my gospel came to train just a handful of missionaries.  The meeting was crazy wonderful!!! Best part was probably just seeing Elder Harman again!!! HE is the fruit of my loins and truly a best friend! We've gotten so close!!! There is only a handful of people in the world I love more than Elder Harman!!! 

 

Going on the wilderness hike with my brothers would have been a dream come true. I think about you guys all the time. Seeing Elder Harman again was a good second place though!!! We have so many hilarious stories and miracles!!!

 

Anyway, also this week Shantrese set a date! She'll be getting baptized next week!!! She is a lot of fun! We just retaught her the restoration and told her about general conference and she was just excited! She set her own date!!!

 

Other finds this week were Takara, she is totally a baller! WNBA material!!! She is black and has swag and she coaches AAU.  It's days like that you're glad your companion is black! New black gator and new blacktism date!!!

 

Nate you are called to be a black pioneer assistance specialist!!! Ya Baby!!! Nice try on the beard by the way!!! It's charming, but still needs work. I'm proud at least its on your face though!!!

Matt-man!!! I am your best friend!!! Middle school is the toughest time man!!! In this family we have to earn everything. Just be yourself and good things will catch up to you.   It matters how much heart you have!!! I'm definitely too short to play center in basketball, and I'm also undersized to play defensive line for any sort of university, too ugly and ornery to get any girls, but you'll do OK if you keep the course straight!!! Just know I love ya!!! I'm praying for you!!! Nothin else matters!!!

 

ADVICE FOR NATE

-bring as many ties as you can get your hands on!!!

 

I love you guys!!! My comp and area and gators are awesome!!!

 

We're going on a mud hike today that will  make history!!!

 

Mama tried to raise me better, but her pleading I denied, that leaves only me to blame cause mama tried. (; Trying to make you proud mom! All I want is to pop your buttons

Dad! I love you old man!!! Can't wait to take you back around to some of these formers so you can bear your testimony and get them baptized!!!

 

LOVE

happiest man in the world

Elder G!!!

 

***Letter to his mission President

I think the biggest way preach my gospel affected my teaching this week was in applying MLC principles to simplify our work.  We have already seen miracles in our district from just laying out the principles we will teach and the commitments we will extend before the lesson.  "People are accustomed to short powerful statements".  We applied that in contacts and lessons and saw blessings already.  The more we make our purpose who we are, the more the very culture of the mission will be more united in baptizing!  We are excited and blessed to be able to have this training.  Thank you so much for your help this week President.  Thanks for taking time to teach and plan with us, and thank you for having me at MLC so we could learn to better utilize preach my gospel.  Thanks for taking time out of your week to spend time with us! Thanks for all you do in directing the work of this great mission.
Elder Gottfredson

Ben 3/24/14

Heya fam!!!

Man, kinda crazy not to get an update about a game!!! Atlanta will be even better!  I hope you guys had a good week! It's crazy to hear about all the engagements! What a hoot.  I can hold off 'til Nate gets back. Me and Matt are going to be monkeyin' around in a fort anyways!!! Let's see.... a bit of mission advice..... I would probably go to the temple as soon as you can... You're gonna go anyway, less pressure and a more clear mind. Got your box!!! Thanks a mill!  You are too nice to me!!!

 

I'm going to take some time and study Preach My Gospel and take some notes of things that would help you.  It will help me get back to the basics. I remember going to mission prep at the stake center and doing role-play etc. Ha ha I'd love to go back and help out and teach mission prep. When you ask for advice, I'd love to just spew out everything and put it inside your head.  It's just going to be basics for you. Download the institute study guides off the gospel library app and study the book of Mormon and New Testament. Study preach my gospel chapter 3. 10 and 11 are important. 5 is important. 1 is important. They are all important. 

This week was a lot of fun! President showed up to my district meeting which was a surprise. I feel like it went good.  Next week for district p day we're planning a mud hike!  We've been doing a good job of gaining trust and momentum with members.  Got a call from a concerned mother from Page AZ. So I'm going to bring up Lake Powell for sure to this part member family.

