Week 94

Man.. Each week I always wonder when things are going to stop getting so good.. But it just never stops. Haha.

It was a great week. We had a crazy ice storm and there was a thin layer of ice covering everything!! It was pretty sweet. They were thinking about cancelling church.. But luckily we just postponed it and we still had services. It was awesome. And i'm pretty sure we're the only church that actually had services on Sunday. Haha it felt great. I would have been super bummed if they would have cancelled it. Since the beginning of my mission i've always been excited to be able to say that I've gone to church every Sunday for 2 whole years.. Haha.. And that almost didn't happen but the Lord provided a way for us to meet. So i am happy.

Our cars got shut down.. So Elder Jones and I walked to church.. Haha and i'm pretty sure the sidewalks were waaayy more dangerous than the roads.. We were slipping and sliding like crazy walking on the sidewalks.. And it was a loong walk. But the roads had been covered in sand and salt so they weren't icy.. haha so that didn't really make sense. But its all good. We walked.

I had a great birthday by the way. It was so much fun.. A recent convert here in the Branch who's become my best budd wanted to take me bowling on the night of my birthday.. So I called my Mission President and he told us that we could go! I was pumped. I was thinking we were going to get shut down.. Haha but he's the coolest. Anyways.. So we went bowling. And it was a blast!! Ppl thought we were crazy bowling in suits and tie's on a saturday night.. But we had so much fun.. A night i'll never forget it thats for sure. Haha! I love the Knoxville Branch so much.

We have 2 baptisms coming up this Saturday on February 2nd! That marks 24 months to the day that I have been on my mission. Can't think of a better way to celebrate it honestly..

Also thats BJ's birthday. So tell him happy birthday for me.

I don't have much time to write.. Time is so precious.

I'm looking forward to my last week and a half but honestly.. When I think about not being a missionary anymore I get a knot in my throat and its really hard to swallow. I don't ever really have time to think about it.. So thats good. But you never know what someone can do with a week and a half.. So we'll see what me and Elder Jones can accomplish.. We're going to work harder than we've ever worked before. Haha. I love it so much.

I'll update you guys more next week. I'll still email on Monday. So i'll talk to you then!

Love Elder Russell

Week 93

Hello Family! This week has been incredible.. My testimony of the Gospel has grown.. My drive to to my best has increased, and my relationship with God has multiplied. Its fantastic to be a missionary.. Nothing like it really..

Anyways.. Day after day this last week something tragic seemed to happen.. One thing I have learned this week is that opposition is a very real thing in the lives of all who embrace and walk in the light of truth. Many ppl in the world stand in neutral ground where there is no progression, rarely is there opposition, and commonly the people think that "all is well in Zion, yea Zion prospereth."

But the moment an individual embraces the gospel and make steps away from neutral ground and moves to the positive, or light side of the battle field, then opposition strikes with full force. Once the seed of faith begins to grow into a young blossoming tree, Satan with his angels will do their best to mow you down and over with all the tools that they have access too in this world today. And its heartbreaking to see.. But with the help of the Savior we replant, re nourish, and restrengthen their testimonies of the restored gospel, and give them the feeling of peace that come from the love of God. It's an ongoing battle.. But its one that we will win. That's the best part about it.

Anyways.. I want to tell you guys a cool story..

At the end of 2012 our mission president let us go in 1 hour early, and prayerfully set some personal goals for our missionary service in the year of 2013.. And at first I was saying.. Well.. I only have a month and a week to serve in the year of 2013 so I'm not sure what kind of goals can be accomplished in that time frame.. But I straightened up my attitude, and decided to prayerfully set goals, and watch the Lord work wonders in my life and I involve him in all that I do. I felt very strongly that I could have 2 baptisms in the year of 2013 as a missionary. In my eyes that was a lofty goal.. And one that i wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish it, but with faith set that goal and then got out and worked my hardest..

For the 1st week.. Nothing came.. And I was worried. The second week we found someone, through a member, who was ready.. We continued to search diligently for 1 more person who we could set a date to be baptized on Feb 2nd.. for the next 2 weeks nothing came, and I began to be discouraged.. Thinking that I wasn't where I was supposed to be, or I wasnt' following the spirit to lead me to the person who was ready.. We retired to bed that night and woke up the next morning and we called a member.. He had a son who was 10 years old who was unbaptized, and previously wasn't baptized because of some things going on in the household. But do to some things that happened that week, his son was ready to be baptized and the Lord provided 2 people for us to teach and they will be baptized on February 2nd. Its pretty sweet and I'm really excited.

I'm convinced that if I wouldn't have worked my hardest those previous weeks.. That the Lord would have never provided me with the ability to reach the goal that I set through Him. I know if we do all that we can.. The Lord will take care of the rest.. And he will help you achieve His will.. And thats the greatest thing ever.

