General Conference was perfect. I loved every second of
it. I could not get enough, it seemed. I took so many notes I'm
astounded that I had time to still listen. One of our more reluctant to
accept the truth investigators joined us in a member's home for the
first session. It was nothing short of a miracle, to be perfectly
honest. She has been meeting with the missionaries for about two months,
and has been slowly opening her heart and changing her life. She was
thinking about how strong the Spirit was when Elder Cook talked (who
apparently looks a lot like Dad haha) and then was thinking 'I need to
get baptized and join this church, but I can't. I can't be a Mormon,
'cuz then I'd be a MORMON.' She has this negative connotation associated
with the tag 'Mormon' and when she was thinking that, Elder Nelson said
"You know, 'Mormon' is just a nickname we have, we're actually the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" and she was stunned that
God heard her thought and answered them with the words of the apostles.
That talk did wonders for her, and she wants us to help her get into
Family History. We're going to help her this week with the same family
whose house we were watching conference. They used to be the Ward Family
History consultants. Coincidence? Nope.
Also, the announcement of President Monson: WHOA! I
cannot believe that 19-year old young women are going to be serving
now!! I bet that the number of sister missionaries will at the very
least double in the next year. I'm so excited for them. And to be honest
a little worried for young men. The new age requirement is a wonderful
opportunity, but a very big responsibility to prepare now and prepare
well. I know there are many who are ready to take the step, but I'm glad
that I had to wait a year because I know I was not ready after
I graduated. Actually, maybe. But I'm glad I waited. So, are the Howards
going to be sending out two missionaries within the next few months? I
could see it! I really want to know which of my friends want to serve
missions now. Friends, write me if you start your papers, or get your
calls!!!
More on investigators: Ray (Manuel) his brother Jay,
and sister Lupita are moving out of town this week, they think, and
have baptismal dates for the 20th. I'm praying earnestly that the Elders
in Fresno can find them and get them baptized; they're so close! We
also have a few other dates, with the nephew of a member and his wife, a
man named Steve, and a young man named Jeremiah. I mentioned the Campos
family in a previous email, and they are progressing to baptism, but we
think it might take just a bit longer to get them to agree to a date.
But Sis Campos's sister, Biri, has agreed to be baptized this month. We
have a total of eight baptismal dates for the end of October and are
planning to set more for November.
There is a lot of crazy things about to happen in
the Stake, which I'm not supposed to know let alone share, but very
exciting and worrisome things are going to be happening in two-three
weeks. I'll let yall know about that stuff after Stake Conference. Sorry
for the teaser haha.
I'm so excited for Kingsburg and Parlier. We are so
blessed to find so many people that really want to follow Jesus Christ
and his example, and great things are in store for these people here.
Please pray for the people here that they can let us in, and that we can
find those who we know are ready.
Stoked for the Pats. Long live the kings, Tom and Bill.
Let me know if there is anything Elder Bolton can do for you all reading this. I'll do whatever I can to help.
Also, friends, send me pics. I get bored on Preparation Day and need pictures to remember good times.
Much love,
Elder Bolton
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