 

Something to think about, the Book of Mormon was given to us for many reasons, probably the most important is found the first section of the doctrine and covenants verse 30. 

 

29 And after having received the record of the Nephites, yea, even my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., might have power to ^atranslate through the ^bmercy of God, by the power of God, the ^cBook of Mormon.

 30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have ^apower to lay the foundation of this ^bchurch, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of ^cdarkness, the only true and living ^dchurch upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well ^epleased, ^fspeaking unto the church collectively and not individually—

 

The Book of Mormon was given to us to lay the foundation of this great work! It's a gift from God to establish his kingdom! Anyways, I love you guys tons!!! I'll try to put together some mish advice!!! Thanks for the articles dad!!! I love you tons thanks for making all this possible! Mom Thanks for being a great example of missionary work! You're my number one girl!

Love ya TONS!!!

Elder G 

President Berry,

I think one of the ways we can show the Lord we love his children is to plan better.  When we focus on individuals in our planning we can accomplish more, especially when our lessons are focused on commitments that will help our investigators repent and experience the blessings personally.  When they live the gospel, they know who's gospel it is. (John 7:17)

 

 17 If any man will ^ado his ^bwill, he shall ^cknow of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

 

We're going to build off the foundation we have laid on finding and planning to help people make and keep sacred covenants.

Ben 3/17/14

Dear fam!

I am glad to hear you had a good week!!!  It sounds like Kauai is thefavorite Island.  Sky diving huh? That's a close second to bikin around in sweaty slacks preaching the word! Haha I'm glad you guys had fun! We had a great week! I thought about you guys a lot! Next month Matt turns 14! I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Joseph Smith was 14 when he prayed for guidance to know which of the churches could bring peace and happiness to his family. God lovingly appeared to him to restore the blessings for us that had been lost by men in the dark ages, the priesthood Authority that Jesus Christ had was back on the earth. The first thing Joseph did was go home and tell his family. Among whom was his brother Hyrum, who was six years older than him. Which would make Joseph and Hyrum almost exactly the same ages of me and Matt right now.  What a trust these brothers must have had. From the beginning Hyrum knew his brother was called of God- you would think a decade or so later, when his wife and kids were being persecuted in front of him, that he would have had reason to tell his brother to give it up, if the gospel was not true.  His integrity never wavered, and he allowed his family to suffer for the truth, and eventually he would stand as the first Martyr, in front of his brother and seal his testimony with his blood. The enemies of the church thought that it was over after that brotherhood laid down their lives, but God had other plans, and his plans are being fulfilled now by our friends in Brazil and England- soon to be Atlanta. It's for Jesus
Christ. Just things I think about.

We're just lucky our family is happy and in one piece spiritually. We have to fight to keep it that way. That's going to be something that will get harder and harder to do, but we will do it!

I love it here! I just hope I'm doing what The Lord would have me do throughout the days. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am excited for conference! It can't come fast enough! Mom and dad I'm glad you held up ok in Hawaii! You guys are the best parents ever!  Keep sharing the gospel to everyone around you, member of the church or not!
Love ya tons!!!
Elder G

***President Berry,
I think from preach my gospel what we went over this week was chapter 8 planning.  With help from the technology specialists we learn how we can apply planning principles for Facebook and the Area Book App. Also
LDS tools will come in handy!  It helped us develop more faith in our new tools, and hopefully soon members will be on board all the way.

Also I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Steed from University Park this week. We had a great exchange focused on planning and finding.  I feel like it was a good deep breath for him and his companion and a great learning experience for me I was really impressed with the focus these Elders had for the rest of the week. They have an investigator progressing with a date, which is a miracle for these Elders who have been working hard and overcoming challenges.

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 3/10/14

Dear fam!!!