Lexee.. You asked if i've developed study habits on my mission.. I assume that implies the idea that you didn't think I had any before my mission.. which is probably true.. Haha but YES i've learned how to study, and I actually value knowledge.. So college will be much smoother sailing that High School i think.. Congrats on being married. Sorry for the snoring.. Just plug his nose..Thats what I used to do to you! hahaha! Love you Sister!

Thanks Dad for the answer to the question. That helps a ton. Thanks for the sheet music also. It came today and i will practice it with the knowledge i have of music.. Which is not that much. Haha..

Love you family! Thanks for everyhting!

Lvoe Elder Russell

Week 92

This week marks a week of many valuable unforgettable lessons learned.. Also a week of miracles.. Yet another week in the mission field.

My heart at certain times this past week was more heavy that its ever been before.. Unfortunate things happening, and burdens placed upon our shoulders that seem unbearable.

But as we relied on the Savior he lifted the burdens and made things better..

I have a good friend here in Knoxville who's a single mother, with a lot on her plate.. And this week her purse was stolen right out from underneath her.. She left her car for 30 seconds and she came back and her purse was gone.. She had seen a kid standing there before and knew that it was him. Long story short our friend called us and asked her to meet her at her house, and she was crying.. At this time we had no idea that her purse had been stolen... So we immediately headed for her house, and when we arrived she was not there yet.. But a young 19 year old kid stood near by(who turned out to be the robbers friend) and told us that he knew where her purse was. He led us to the purse and we took it and headed back towards our friends house.. As our friend was driving back to her house.. She pulled over just a few blocks before her house and said a prayer on the side of the road and asked Heavenly Father to please help her find her purse..

The timing was perfect.. We, with the purse in hand, came around the corner as our friend had just pulled into the driveway.. With tears in her eyes she saw the purse that we had retrieved and she knew then that God was watching out for her.. It was amazing.. That is a very brief run down of all that really took place.. But we had another confrontation with the young man involved in the theft.. And feelings of anger crept in my soul, and I wanted revenge and I could have easily gotten it.. But my friend taught me a valuable lesson. She was much more concerned with this young man who stole her purse.. She actually wanted to help him change.. And teach him the gospel.. And here am I, who is supposed to be the missionary.. And my recent convert is teaching me the most valuable lesson of all which is to "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those which despitefully use you and persecute you." It was an experience that i'll never forget! And as I remember my past I always must remember that forgiveness, not revenge is the only reason that i'm here on my mission today.

We have a young lady here in Knoxville who attends at a college nearby.. She had a boyfriend who gave her some serious anti mormon literature.. The seeds of skepticism and doubt crept into our young friends heart and began to take root.. She was scared, and didn't know what to do. She sent us a text asking if we could meet that night. So with the help of some fantastic members here in the Branch, we were able to schedule a lesson, and sit down and talk with her. We read many scriptures and shared stories.. We shared our testimony. And with help from members of the church and the spirit that they carry in their home, we were able to re-kindle some of those good feelings that she felt when she first joined the church 3 or 4 years previous.. Afterwards we had the opportunity to give her a blessing and it was a great experience. I felt the love that the Savior had for our friend so deeply and strongly in my heart.. And I knew then that the Savior was with us in that room. Standing next to us and saving his wandering sheep.. It was a great experience..

This is just 2 of MANY experiences that we've had this week.. At times I felt so desperate for help, and burdened down with the idea of losing one of God's children.. But after we did all that we could, we were able to watch the Saviors hand directly inside the lives of those who we care for SO much, and pray for SO hard..

Compared to the Saviors, I know that the burdens which I have felt placed upon my shoulders are but a drop of rain in the ocean.. But as I have done my best to do as the Savior would do in certain situations that I have been placed in, the Savior has blessed me with a wave of the spirit.. And he has free'd those who i love so deeply and in return it has free'd me and given me the strongest testimony of the Savior i've ever had.

Amazing things have happened this last week.. Including the 2 stories above.

We have also found many people who are prepared to recieve the gospel.. And a family is included! We're very excited! We hope to see great things before I end my time here in Iowa. So many emotions i'm feeling as the days seem to go by quicker and quicker.. I feel more desperate to reach everyone and talk to everyone who I possibly can about this message that we carry with us. Its great..

I love you all so much..

mom to answer your questions yes it is freeeeezing here in Iowa. And its humid. So that intensifies everything

And no i don't need money on my card.. My debit card from America First bank actually broke in half the other day haha but its ok. I don't need it.

And i'm doing good and i'm excited to see you too.

I love you very much.. Thanks for everyhting and all the support you give and the prayers you say. They are heard and most importantly felt. So thank you so much..

Love Elder Russell

Week 91

This week has been good.. Full of fun times. I can't believe how fast time is moving.. Its amazing.

We have had some good experiences this week..

