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 

Brimmel Family and handshake 11/09/15

\

And this is the Brimhall family, our favorite family!!! They are the funniest people ever and I love 'em so much!

This is my boy Ashton Harper, he's such an awesome kid and now I use the handshake that Taylor Stowers and I came up with and it's our handshake for now!


Comments:

That kid sounds crazier than Taylor! :) Keep letting 'em know whatchu workin' with :) 

Sis. Stowers

"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world ... " Ether 12:4

3 months and no training 11/9/15

So as you can all tell from the email subject, I am no longer a new
missionary! 3 months feel like an eternity, but at the same time I
still have a long time to go. Which is a good thing, I'm so grateful I
still have so much time to serve the Lord! Wow, well not a whole lot
happened until Friday. We had zone meeting in E-Town and zone meetings
are always a spiritual experience I love 'em! The zone leaders trained
on working with members and role playing with them so they can know
how to invite their friends to meet with the missionaries or come to
church or something like that. Then we had 2 other trainings on
sharing the gospel simply and setting good goals. It amazes me how the
Lord seems to customize the revelation we receive through
the spirit!

Well, not a whole lot else happened. I went on an exchange with Elder
Kovalov on Friday. He's from Ukraine and he has an accent, it's the
coolest thing ever! We always make jokes about Russia and he'll
threaten you with some KGB stuff if you don't listen to him, he's
funny

On Saturday, we got transfer calls. Elder Koenig is getting
transferred and I am staying in E-Town! I have no idea who my new
companion is, but I can't wait to meet him! So the last couple days
have been goodbyes and a lot of dinner appointments, I have 4
tonight!!! Ahhhhh I'm fat! But I love the members here, they're so
awesome!

I can personally testify that this is the one true church of Jesus
Christ. I count my blessings everyday that I spread this gospel and
care for my brothers and sisters. I don't always feel like I am doing
my best for Him, but I know without a doubt that I do try everyday to
be better than I was the day before. Sometimes it feels like we are
trapped in the darkness of life with no way out, but there is always
light. We just have to take off the blindfold that's been covering our
eyes and we will see the glory and love of Christ in everything we do.
He. Is. The way. All He asks is that we turn to Him and allow Him to
guide us where we need to be going. I love you all and I thank you for
your support. God loves you and so do I. Don't you ever forget it!

Much love,
Elder Crow


Got blueberries on my shirt when I tried to make blueberry bread




This is the Harper family, they played phase 10 and spot it with Elder Koenig and me when we came over to say goodbyes for Elder Koeing. I love this
family so much!

 
This is the Harper family, they have us cookies and we played card games for Elder Koenig goodbye

 
And his is Tyson Harper, the goofiest kid on the face of he planet. He reminds me of my sister Leah!