The People of London

Hello Everyone!

This week has been really great! We are teaching some really great people and that is what I wanted to focus on this week. The people.

I never would have thought I could love people that I barely know. I did not think it was possible. When people would tell me "Love the people" I thought it was kind of weird but now I understand what they meant. When I am trying to invite people to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel, I begin to feel Gods love for them. I can honestly feel something within me change when I teach them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have always taken for granted that I was born in this religion. I just thought it was irrelevant. I knew it was important but didn't fully understand until I got on my mission. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on this earth. It sounds bold, I know. And I do not mean to condemn any other religion because they all are great and have amazing intentions. But they do not have the full truth of what God would like us to do. With the Book of Mormon and the Bible together, we are able to fully understand our purpose here on earth. We know where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. We know what we need to do here on earth so that we may live with god again. We know these things because of the Book of Mormon and the Bible. With out one of these sources we would be lost. I know that if we really want to find out if what I am saying is true, we must read the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true. I know that these things are true because I have experienced it for myself and I invite you to do so if you have not already.

So anyways about the people I am teaching. First is a man named Jesus. He pronounces his name the same way as an American would say Jesus. HAHA not the Spanish way. Jesus smokes and did not come to church last Sunday... UH OH! Sounds funny right? He grew up in New York but is from Spain. I am convinced he used to be in the Mob in NY and my companion thinks so too. He just is a great guy but with a crazy past. He is searching for truth and loves meeting with us. Every time we see him he says that "We have changed his life forever." When hearing that it makes all the crappy moments go away. He offered the closing prayer the other day in our lesson and said "Dear God, Bless America that they may be able to kick Syria in the A** and show them who is boss, also I thank you for these boys who teach me. I am thankful for my life. I love you baby. Amen." It was so great.

Now Lawrence! So Lawrence is from some small tribe in Africa! He is about 50 and is on date to be baptised! Once every six weeks we do a work over with another missionary for a day. So I went to work with a different missionary named Elder Hein (The tall red headed one I also live with). When we were on this work over, we were waiting for a bus and decided to start talking to people. So I stopped this man and we started talking to him about the church and he said that his wife has been telling him to find our church and learn more about it. It was for sure a miracle. Our bus then pulled up and we took his number and called him that night to meet with him. Elder Hein and his companion have been teaching him ever since. I hav not seen Lawrence since that day I found him which was about a month ago until the other day. We were on another work over and it happened that Elder Hein was teaching Lawrence that day. So I was so excited! He has been asking about me everytime they have met with him and wanted to see me so it was a big surprise for him. So I walked up to him and said "Hello Lawrence It is great to see you" He looked confuse for a second, then just exploded with Joy and grabbed me to give me a big hug. It was so great! He said that this Gospel has changed his life and he thanks me for talking to him that one day. He is the sweetest man.

All these people I just love. They make this work so fun to do. I love doing what I am doing and seeing the direct impact it has on their lives! I love the people.

Elder David