We had just a few extra minutes before an appointment, and we decided to knock some doors in the area.. A lady opened the door and was fairly nice at first as we began to chat. She mentioned to us that she attended a Non-Denominational church here in Knoxville. As we began in on the religious side of the conversation, we told her that God has reached out to his Children in love and called a prophet to the earth again.. And she disagreed. Whole heartily too! Ha ha.. She said we don't need a prophet, and we had Christ as the Savior and he came and 'put an end to the prophets' i believe is how she put it. We read to her how Peter was called as a prophet and given the keys so when Christ left he could take over the Church.. And she was shocked.. She said "my pastor never showed me this!'' Then we also showed her in the Sermon on the Mount where Christ says "I am not come to destroy the prophets." Her jaw was wide open by this point and she was speechless. We thought something good was going to come about this and she was going to let us come back and expound more to her.. And suddenly she said.. My Pastor warned me about you guys.. He told me that you'd try and deceive me! Then she shewed us off the porch, almost forcefully.. And told us to never come back again.

I was amazed.. Ha ha.. She saw it with her own eyes!! Right in the scriptures. I was speechless.. Me and Elder Jones sat in wonder.. It scared me to tell you the truth.. To see how easily one can misplace trust in God to trust in man!

We had another neat experience.. We were walking to an appointment, and we saw the Knoxville Journal building.. Which is the local newspaper here! We went in and I asked if we could get a newspaper article in about our Church. To our surprise the journalist said yes! That he would love to.. We had an interview and it went great. And our article went to over 2,000 homes here in

the city of Knoxville! Haha pretty sweet! I'm excited to see what comes of it.

I'm glad to hear that the wedding went good and that everyone had good Hollidays!

Happy Birthday Berklee! I was thinkin about you all day on Saturday.. Haha i'm still gonna have to whoop ya on the ski hill tho.. Just cause I haven't done it for 2 years doesn't mean you'll be able to keep up with me :) Hah just kidding.. I was chasin you last time we went i'm pretty sure! I love you!

Jed! Happy Birthday tomorrow! Your gettin old man.. Haha.. Hope its a good one!

I love you family very much.. I hope all is well..

And if there is any way to not drive Rachael's old car when I get home that would be great. I'd like to pick my own! Haha

Thanks!

Love Elder Russell

Week 90

I don't even know where to begin this week.. It was fantastic. My fingers can barely type cause i'm so excited to tell you all what happened..

So.. Our mission, as I have mentioned before.. set a goal to baptize 400 people in the year of 2012.. The Assistants to the Pres who are my good buds have kept in touch with me and updated me on the goal of 400 very closely! And with the way that the numbers were looking, this past Thursday we were going to get 398 baptisms.. Haha I know.. Ridiculous..

After I got word.. On the Morning of Dec 28th.. I sat there and thought about what we could do to reach 400.. I knew that the Lord would prepare a way.. I just didn't know how he was going to do it! I thought and thought... And a major spiritual impression popped into my head to ask the lady who we were teaching who was supposed to be baptized on Jan 5th to bump her date up to December 30th. We had asked her previously and she said no.. So i didn't want to push. But the thought came to me again.. And I called her up and said.. "Sister, we have received revelation.. We know that you are to be baptized this Sunday. Can we go forth with it?" After about 10 seconds of silence she said.. "Yes, I know that I am ready!"

She was the 399th baptism this year in the Iowa Des Moines Mission.. And due to another miracle that took place in Mt. Pleasant Iowa we reached the goal of 400. Reaching exactly 400 souls who were baptized this year.

When I recieved the phone call from Elder Mosser the assistant telling me we had reached the goal I was speechless. We have focused so hard on this goal and seeing it come to pass. Everyday we worked our hardest to do everything to reach it. We prayed for it, we fasted for it, it became apart of who we were. And when we were in the most need the Lord provided a way for his faithful servants to accomplish His will. And there is no better feeling. I know it may not seem like much to others.. But to us here in the IDMM it means the world. We know how hard work and dilligence can and does pay off. This is the first year that this mission has reached its goal in longer than anyone can remember. I feel the Ammon and the Sons of Mosiah who said "Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his cmercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel."

The baptismal service went great.. A guy here in the Branch baptized our dear sister.. And it was fantastic.. She asked if I would confirm her and I was priveledged to do so.. I have gained a testimony that after all you can do, as the scriptures say.. Grace will come in and take care of the rest. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much. He will bless us as we work our hardest and do our part. No excuses.

Thank you for your prayers in our behalf.. We do appreciate them! It means a lot.

Christmas was great! And it was SOO good to talk to you all! I love it.

I don't have much time to write more.. I'm sorry but next week i'll have more to tell you i'm sure

I am glad to hear that Lexee's wedding went well. Haha so weird. I'm the only one left!

Mom I sent a package to the house of stuff i've inherited.. haha what do ya know.. I addressed it to myself so please just put it in my room. It should be there this week. And get feeling better!

I love you all! Your great..

Love Elder Russell