Family,
Guess what!?!?!?!? We get to Skype this Christmas!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to see you all!!!
And no I am not 'trunky' by any means. The only trunkiness I have is thinking about arranging everything for school and such. But even then I don't worry about that. I am focused on my mission right now, bringing souls unto Christ and working on becoming a better companion.
This has been an exciting week. Donna was baptized on Friday and we had our Mission Christmas party and Ward Christmas party this week. Another missionary, Elder Quezada, and I put together a rendition of Little Drummer Boy and we performed at both parties. We filmed it so I'll send pictures and videos soon. Elder Quezada took my place in Elko when I left so we have been friends ever since. Because of the many Christmas parties from various wards we have aquired a ton of food!!! We should be set for a few months with all we have.
Probably one of the most amazing expereinces of the week happened last night with an investigator named James. James is the boyfriend of Chariy who I met on Fremont St. one night. We began going by regularly for several weeks and we made some progress with them. Charity is of christian background and is fairly set in her ways. Plus her family is not supportive of our faith. James however, has never been baptized and is failing in his health. He wants to give his kids the right structure to be raised in should he pass. James has cancer. As a result he spent the last few months in the hospital for surgery. Once he got out we went back to see him. He is recovering well and said he read 3/4 of the Book of Mormon while he was in the hospital and believes it is the true word of God. Then he explained how he had researched the church on the internet...which contrary to popular belief is not a reliable source of information. Because of his research he encountered some concerns. These concerns were petty and the result of beligerant babbling and slander produced by those whose faith and testimony did not stand the test of trial. We addressed the best we could his concerns and left him with the admonition to ask God to help him find if this truly is His church. Instead he went back to the internet. But then he said he remembered what we asked him to do. So he prayed. He had the strong urge to study about the life of Joseph Smith. We visited him last night not knowing he had prayed or had studied this topic. His first question to us as we sat down was," When can someone get baptized?" You should have seen the look on our faces!!!! As it turns out, James, had studied Joseph Smith's life. We are not sure his sources but the Spirit showed him the truth. James is a 61 year old black man who has seen things I've only heard about regarding black, white relations. Not surprisingly this was one of the first concerns he voiced. However, after reading up on Joseph Smith, the Spirit taught him that Joseph Smith endured through many trials for something he was accused of fantasizing and fabricating. The Spirit taught James that Joseph Smith did not die in vain, that this is the true church, and that he was a prophet. He chose a day to be baptized and we will be working with him to achieve that goal. Moroni's promise is true (Moroni 10:4-5). I have seen it work over and over again not only for others but also myself.
I know this is the true Church. The gospel is the pathway to follow. It has only brought me happiness. True, sad things have happened in my life but as I live the gospel the saddness leaves and the happiness endures. It comes as a result of living the commandments and aligning my life with that of Christ. I am not perfect. And for that I am grateful because the only perfect man to walk this earth had to endure much more than I ever could. I am grateful for Christ and his atoning sacrifice and for all the faithful and loyal servants of our Heavenly Father who prophesied and preached of Him despite what persecution ensued. For their sacrifices I am grateful because through them the gospel has affected my own family and myself. I see what life is like without the gospel each and everyday as I watch from a distance those who reject our message. I see what changes the gospel can help make in the lives of those who humble themselves and learn of Christ and follow Him. He is our Saviour. He came to this world through humble means with a bold message to share. I know He lives!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Elder Cronin
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