Week 56

What an awesome week it has been!! I'm sorry i didn't email yesterday.. We had a Zone Conference up in Ames so our P Day was moved to today! It was pretty stressful because we had to do everything to set up for it! And there was a lot more that we had planned on! But all worked out well! And the Lord definitely had our backs! Haha..

The weather has been just dandy here in Iowa. Missionary work is always enjoyable don't get me wrong.. But people seem to be in a much better mood when the sun is shining and its 70 degrees outside! Haha! We have been able to talk to SO many people about the Book of Mormon and the church.. But we're still waiting for the one's who are being prepared by the Lord! I have a feeling that he or she is coming soon! I just know it!!

We stopped a college aged girl on the street the other night and we asked her if she had a minute to talk. We began talking and she told us that she had been looking for a church in Ankeny to attend. I then proceeded to ask her what is it that she looks for in a church.. Without a glimpse of hesitation she replied "a good band!" ..for a second i was taken back and i didn't know really what to say! I asked if the doctrine that the church was preaching had any significance to her decision. And her reply was "well.. not really.. I just go for the music."I just wish you were all there to see my face. Haha I was so confused. I had never encountered a situation like this.. My next words came out of nowhere and i told her "well i'm sorry, but we can't offer a free christian rock concert, but we can offer everything that Jesus Christ has ever given us!." She just kind of stood there and said "ok! thats cool!" Hahhaa!! She took a pamphlet and a Book of Mormon and promised us that she would read and pray. So who knows what will happen! The Adversary works in mysterious ways.. And it was a HUGE testimony builder to me that we have to be constantly getting rid of the things in our lives that in any way, shape, or form detract the spirit from our lives. We HAVE to be able to know the difference between good, and better.

I feel as if the Lord has truly humbled me in this area.. I feel in my past 2 area's that i have always been able to find people to teach and baptize, but in this area He is making me work harder than I've ever worked before. Therefore, i feel as if i have relied on the spirit more than i ever have before. Its amazing how much you can learn when you get rid of the tiny little things that detract from the spirit in your lives. You realize how precious the spirit is, and how easily one little crude remark, or dirty joke, or tiny lie, can disqualify you from the spirit's presence. And I've come to the conclusion that it is simply not worth it. The closer you are, the better off you'll be. I promise you that!

I am grateful for the things I'm learning.. I feel like God takes me to a new and higher level each week. Its so good to sit down and just type for a few minutes and reflect on the week and the things i've learned. There is no way i could tell you everything or i'd be here for hours. I know that God is watching over each one of you! Thanks for all the support and love you show me. I really do appreciate it!

CONGRATS ON GOING AP Kash Johnson! Haha we all knew it was comin you stud!
Thanks for the email and stories Dad! Sounds like you guys are having fun traveling the Nation!
I think one of the pictures i sent you is of a snake i caught! They are all over! Its so crazy!
I must get going now! Gotta good day ahead of us!

Love, Elder Russell