Wk: 31 Catching Up After Four Long Weeks.. Oops

Hello! I know, it has been awhile since I have last written. Sorry about that. Things have been hard. 

To catch everyone up, I'll give you a quick run down. Salem, Indiana has been hard!! It's been an adjustment with a new companion, and an area that doesn't have a lot going on. I try and find things I am thankful for every day. I know that during the hardest times in our lives, that is when the Lord is the closest to us. 

We have 1 person in our teaching pool. Her name is Kacie and she is awesome. She really wants to be baptized, but when she asked her mother if she could, she said no. She won't let her get baptized in any other church than her own. Kacie is awesome and will get baptized someday, I don't have any doubt in my mind about that. We continue to teach her every week because we haven't found any other new people to teach in this transfer. It has been really slow. 

I recently talked to my mission president and he gave me some great council on what I need to do. I took his advice and I have been doing a lot better ever since. I do things even when I don't want to. And every time my mind or body tells me not to do something I just get up and do it. I don't think twice about it. By doing this, we found 2 new people this last week. We had long hard days of no progress or any potentials, but on the last door that we knocked one day, we found someone. They even set a return appointment! It was a miracle. We also got a referral. It is the only referral this area has seen in 5 months. So that's pretty dang awesome! 

The branch is really loving and awesome here. We got a new branch president and he talked about the flocks being gathered to the place of water. He referenced Alma 17 and related it to us as members of the church. He gave us a charge to bring people to the waters of baptism. Those who aren't members, obviously we want them to be baptized into the fold of God. And those who are inactive, we want to bring them to the Sacrament water and Atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Christ is the living water and as we bring others to it, the promise is we will never thirst. 

I've been reading the book, Saints. It has helped me become more converted to the gospel and eased my mind about different anti-mormon literature people throw at missionaries. Be careful of this literature, it is meant to deceive, confuse, and lead away God's children from what is right. If you are first converted to Christ and His Atonement, then converted to the Book of Mormon as a foundation of your testimony, you can lean on that as you learn and progress in the everlasting gospel. The Holy Ghost can confirm the truth of these things to us after we have studied them out. 

It's sad to see those who were introduced to this literature without first having seen the goodness of the restored gospel and how perfect it is. I can promise, that if we will search the scriptures and pray, we will come to have a testimony of the truthfulness of it. I know of its truthfulness and as I study, my understanding of the gospel is strengthened. It takes time. For those of you searching, I wish that you lean on other people's testimonies and trust in God. Lean on mine if you need to. Say "I don't know that the gospel is true or that this principle is true but Elder Greenlaw does". 

One day you can say for yourself that the gospel is true. I promise you will. There are blessings in store for those who can endure. I'm doing my best to live this way and endure to the end, It's sad to see others who are struggling and not enduring very well, but as we all reach out to them, minister, and put our arms around them, we can lead them back to the living water. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I love you all. I'm doing a lot better this past week. It was almost like a mud slide (lack of investigators and contacts) had blocked the road to Jesus Christ for me. I have been slowly moving rocks and clearing the road so I can get back to Him. I'm not perfect, no one is. But if we will repent, we don't need to worry about our imperfections. I have been learning about the prophet Joseph Smith. He wasn't perfect. He messed up a lot, but he always repented and the Lord used that to his advantage in restoring the church. This is why he was able to do what he did. 

If you get a chance, read The Saints, you will learn a lot about the church. 

Anyways I love you guys, every single one of you. Let us all move forward in such a great cause. 

Love, Elder Greenlaw

Elder Greenlaw was in charge of a district activity and he did sculpturing. If you know my son, you know he loves doing stuff like this. He was so excited about it when we talked on the phone. After not writing for a few weeks, these were the only pictures I received. Gotta love my boy! 

So talented! #GreatTherapy

Wk 27: Hey Era Body! (say with an accent for the full effect)

Hello! It has been a few weeks since I have written. 

I'm now in Salem, Indiana. Wait, what? Where is that?! Yeah, that is what I said. It is in the middle of nowhere. It is all good through. Let's just say I am going through some big changes and adjustments. 
My new companion is Elder Krogh. He is from Oregon. He is a cool bean. He likes D and D and a lot of interesting things. I am sure he will teach me how to play by the end of the transfer. Elder Krogh has been out for 14 months. My comp has been here for one transfer already. This area is tough. Let's just say he is tired. I'm trying to find out how to work such a small area after coming from the city. There's nothing to do out here but service and visiting with people in the branch. Not a lot of teaching going on yet. The branch has 60 to 80 people that attend their Sacrament meetings. It is a branch not a ward because there is not enough members.  It's gonna be a hard adjustment, but hard things help us to grow. If there is one thing I've learned about the mission, is that accelerated growth will stretch you and pull you until you've changed completely. Mission's are one of the most stressful things in the world. Stress happens to our bodies when things go wrong. Trust me, if you have been a missionary, a lot can go wrong. People cancel their appointments, and people don't want to talk or listen to you.  It's hard work. 
To all of you that are preparing for a mission, if you know how to manage stress you are set. If you don't, start out by getting a job. Jobs can be stressful and that is something that will emotionally prepare you for a mission.  
Anyways, I hope to hear from you all soon. Thanks for checking up on me. I appreciate all the emails even if I am not able to respond quickly. 

