This week seemed so long! It was in
a good way, we just had tons of different things going on. A member's daughter
passed away, and they had the funeral this week, so we were able to go to that
and support him. He was shattered by the passing, especially because he is
divorced and his daughter was not a member. Instead of our church, they held
the funeral at her Baptist church she went to with her mom and step family. It
was a very interesting experience to get to attend the service, with their
preaching and singing. There was some tension at times in the service and some
false doctrine preached like when the second preacher said not everyone is a
child of God and that little children are going to hell. That really bothered
us!
Nine people were saved at the
service, and that was interesting, because even thought there were those moments
throughout the preaching where they were sharing false doctrine, when the
people went up to be saved, there was a certain measure of the spirit there. It
testified to me of the good that can be found in all religions. It also helped
to strengthen my testimony of the Restored gospel. I know we are blessed with
the fullness of the gospel and the priesthood authority and prophets today, and
that because of the Atonement we can live again with our Father in heaven.
We also were able to do lots of
service this week, as well as receive wonderful training from Elder Kapischke.
My favorite part of the meeting was where he promised us more success as we
relied on the members more. I also loved singing the hymn "I'll go where
you want me to go". That hymn was so perfect, especially with transfers coming
up. Whether Elder A. and I stay or go, I have a strong testimony of transfers
and the revelation that takes place to determine where we serve.
We set up appointments this week
with a number of investigators for this coming week, so hopefully those go
through.
I do know this church is true, and
not just partially. God is fair and he is good. There is a Spirit world where
people have the opportunity to learn about the gospel. We are all his children,
and he loves us unconditionally. Elder Kapischke shared a quote he heard Elder
Holland say, that said " I hope that somehow, God has a backdoor opened
for my brother Judas Iscariot." What a quote! Charity never faileth.
I sure love you all!! Thanks for
your letter!! Yall are da best!
Love Elder Branch
ps. You asked about forsythia
plants. We see even more here than in Utah! I told all the other elders about
the game, and now we get super competitive. Elder A.'s been awesome at it recently!
