Do you know what The Book of Mormon is?

It is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is another witness of Jesus Christ and confirms the truths found in the Holy Bible.  Both volumes of scripture are a compilation of teachings as recorded by ancient prophets. The Book of Mormon documents the lives of the inhabitants of the ancient Americas, while the Bible details events in the eastern hemisphere, Far from undermining the Bible, the Book of Mormon supports its testimony of Jesus Christ. One passage says that the Book of Mormon “shall establish the truth” of the Bible “and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved”.(1 Nephi 13:40).  

Visiting awesome families!

Awesome families!

Mom met this gal on the plane and she found me!

Hiking with my missionary mom & family.

Hello family!

So it's a wonderful 9:30 p.m. and I finally have time to sit down and write an email home! So being that it's getting late, I would like to share with you the greatest day this week which was Friday.

So it started with District Training Meeting. There we met the new Elders and Sisters who arrived in this area on Wednesday after transfers. Our District leader, Elder Carder, received a new companion named Elder Romriell. Now, Elder Romriell had been serving in that area 6 months ago, So he was called back here! I had heard stories about him, but had never actually met him. Well, I'm glad I had the opportunity because he is a really cool guy! We actually have quite a bit in common. Apparently, Elder Romriell is in the Army. He had been doing so for a little over a year before his mission and had been deployed to South Korea - border patrol, he had been stationed in Fort Lee, VA, and a few other places. This kid has seen the world! He also likes guns. Apparently airsoft guns are mission approved so he has this big ol' sniper rifle airsoft gun. This thing is LEGIT! It is way cool! We set up some cans as targets are proceeded to plink em out. He let me take a few shots! It's actually very accurate! He also likes cars!. When I showed him my collection of nice car encounters on my mission, he stopped at the burnout in the Challenger video Dad sent me a while back and he watched that a few times hahaha. It was very cool to meet him and I look forward to working with him further.

So after that we all had a great district lunch! Post lunch, we went back to our flat to do some weekly planning. Typical for Friday afternoons. We then decided to go walk around for a while. Well, while we were doing so, we were called over by this guy who I hadn't seen in months. He is really cool and loves the missionaries as well as the gospel. This is someone who has seen both sides of the fence, and realized that he lacked the light and happiness of the gospel in his life and wanted it back...so he did just that. He kind of told us of the things he realized once he allowed God back into his life. He says things just worked out. Do your part and the Lord will do his. Plain and simple. I shared with him that I wish everyone else understood that...things would be so much easier for everyone. After that we decided that it was very hot and that we all need slurpees...so off we went in his big monster Cummins Dodge to Sonic to get some slushies! It was so much fun! It was really nice to kind of hang out with him again. He is a shining example of how the gospel can change peoples' lives.

After that we continued up the street to one of our less active families who has a daughter who has not been baptized yet. Well, come to find out, her cousin returns from his mission in a few weeks and is going to help us teach her and baptize her! Super awesome!

After that, we had dinner with a family from England. It was nice to be around some of the British banter again. Needless to say, I miss Elder Greenacre hahaha!

After that, we found out that our buddy was going to be working on his truck that night and we offered to help. So we got in normal clothes and off we went to his house to help him change the right front wheel hub bearing. I had helped him do the left side a few weeks ago so it was nice to help him out again. Also, it was nice to get my hands dirty again doing what I love! After that we had scripture reading time with the whole family! Good times!

Then we went back to the flat to retire for the night..

So yeah that was a pretty bangin day! I appreciate everything that y'all do for me and the support I've received! I'm sure it was fun for Ddad to finally meet the Edwards family. Good stuff!

Anyways, until next week!

Love you all!

-Elder Ahrens