Another great week eh? This week was great for me because I heard from a number of sources about the great call to serve!!! Congrats brother! I felt the spirit when I heard about your call and I know you will do great things! Just like in basketball and football I know you'll go farther than me and I know that you'll be more prepared than I was! I can't wait for you to join me out here in the South preaching the word!!! There is no greater call! I know that you will be an awesome missionary on one of the most important fronts in the church right now! I'm so certain you will do great things and learn and grow like never before! It's a demographic and culture that will be tough, and that is why they were prepared for Elder N Gottfredson! Right in the thick of the Bible Belt bro!!! I'm so happy for you!!! There's so many things to learn on a mission and so much worthy about serving anywhere. Your mission will help you stretch and grow- there will be dry months where God wants you to grow, but more often, the Lords plan is for you bear fruit and he wants you and those people he is preparing right now to have the joy of the Gospel! You'll help families prepare for baptism and the temple.  That's the Lords plan! Places like the south east US and Europe are places where it doesn't come cheap. People really have to be converted to make changes in these environments. So face the future with faith!

On a side note! Maybe you'll meet Zac Brown or you can baptize and send a Georgia Peach my way! (; It's going to be a lot of fun! Send me a confederate belt buckle!   I'm talking with two Elders who have buddies in your mish elder Riley Robbins and elder Sado from Japan! They are zone leader's there.

These week was full of miracles! We're really focusing as a Zone on finding the elect!!! We found Avi! A Jew who has a Mormon friend and we started teaching him! He's a photographer for TIME magazine and he has like a bunch of beautiful Peacocks in his yard crazy stuff man! We also found Jacob- a WWE wrestler! Like 6'10 290 pounds of ripped muscle! He's fought like the Rock and stuff! He has a code name and a lot of it is just acting but I guess they do a lot of actual fighting too. Me and my comp are both pretty big, but he definitely made us feel like girls! Also Steve! A marine who is dating a less active member from Richfield. The people here are classic! Shantrese accepted the law of Chastity and she's progressing beautifully! See Nate, black people are the best!!! Just ask brother Blue out in Titusville! Sometimes I wish I was black! I love my black companion right now too! There's some awesome brothers in Christ saying in their hearts! "preach to meh Elda G!" Here is the biggest thing you will come across, they will not like the reverence of sacrament meeting- so you have to get a gospel art book and turn to the last supper page and tell the story "on the last night of the saviors life...." Basically the spirit testifies of the scripture and then ask the question "What would your attitude be if you were one of the people there with him that night?" Clapping up and down and screaming? I would just be trying to soak it all in and be reverent." Anyways man, we have so much fun stuff to go over!!!  Also Armando is just funny- he's going back and forth with us on coffee and he says he can't drink water because if he does it will hospitalize him. He says water dehydrates him and causes his body to swell because he's drank coffee since he was 3. Lol Armando come on! Also Manna from heaven Linda and Brian came to church! Only thing is next week after church we're going to theirs! This is the first time I've done this on the mission or ever really! I read over their doctrine and it's better than a lot of things, but still pretty bad. It's a rock concert/eloquently worded sermon. It'll be fun! 

This week I got this letter (see below) from a lady gave up a lot in the the way of drinking and working Sundays etc. and was baptized in February. It all started with a street contact. It's hard to stop people who are running because they get annoyed usually, but you won't ever regret it- and you never know which one needs Elder N Gottfredson or How many will need the big #54 Elder M Gottfredson to just bring the peace and true happiness of he Restored Gospel into their lives. Trust the promises in the scriptures. You'll find that there is no better cause to devote yourself to.

***I used to believe that everything happened for a reason and now I know that is the truth.  I am so thankful that you guys came into my life when you did, you literally saved my life.  I never told you or anybody else this but the day that you stopped me while running, I actually planned to kill myself that night.  I had convinced myself that I am a bad parent and Lily would be better if I wasn’t here.  I couldn’t protect her from the abuse that my ex-husband put me through and most likely would put her through.  When you guys talked to me, I decided I will just wait until after I spoke more with you.  The more often you came around, the more I started to change my mind.  You kept reminding me that all I have to do is endure and things will start getting better.  There are days that I still struggle and I realize that I will always have those days but all I have to do is keep my faith, pray, and endure because things will get better.  So I just wanted to say thank you for everything.***

