10/7/13

So this week we met with quite a few less- actives, invited several to come to conference, most said they would just watch at home. We have so many less-actives right now, and the main reason they don't come any more is they don't feel loved by the ward. It is hard to understand that because we as missionaries feel the love and support of the ward, but they aren't necessarily supporting the people who aren't coming. I liked Arnulfo Vanezuelas talk from sat afternoon. It is the small and simple things that help others to come unto Christ. It really is as simple as just loving them. This area hasn't really ever had Sisters before, so we have a great opportunity to go into the single sisters homes where Elders couldn't. There's a lot of work for us to do, and a lot of that just means loving the people who haven't felt that in a while. 

If I had to pick a top favorite talk from Conference, it would probably be President Uchtdorfs talk. I think mostly because it addressed so many concerns that we have come across with our less actives and people in general. I Loved Elder Ballards talk as well. Member missionary work is the best thing ever. I definitely didn't realize how effective and how important it really is. There is a cool fireside thing that is called "The Missionary Next Door" it talks about member missionary work and I love it. 

Conference had something for everyone and I loved the focus on covenants and being converted. I really don't even know what to say about conference besides it was amazing. There's this cool thing that happens when I have good experiences like conference, that no matter what has happened earlier in the week, It automatically becomes a good week and I don't care about what happened except for that good thing. I invite you all to find an opportunity to invite someone to church or an activity. I would love to hear your experiences of missionary work.

I know this is short and scatterbrained, but I love you all. 

I know that God lives and that He loves us. I know he wants us to follow Him. I know that the work is His and he leads it and we can all share the gospel. The Church is true and it has the Priesthood authority of God. It was restored through Joseph Smith with that power.

I love and miss you all!

Sister Gardner