July 1, 2014

I've been transferred again! I'm now serving in the BOTHELL area, which is back...... in the Lake Washington Ward, again! Apparently I haven't figured out what I'm supposed to do in this ward. Something isn't completed that needs to be. This equates to over half of my mission in the same ward, spread across the three stakes it covers.

I'm serving with Elder DeTavis. He is an excellent missionary, and he's just who I need. He's an answer to prayers. Heavenly Father knows how to answer prayers so much better than we know how to ask blessings. That's definitely the truth! Exciting, isn't it?

And the opposition is great, but ultimately insignificant. Positive thinking, renewed faith, deeper prayer and purposeful fasting. Those are the lifelines for us.!

Brother Freddy is doing very well (the one that was baptized in Shoreline). He has been coming with us to teach some new brothers and sisters. We have our eyes on the temple, like you were saying, mom. He has integrated very well, and HE IS A MISSIONARY. It's unbelievable what he does to serve others! He is unable to work, himself. Instead he helps other people with all sorts of random stuff. He happens to know some less-active members, and he's working on reactivating them; bringing them to church, helping them move. He does wonderful things! He is also introducing his brother to the Church. I love Brother Freddy :)

This transfer is going to be fantastic. I know what needs to be done. I know how to do it. I know that I can do it with the Lord. He is my strength.

One other thing I've learned is how important love is. Few things are more powerful than true charity. It relieves and inspires, and is passed on with ease. I hope that I can develop greater charity.

I know that the Gospel is true, and that it will save us as we turn to Christ. I know that reverence and humble discipleship beneath His guidance and protection is a yolk of ease, and a light burden. How great is a Gospel where we understand that even our sufferings are for our good, and for our blessing :) I humbly and gratefully give my testimony that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, and the ultimate Source of good; one that will never fail, and will never cease to be our strength. I love Him. He is great and Endless. I share my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love,

Elder Talbot