It's such a blessing to be out here right now and it's going by way too quick! I hope you are having the time of your lives right now!!! I forget what it's like to even swim in a swimming pool much less surf in Hawaii!!! That's so cool you're going sky diving!!! You just have to one up me in everything!!! I can't believe you're 18 kid! And Matt man!!! You look buff!!! No wonder the ladies swarm you! I can't wait to spend time with you!!! I'm kinda jealous Nate gets all this time with you! I hope things are good! I miss it the weeks I don't hear from you! I love your emails so much! Sometimes the highlight of my week is something you tell me about sports about girls etc! I know middle school was some of the roughest times of my life just because it's an awkward age! Things always get better! You have to push through anything that's uncomfortable so you get all the payoff in high school. But what am I talking about you are sittin on some of the nicest beach in the world! I hope you still listen to jack Johnson for me! You're my hero and you look like a super buff 16 year old! 

Mom and Dad thanks so much for all you do for our family! Some day I hope I can be more like you! I hope your feet are holdin up in Hawaii! Nate and Matt are luckier than they know to be with you guys right now.  You guys are awesome! Eat a malasada for me!!! Love ya tons!!!

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 3/3/14

*** Here is Ben's Email. It is very short. He talks to Nate about basketball. Nate's team lost in overtime in the semifinal state game. He was sad, but we are all trying to move on. Nate received Academic All-state and he is waiting for his mission call. He submitted his papers on his birthday. Ben doesn't write very much this week because he is headed to play basketball. I am sure he looks forward to p-days for things like that.

The pictures are:  1. Ben and his favorite companion Elder Harmon and Brad Wood a fellow Warrior. 2. Ben and his new Ipad.  ENJOY!***

 

Hey fam!!! 

Sounds like another wild week Ladies and Gents!!! I want you to know, that just like it was no fault of your effort, the loss was not for lack of my faith, but I also say that I am over it and looking forward to your mission call!!!  It's time for some good time with each other!!! I hope you make a ton of memories in Hawaii!!! We had transfers this week, and a whole slew of miracles to go along with it!  Elder Gassant is my new companion!!! We have had a lot of fun already!  He is half Haitian half Tongan!!! So it's good to get a little bit of culture. Anyway, We found so many great people this week!!! Shantrese came to church this week, she thought the hymns were lame (they were) but other than that it was really good experience for her! She especially loved the way The sisters treated her in Relief Society.  

Anyway, life is so good and I love you all so much!!! I'll try and write later!!! I have to get some mission ball on!!! my hour is up! Just know that this is the True and Living church! Live your lives in a way where no one can deny the gospel by the happiness in your life!  Be excited about the future for our family! I love you all tons!

Elder G 

President Berry,

I would say some of our goals for the next five weeks would be to focus on obedience and doing those things that will help us improve not only what we do, but who we are. If we do these things we will be able to better help families and individuals to progress toward baptism. It's like we teach our investigators, much of the changes we need to make are quite simple, though they may be difficult to actually do. I can say the same applies to myself. I'm grateful for the opportunities placed before us to achieve our goals. 

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 2/24/14

***Here is Ben's Email. He talks a ton about basketball.

Nate's team will play 3 more games this weekend and

WHEN they win all of them they will be STATE CHAMPS!

Ben talks a ton about his "Gators" too!  He loves the people he

is serving. He also mentions his companion getting transferred

tomorrow and our spring break trip to Kauai. (We haven't told him 

before now because we didn't want him to feel bad.) I included

his letter to his Mission President at the end. ENJOY!*** 

 

Happy late birthday, happy early championship!

God bless you all for your faith and example to me! I think it is wise
just to get it done. If anyone on the team isn't focused on
basketball 1000% right now with three games left- now would be a good
time to get in their face- like as in you would regret not yelling at
or picking up someone by the jersey Tuesday if focus isn't 1000%
obviously it's not going to be a run your guts out time but there
should be a lot of focused offense and defense ran and a lot of free
throws and post moves after practice. Don't worry about anything else
for 5 more days. After you win it's "we kill to win again" rather than
we live to play again.