I'll see you next week! 

Love you,
Elder Greenlaw

Elder Greenlaw and Elder Krogh

Saying goodbye to old comp and sister missionaries! 

Drive from Kentucky to Indiana! Everything is so green and lush. 

Wk 24: Hello Baptism.. What?

I don't have much time this week to write this week. I apologize. 

This week has been a very eventful one as you can tell by the title of my blog post. I had 2 baptisms!!  Morgan and Brayden. They are two super extraordinary kids who's situation remind me a lot about what my father went through as a child. I've gained a realization and appreciation for giving the gospel to people in harder upbringings. These kids were very blessed to have been in the custody of a member who was recently less active but is now fully devoted to raising these kids with the gospel. We had the opportunity to teach them and see them get baptized. I baptized Morgan who is 15 years old. He is a loyal, obedient, and smart young man. He has a very promising future in helping build the Lord's kingdom here on the earth. Brayden is 12 years old and is a little more stubborn. He was having some difficulties having a desire to learn about churchy things. I get it, he is just a kid. This last week we stuck by him and supported him like two big brothers coming over at the end of the day. They haven't had strong role models or anyone to look up to in their lives until now. We became very close with them. Brayden changed and was very excited and committed to the gospel and to launch into the next steps of his life. He had some concerns on the confirmation, but all was well in the end. And now we have two more members of our church!!! We are so lucky. It was a very humbling and wonderful experience to give those boys the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirm them a member of the church. 

I'll share more next week,

Elder Greenlaw

Wk 23: This Week Was Amazing!

Hey everyone!

This last week was truly amazing.. as it is every week. We have been truly blessed with the lessons and people we are now teaching. I'm so grateful for all those who have prayed to help further the work in Kentucky and look for more missionary opportunities here! 

This week we have been honored to put two more people on baptismal date for next month. Solomon is a 9 year old boy and is an interesting character. He knows so much about spiritual things already. It blows my mind. He is really grasping gospel principles and it is wonderful to see. He surprises me each time we talk. I will have the privilege of confirming him on July 7th!!! I'm so stoked. I'm also going to be baptizing Morgan, a 15 year old that same day. He is awesome and I'm so excited to see him take one of the biggest steps of his entire life. He is so ready to follow Jesus Christ and devote his life to him. His brother Brayden is seriously thinking about being baptized on the 6th with his brother. We took him to a baptism and showed him how it took place. We also have Rylee who will be baptized July 28th!!! So we are really really working hard to keep these people safe and on track so they can take this step with God. So in total... 4 baptisms most likely next month!!!! WHAT? THAT'S CRAZY! I can't explain my joy and love for these people. 

Elder Heaton and I are working really hard and starting to open up to each other. It make the work more efficient and fun.  My time in Lexington might end soon. I've been here for 6 Months!! Time flies by. We finally have the ward popping! We have found a groove in working with members which has been one of the hardest thing in this area. We are building stronger respect for the bishop and his way of leading the ward, and know he has been called as the bishop for this time. 

We gave talks on Sunday and it was on our favorite topic, The Book of Mormon. We shared our favorite BofM story and how it relates to our life. I'm not the best public speaker and I was nervous speaking yesterday. It went well and we introduced our plan of handing Book of Mormons out to everyone in the ward. We asked them to put them in their car and homes so they can look and pray for opportunities to place them with people they feel prompted to. It is awesome to see everyone finally coming together and have a desire to do missionary work. I see many miracles coming from this one small act. 

Overall, this week has been good. It has rained a lot, which I love. It keeps my allergies down. They haven't been bothering me as much lately which is good. I want you guys to know I think of every single family member and friend I have back home and pray for them individually. I know the Lord is watching over you and helping you every day. I want to hear from all of you! I may not respond right away, but I do listen and read all the letters I receive. I love to hear what's going on in your lives. I love you guys and miss you. 

God love you and I hope you will strengthen your relationship with Him each day. Talk to you next week!

-Elder Greenlaw

Wk: 22 - Mission Life is Amazing!

This week has been amazing! The mission is amazing.. my life is amazing.. and the LORD IS AMAZING! I'm over filled with joy and the Spirit. I truly understand what it's like to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful for that opportunity I have in my life to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It wasn't until I was truly converted to the Lord that I realized the wonderful blessing I have received from doing so. 

