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