This week was miracle filled! First one we were in a richer
neighborhood, which is rare because most people prepared for the
gospel are usually middle class. Anyways we were looking for a less
active and I just felt prompted to get off my bike and talk to this
guy working on a project. He was kind of a Tim McGraw lookin guy ha ha
he was shirtless and had just cracked open a beer. Anyways we got
talking to him about the gospel and he opened up and told us that he
still has faith but he can't help but be bitter about something that
happened to him. About a year and a half ago his only son Jeremy (18)
was out too late and he got taken by some guys and tortured in some
messed up ways and then shot in the back of the head with a shotgun
and then they dumped gasoline on his body and burned it. That might
sound pretty vivid but I got the vivid version trust me. And then he
told me I looked exactly like his son and that's why he wanted to talk
to us. Anyways we were able to answer a lot of his questions and teach
him about the plan of salvation. He goes to a nondenominational church
which is like a missionaries worst nightmare because it's basically
just a party! His name is James and we were meant to meet him.

Also this week we found Linda girlfriend of Brian (a member not
currently partaking of blessings) They go to the same party church as
James, but Brian remembers about the priesthood. They will do
wonderfully. The spirit has really been strong when we teach them.
Besides Linda wanting to hold the priesthood all is good.

Also Vivian and Mark were a miracle find this week. We were eating
lunch with Bro E. a brother we've been helping get back into
church, we just encouraged him to ask his friends if we could help
them in any way... Well three hours later we got a call from him
asking us to come help his friends move some furniture from the truck.
Manna from heaven! So we did and then we got talking to Vivian and she
pretty much understands well the apostasy, she started teaching us
about the Nicene creed and stuff and we just nodded our heads like
yes keep teaching us the restoration. So the only real thing is now
she has to know that God already restored his church, she doesn't have
to restore it all by herself! What a blessing!

Also Chris! We've been teaching the D. Family since I got here and
no progress. But when their 17 yr old grandson came to live with them
who has been through a lot. Hates his mom and had a sister die etc.
They are willing to do anything (so far) to I help their grandson.
Chris is a good kid. We taught him a lot about the gospel and he's
pretty excited about the priesthood. Manna from heaven!

Armando is the funniest Puerto Rican man you've ever met! He just has
us rolling on the floor all the time!!! He did a temple tour Saturday.
Pray that he can give up coffee! I can't wait for you guys to meet
him! When he makes his date that will set up perfect for him to take
his endowments out when we come to visit. The tidds and Shawntrese and
Luis And James V. all is going good!

Anyways I love your emails more than anything! Yes Elder Davis is
getting transferred tomorrow! We were just getting the work down I
would love to do another transfer with him, this week was record breaking in
not only key indicators for conversion, but also spiritual
progression, and also fun! The mission is the funnest time of my life!

Matt-man! have fun at whatever you're doing! I hear
whisperings all the time about how awesome you are! I forwarded that
picture of you  to all my buddies! You are a legend among
missionaries! No sleepovers on the red mountain, but you build your
fort my man! I thought about you a lot this week man!!! My favorite
part is you are taller than mom! You're going to have grown a foot
from when I left to when I come home!!! It's exciting!

Kauai will be fun! I'm not jealous
except you get to be with each other! As nice as surfing sounds it's a
bigger blessing to be familiar with a good ward and start to get the
ward on their feet! The sad thing is half the dinners we go to are on
the sisters side and we end up doing a lot of their referral work. I
wish we had all the ward to ourselves but I guess that's kinda selfish.

Nate thanks for your email this week! If no one else thought of you I
did! I can't believe you are 18!!! We really are pretty close in age!
Man there is plenty of things to focus on later, I have lots to say
about family and the mission, but that is for next week. This is
probably the last time you'll hear from me before the big dance! Just
know I love you so much and I know you're a winner! This is something
you deserve! You're a good kid and you have worked hard to be here
now!!!  Go hard in the paint!!! Win brother win!!!

