Week Eighty-Four

Love my Mission!

Hello family and friends,

What an eventful week we had. It's so sad to hear of the passing of President Monson. The first Prophet I knew was Gordon B. Hinckley, but I grew up listening to and loved President Monson. He was a very happy and cheerful man, always ready to make a good joke in his talks; he told amazing stories and connected them to the Gospel. I remember his story of starting a canyon on fire and the time he wiggled his ears in conference. He was always serving and looking to help others, I know he was a Prophet of God. We got the news right during my training in MLC this week and everything just stopped as we talked about him and his life. It was a cool little moment, but it was a shock. 

This week Elder Basil and I had two baptisms. Their names are Nirmala and her son Ahman. They are part members to the church and are the family I told lives in Rishikesh, India. Sister Nirmala was a devoted Hindu all of her life even while her husband Raju was a Mormon. They had been married for 21 years and Raju was praying for his wife every day. She finally had a change of heart and was ready to accept the Savior and his gospel; she made time, came to Delhi, and was taught and baptized. They have committed to coming to Delhi once a month for the Sacrament, which is a huge sacrifice for them to make. Then we hope to start a home group there in the coming months. I grew to love Nirmala and Ahman so much and it was so amazing to hear them bear their testimonies after the baptism. The best sight ever was seeing Ahman come out of the Bishop’s office with a smile on his face and a stack of scriptures and youth pamphlets and all the materials he needs to learn and grow in the gospel. He was so excited to show us his new Bible and Book of Mormon and we are so happy for him.

This week I just want to bear my testimony that President Monson was a Prophet of God, and so will our next Prophet and our next and our next and it will never end. We have the Priesthood of God on the Earth today and it will never be taken away. We are led by leaders who have been called of God, your bishops, stake presidents, and home teachers were all called of God. We receive revelation in this church. The Church of Jesus Christ is a perfect church, the people may not be perfect, the leaders may not be perfect, but they are called to the position they are to serve. Love your leaders, follow our prophets, and trust in the Lord. I promise this church is the True Church of Jesus Christ, and you will be more happy and blessed than ever before when you decide to give yourself to Him.

Love,

Elder Armstrong

Me and Ahmen (notice the Sweater, I am actually cold)