Well now, I am getting older and older. My birthday was awesome. It was sort of actually like a birthday week for me. It started Sunday of last week with the Crawfords. They made me a cake and it was delicous. Then they sent it home with us. Then on Monday we got to go to the Kunick family and they celebrated it on Monday. Then on Tuesday I went to Bro Stapleton and and they got me a cake and sent that home with us. Then on Wednesday the Crawfords got me a birthday present. I am sending pictures. Also an investigator made us cake. Then on Thursday I got a package from Grandma/pa Peterson. Then on friday the Bournes celebrated. Then on Saturday I got 6 cards. Saturday split was a big success, just excited to have it over and done. We had regional conference yesterday, and we heard from Elder Hughes of the seventy, Sis Reeves of the Relief Society, Elder Anderson of the twelve, and Elder Hales of the twelve. Elder Hughes talked about how there was a man in the middle east that is Mormon and how he lives in constent danger of being killed for his beliefs. Like he was writing a letter to the twelve letting them know how he was doing. He said that even though bombing happens as he writes with Anti aircraft going off. He still writes. He teaches his family knowing that one day the gospel will come to the middle east and he wants his family to be ready. Sis Reeves talked about the Atonement of Christ, and how we need to use it to the fullest. Don't think that just because you made a mistake you are imperfect. She relaid an experience of a man (when she was a mission presidents wife) how he thought that God could never forgive him of what he had done. But her husband interviewed the man and found him worthy to be baptized. She said the man was so happy and overjoyed that he feel on his knees crying knowing that God had forgiven him. We then heard from Anderson who taught about how God is losing the signifigance in the world. Like 6 years ago 82% believed in God, then 4 years later 69% believe. He said that the sad part is the answer is simple to fix this problem. You need to have scripture study. You need to be at church. But most of all you need to teach about God in the home. Next we heard from Elder Hales and he shared the importance of scripture study and prayer. He shared not just the importance of personal study and prayer. But with your spouse companion study and prayer. Also family study and prayer. He said if you want to be comforted do this and miracles will happen. He then shared the success stories of people that do what he did and shared 10 examples of the hundreds he had of people finding the church because people followed the Lords council. But love you all.
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Love
Elder Peterson
Cleveland, Ohio Mission
But this week has been going awesome. well the new investigators that we are teaching are doing awesome. They dont have a date yet but our goal is to have a date by the end of this week. We also have two more investigators that want to be baptized and have permission from their parents to be baptized. So a huge miracle.one is 8 the other 11, and the last one 14. The 14 year olds name is Marlene and that is the referral investigator. She has been coming to church for about 2 weeks now. The other two are from a year convert and they are her younger sisters. We have been working hard and getting things ready for the week. We have a lot of work ahead of us to build the testimonies of these great people. We also have been working with Less actives who are slowly coming back. But we will get them back by the end. Love you all!
So I am not TRANSFERRED!!!!! I am so excited and it is going to be a great transfer. This area is a blast and I love every minute of it. This work is so great and the changes you see in people is so amazing and you grow to love God every minute of it. Just like this Saturday we have a baptism planned for the Bournes son Alex. It is such a great opportunity to teach this fine young man. He has a ton of Energy and is always ready to shoot nerf guns at you/we shoot him back. haha. But he is so great and so loving, if only everyone was to see the vision that God love you and he wants the very best for. That is why he sends trails and adversities. This gospel that has been restored to the fullest is meant for you and for me and for all to come closer to Christ. The only one that stops progression to come back with God is you and you alone. No ones actions can stop you from progressing. Love this gospel and I have so much more that I have planned to see and do. Continue strong don't let things be your barriers from true happiness. Funny how life does that to you happy one minute and still happy the next. Even in times of struggle. Continue on and Staying Strong