God Bless the Warrior Nation

Elder G #20

President Berry,

Wow! The greatest thing of the transfer... that is a big question that
could go a lot of different ways. I think really the greatest thing was to watch
The Lords arm work in people's lives and the spirit help people to be
baptized and others prepare for baptism this next transfer. There is
always the biproduct and the blessings we receive and the lessons we
learn. I truly loved my companion this transfer and we are unified.
Ultimately though, the people. The people we serve is really what
motivates me to strive to be more than just a Utah teenager going
through the motions, and to be a little more lost in this great work.
The people make me want to be a little more die-hard for this great
cause. They are the greatest thing that has happened this transfer.

Elder Gottfredson

Ben 2/17/14

Dear family!!!

Always a blessing to hear from you! This whole mission is just a
dream! Dreams do come true! The district is really improving
especially the sisters are doing night to day better! It's crazy this
is probably my last week with Elder Davis! It has Flown!!l probably
because he's a good companion! We have a relationship like me and Ben
Smiths- which by the way the little guy turns 20 this week! Anyways ya
we are always just like Elder I wish you'd understand your purpose and
quit being so apostate! Just having fun and stuff like that! Since
he's 24 he teaches and finds and everything a lot better than a new
missionary. He's definitely one of my favorites up there with my
firstborn in the wilderness Cain aka elder Harman. By the way mom I
really wanted to do something for valentines like last year, but with
the time I had last week I wrote Brady a letter. I need no blood on my
hands. Anyways, that's too bad we let Rusty get away with one but from
the sound of it Cedar is a better team anyways. I don't know if it's
just me, but looking at the pictures of all the d hills kids they
still look like baby's! This is the big week though! Cut down those
nets! Matt-  You look sharp my friend! Like really sharp with your women!

Dude this week is
all focus! No preference no student council. Just nets and (stake pres
interview Sunday) then back to ball!!! Do it man take state! Don't
think anything but win. That would be cool to open the call on big
red, but you should have the fam go with you at least. There is a
special spirit about opening a call. You will want to remember the
people that were a part of it. It will be a wonderful day man. I still
remember the fam there and Dennis Leavitt and James McPherson and all
my best friends. Anyways for now just focus on getting your lungs your
legs and your heart right for a state championship run!

For me this week we saw miracles! I've gotten especially close with
Armando. He knows the Book of Mormon is True. We've felt the spirit
with him. He still struggles with the godhead and the plan of
Salvation in some parts but those are easy fixes. See: Christoffel
Golden Jr "the father and the son!" Also in exchanges were seeing
improvements all across the board. The biggest miracle for our area
was that we found Colleen T. Miles T. is a really cool RM with
the cutest 7 yr old daughter named Alexa! Bro T had a messy divorce
and of course bishops really have no choice but to get involved with
temple divorces. Anyways Bro T. is remarried and was super hesitant
to introduce us to his new wife. I felt prompted to teach the plan of
happiness instead of the restoration for the first lesson, which is
usually a hesitant move.  The spirit was so strong but she committed
to read and pray and I feel like slowly but surely she'll get baptized
and come contribute to this ward! He's the principal of a private
school! He's like an uncle Ryan type guy. Like picture if Ryan would
have married a non member, that's who we're teaching hahahhaha it's
fun to teach people like that where it's kind of a gamble for them but
they know it's right. Also since we are so close to Young Single Adults I lot of
people we find teach and prepare for baptism we turn over to Young Single Adult
missionaries right before baptism- so we don't really count them as
ours but it's still cool to hear about all of them getting baptized
and doing well. There are SO many people here! I love the country, but
as a missionary the city is the place! You can't really teach a
country sunset and it's a lot easier to walk between high rise
apartment doors five feet then a quarter mile walk between houses on
the outskirts of town. I love the other places for different reasons
but this is definitely the most populous. The ward is coming around
and we are starting to have a pretty good network. The Lords work will
continue to be furthered here! I could spend a happy 5 transfers here!
It's a good life! The best life really! Mom if you want a mama C from
this ward your best option is probably brother Tice! Super fun to mess with!

