Week 50- The Temple and Family History

Family and Friends,

This week we were able to visit the temple again. I learned a lot and even walked away with more questions I can search out the answers for. I've found that my best studies in the morning are when I am searching for the answer to a question, or even just trying to understand a specific topic better.

We gave Harry a Book of Mormon this week. We hope to follow up with him this coming week. He seems really interested, but it seems as though he wants to learn by himself without our help. Haha. It will work out.

We tracted into a man yesterday. He actually asked us where the church was and said he wants to come this Sunday. Wooh! I'm super excited.

I feel that things are starting to pick up in the area. Thank you for all the prayers. I know that if we try our best to follow the counsel of our inspired leaders, we will find success. It's often as though God is giving us counsel himself.

I love y'all. Hope y'all have a fantastic week!

-Elder Chandler Allen

Week 49- A Greater Zeal

Friends and Family,

This week was pretty good. We have been doing a lot of finding, and luckily we have been getting a couple return appointments. When Elder Kapishka came, he promised us that baptisms would quadruple if we get members to our appointments no later than the second lesson with investigators. What a promise. We are striving to do that. I know it will work.

I was feeling a bit discouraged this week because it seemed the work in the area wasn't progressing much despite our efforts. Luckily a member fed us yesterday and shared some miracles from his mission that inspired and motivated us to work harder. He said that the number of baptisms in his mission quadrupled in 3 years. It was all about the attitude they had for the work, and the goals they set. We went tracting after that and are going to go back to 4 of those people. What a blessing. I really needed that. He gave us some great advice.

I love y'all!

-Elder Chandler Allen

Week 48- Conference After Conference

Friends and Family,

This week was great. We had a mission conference with Elder Kapishka and Elder Blueth. Many great things were shared. One that stood out to me was to find more rules and follow them. Haha. It sounds a little crazy, but if we are constantly trying to find new ideas in Preach My Gospel that will help us feel the Spirit and help with the work, it will positively affect the work.

We also had Stake Conference with Elder Kapishka and Elder Gillenwater. They had some great talks on be Lights to the world. We should ask ourselves, do we shine with Christ's light always? Is it evident enough for our friends to recognize it within us? Being and example is one of the greatest forms of missionary work.

Doug, the investigator took us to Catholic Mass. He toured us around the church a little bit. I enjoyed learning more about Catholicism. I think it will help me to relate better to other Catholics I run into.

I also went on exchanges with Elder Urvina. He has a true enthusiasm for the work. I got along really well with him. He is a great friend!

Love y'all!

-Elder Chandler Allen

Week 47- How Bad Can It Be?

Friends and Family,

I can't believe how hard it rains!!!! Haha. We had a couple rain storms this weekend and it was like a shower. One day, we just ran from the car to our apartment, and we were still drenched. It would be fun more than anything if we weren't in our church clothes. Haha.

We gave a bible to a lady who requested it this week, and she read the whole pamphlet that we gave her along with it in just a day. We were super excited when we came back and talked about it. We are planning to see her this week, so we will see how it turns out.

Me and Elder Holdaway are having a lot of fun together and growing closer. I enjoy when we just talk openly with each other. He is a good kid, and I'm glad I get to train him, although he's pretty knowledgeable already.

We also learned about hurricane preparedness this week, which was fun. It's already that season again. I feel a lot more prepared now though since I have a 72 hr kit all ready to go.
Love y'all, enjoy the summer!!!

Love, Elder Chandler Allen