3-13-11

Dear Mom and Dad,

I liked what you learned from your lessons, Mom. I just started reading Jesus the Christ again during our lunches (I only ever got a few chapters into it). It's amazing how much James E. Talmage knows. Hopefully it will help me better relate to the scriptures and better understand Christ's teachings. I already feel like I can relate a lot better to the scriptures, especially the New Testament, from being a missionary. We're basically continuing the same work that they started. Our Zone Conference this week was all about the Book of Mormon and how we can use it more and better. I feel like that was something we needed to focus on and I'm excited to see the results. I personally want to strengthen my own testimony of the book, its importance, and its reality.

I've been a little sick this week, so we didn't have a ton of meetings, but there was still some good things that happened. Gevorg, our investigator quit smoking. On Sunday, he said he had quit for four days and was pretty excited. I could see a difference in him and in the light in his eyes. If he can keep reading and praying, I think he'll be ready for baptism. We also met with Kristine again. She still hasn't set a date to be baptized, but she seems to be doing well. We felt like we might be able to do a better job at helping her resolve her concerns.

Not much else happened. We might be moving apartments soon, so it's closer to our area. The one we want is pretty nice inside. Oh this Sunday was really nice. The deaf man, who just got baptized, gave a talk in sacrament with his family and it was really spiritual. I think that's one of the first times that big of a family has spoken like that. We also have an open house at the church this weekend, which should go well. I like this branch a lot, and my respect for the Branch President is always growing.

I miss you all and hope that everything is good and well. Happy Saint Patrick's Day this week.

With much love,
Elder Bruce Wainwright