These are good times for the Gottfredson family!  Matt it's
weightlifting season my friend! Freshman football is already here! Hit
the weights and keep playing the off season ball as well! It can only
help! When I get home I'm going to have you train me and get me back
into shape and also I'm going to have you give me pointers for women!
Nate I was so tempted last year to sneak off and watch all the games
on line, this year I'm even more excited, but I know I can't! Just
know that of all the 1000s of fans screaming for you the next few
days, your biggest fan will not be in the gym, but will be cheering
from 2000 miles away, always in my prayers. Dad I'm so proud to be
your son! Mom I'm proud to be your Valentine! (; when I think of the
examples that you have set for me, I think of a principle I'm focusing
on a lot right now in the mission. Jesus Christ was the greatest
example of being a living testament of this great work. No one can
dispute that. His life is in the way of anyone who chooses to
disbelieve or not follow the gospel, his life is evidence irrefutable
and undeniable of the things that happened, the Book of Mormon is a
similar testimony, etc. And lately I've realized that my parents go
above and beyond in being a living testimony of the work. There is no
way an honest son or daughter could grow up in the home I grew up in
and deny the blessings and truthfulness of the gospel, and that's a
good goal for my home. I thank and recognize you for that. And I'll
always be thankful! I love you and I pray Gods choicest blessings on
our home and family! I love ya a million!

Elder G

Ben 2/3/14

Family,
Sorry if this email is short. I'm emailing on my new IPad! Which I just typed you an email on but somehow it got deleted...... So technology goes both ways. But anyways the iPad takes over everything. No paper planners no teaching records. No scriptures! Well I still take my scriptures, I try not to show anyone the iPad so it doesn't look flashy. It's been a fun week though!!!  2 baptisms in G rod and 1 in T Ville! The work is true!!!  This week we went to be trained on these things Wednesday and then went to the Orlando Temple for endowments Friday!!! It's been a while!!! The Orlando Temple really is beautiful! Florida Esk!!! It was dedicated the year I was born! Its the lock pic on my iPad and the Saint George temple is on my inside screen saver. This has been a happy week! The district had a blow up week even with all the business! I love these missionaries!

Elder Davis and I are having the time of our lives!!! We mess around like me
and my buddies would but we love each other like me and my buddies do! It's guys like him and Elder Patten that give me hope for my buddies who aren't out yet, but might decide to come  later! They find it on their own six years later and really bless the mission. Hopefully, they realize like these comps that there is really nothing better.

We have a great system in place with the ward for getting members out now!!! We bike a lot but have a car with 800 miles per month. Relatively low amount. Members help there. We focus on having an escalator area rather than a elevator area. I don't know if I've explained that before? Basically means always finding always teaching always helping people make covenants. Instead of going all the way from the top and having to go all the way back down. So we set two dates with Shawntrese and Armando and did a lot of finding to keep things going!!! The baptisms were beautiful and spiritual and one funny thing was we never plugged the font so they ended up getting baptized in like 2 feet of water!!! Jennifer went twice but they are both ready to be members of the church! President also told me about Joe (Pentecostal pastor) who said in his interview how much he learned with me. Elder Ferrimagnetic got him there. Life is so good!!! 

Nate you are a man among men!!! Dad UCF is one ward over but I drive through it all the time. Haha there's like four colleges right here though. Mom I love you tons!!! Be relentlessly loving with our dear Polygamist friend!!!  Don't tell me about fights in CV and Wilstead game winners right before we're about to play a little zone b ball! Last time I was sore for days! I have faith and prayers! I think coach Staheli is right. Defense is key!

My supply is good. Maybe gum and stuff like that would be all. This week we were teaching a part member family and it was something I'll never forget. The dad was a really cool guy and really nice and he brought up some pretty legitimate concerns about the church etc. Really things that in my mind I had no answer for, but right now I have come too far and I know the gospel is certain and irrefutable and undeniable. It was a time and maybe not the only, but definitely the most specific time I can remember just relying on the Lords promise to open our mouth. We opened our mouths and confounded doubt. The things we say are never us, but that night we truly had no part in it. Gods purposes roll forth and we testified of the future of this great church and our living God.  Everyone in the family knows in their heart the right choice.

I love you so much! I pray for you and love you and cheer for the W in all parts of life!
Elder G