A Savior 12/22/15

My dear friends and family it is so wonderful to be writing you all once again,

First off, I'd like to give a BIG late birthday shoutout to my amazing dad for this past Friday, I love ya dad and k can't wait to talk to you soon! And on the family note, congratulations to my cousin Lani and her fiancé, they're getting sealed probably as I type this out (sealing is when a man and woman are sealed together for time and all eternity, not just till death do we part).

If you were all grieving over no email yesterday it is because today is preparation day (p-day). Yesterday I wan in Indiana for a 4 zone Christmas party! President Brough gave an amazing training on enduring to the end. He talked about how we need to be a Nephi or a Sam rather than a Laman or Lemuel (those references are to 2 righteous brother Nephi and Sam, and 2 wicked brothers Laman and Lemuel in the Book of Mormon). Because if you think about it, Laman and Lemuel DID go on missions. They crossed the seas, they suffered in the wilderness, they went back to get the brass plates from Laban (wicked ruler). The only difference between these 2 wicked brothers and righteous brothers was that Nephi and Sam served how you are supposed to serve: with all your heart, might, mind, and strength to give your all to Heavenly Father. 

Anyways, I have a quick experience I'd like to share with you. So our investigators Nakia and Melissa were all set to be baptized this week, and Elder Haws and I were super excited because it's been one of those rough weeks. This Sunday was the last week they had to come to church to get baptized, but the member who picks them up for church had some bad news for us. They talked to their grandma and she told them they were going into this too fast and they shouldn't be baptized. We were really upset, but we forgot about it during church services, the spirit gave us a lot of peace that day and it was much needed. So yesterday we went to see them for an appointment we had scheduled with them. But they came out, told us that the church isn't for them and it isn't the answer to their prayers they're looking for. If I was the same person I was almost 5 months ago, I would've been ticked. But Elder Haws and I looked at each other, and we realized we were t mad at all. In fact, we felt really happy for some reason! We thought about it for the second, and I realized what it was. The pure love of Jesus Christ, His unconditional charity, had filled our hearts and given us comfort even in a huge missionary letdown.

But because of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we don't have to endure any of that. During this time of the year we remember His birth, and the church's Christmas campaign is even called "A Savior is Born", but we should not forget that A Savior LIVES!!! He suffered for each on of us and because of His sacrifice He knows perfectly what we are going through so He can help us through our trials and afflictions. Because if Him there doesn't have to be any more pain, sorrow, loneliness, anger, or anything the adversary will place into our lives. Whenever we feel lost and alone, it is because we have not taken the time to turn to our Father in Heaven. Even if we feel we have done everything we can, we have not done everything if we have not called for Heaven's aid. Please don't forget the miracle of God's only begotten son coming to the earth during this Christmas season, and never forget the miracle of His life and His teachings. With God by our side and the love and faith of each one of us combined in unity, we could walk through Hell and back. There is nothing He cannot help us through, please check out these videos below and enjoy some nice holiday music, and if you want more go to Christmas.mormon.org

I love you all so much, enjoy your families and enjoy this Christmas season and God bless you all!!!

Much love,

Elder Crow

My masterpiece in a member's home, representing the Crow's Nest

Street contacted Santa, oh yes we did 

12 Days of Christmas December 6 - Tiffany Alvord #ASaviorIsBorn.
https://www.mormon.org/christmas/tiffany-alvord

12 Days of Christmas December 10 - David Archuleta #ASaviorIsBorn.
https://www.mormon.org/christmas/david-archuleta