We had the opportunity to put a young man by the name of Morgan on a baptismal date this week. He is such an awesome kid. He's 15 and told us he really has been feeling the Spirit in his life. We gave their aunt a blessing and he said that he felt it the strongest he ever had. I can't wait until he receives that gift of having the constant companionship his knowledge and spirituality will only increase more when he does so. This will be my first baptism on my mission. I'm very humbled to be this boy's missionary when he makes this covenant with God. Every convert I've met so far after years and years always remember their missionary that baptized them. 
The lady we have been teaching Priscilla was baptized when she was 12 and she's like 70. She stopped going to church right after baptism but still remembers those missionaries names. I thought that was amazing. So he's probably going to remember my name which is very humbling. 

It's hard to think I've already been out 5 months to the day. And to look back and see the wonderful growth that's taken place in my life and everyone around me. I hope I can hold the light of Christ that has changed my life and keep it burning strong. He is everything to me I wouldn't be alive or standing here where I am without His help. Mosiah 27: 29 is my favorite scripture because that's how I feel when I think of my Savior. I am not perfect and I've made many mistakes to those I've loved in the past. I wish to say I'm sorry to anyone that I've hurt and only wish the best to them. 

Lately I've been really contemplating families and my eternal companion. Not in a distracting way but an uplifting way. I'm so excited to be able to kneel across the altar to my beautiful companion someday. I wish I could just tell her right now how much I want this blessing in my life. And tell everyone how important family means to me and how badly I want to be able to love, comfort, and council with someone every day. It's one of the most important desires in my life ever since I can remember. But for now, I'm serving the one person I love with all my heart, mind, and soul.. the Lord. He always comes first in my life and the lessons and things I'm learning on my mission are truly preparing me to meet God once again. If we all just look down and put our shoes in Christ's footsteps we will eventually will live with God some day. 

I'm grateful for everyone in my life. I know there's a purpose to everything and I wish everyone the same joy I feel at this time. The love I feel. All of it. Serving a mission is awesomely powerful. It is also the best time to grow in someone's life. Do it.. it's worth it. 

But yeah this week has been good and I love all of you. Please pray for the mission field for this area and others that we can find some prepared people to teach. There isn't a whole ton of people here who are interested. We need some softened hearts so all your prayers will be appreciated. Have a good week y'all. Share the gospel with everyone and share your favorite scripture with them as well.

Talk to you next week,

Elder Greenlaw

Kentucky! 

Love our missionary! 

So much greenery. A tree fell after a rainstorm

Street view! 

Going for a run! 

Beautiful houses in Kentucky!

Week 20: You Gotta Have Faith

Hi everybody, 

I love all of your beautiful faces. This week has been really good. We have had some ups and downs this past few week, but things are mostly good. I'm so dang exhausted. Missionary work takes a lot out of you physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's so amazing to see the growth in myself and also in my companion. We have been really working hard to make sure we baptize this transfer, but it just hasn't been the right time. We are working really hard in our area and have some amazing great potentials. We are finding some really humble people lately, but at the same time they are very interesting people that have some significant obstacles to over come. We are praying to be able to find some one who is just waiting at the door for the restored gospel. We are navigating our way through a jungle of people to find them. 

Please pray for the area and also for the ward. They really struggle with missionary efforts and we are trying to help them help us! Haha. We love everyone so much and know they can accomplish this task. There are some amazing wonderful people in the ward! Please pray for Tim and Pamela. Please pray for Nina, Triva, and their daughter Shianna. They are the people we are teaching and we wish all of them can progress, be  humble, so they can receive the gospel in their hearts. Also, please pray for the Lunas family. They are less active. She struggles with some questions she has and we hope she can find the answers to them and resolve those doubts. 

I'm so glad I've learned how to resolve my questions and concerns. I have been studying, praying for answers to my questions, and what I have found is they always come. I testify that we need to have faith that we can figure things out for ourselves. We do not receive any witness until after the trial of our faith. Ether 12. I love this gospel and I love my Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ with all my heart. I pray for miracles every day. It is hard out here to have success. I would appreciate it if you could help pray for the people in Kentucky to want to be baptized. It seems like everyone isn't ready yet or is not feeling the truth enough to want to change. I will just keep loving them. 

I love all of y'all and pray for you to be watched over. Talk to you next week!

Love, 

Elder Greenlaw

Week 18: Awesome Week!

Hello everyone, 

This week has been an awesome one for Elder Heaton and I. We have seen so many mighty miracles in the area since the beginning of our companionship. Initially, we were struggling a bit to find people to teach. We received a lot of rejection, weren't finding anyone to talk to, and didn't have any member referrals. We had dinner with members every night but no referrals came from it. We prayed hard for a long time to find some people to teach. The Lord was watching over us. During one of the worst days, we got a couple of referrals. One was from the Branch President in another area. He had a friend who accepted his invitation to meet with the missionaries. We also received a few more referrals from Salt Lake just seconds after we were at an all time low and were complaining. We felt humbled after that. 

There have been many instances in my life where I've seen the Lord watching over me as I go through hard and difficult things. He always makes sure it works out in the end because He loves me. I've seen this time and time again this week. I am a witness that the Lord helps us in our every day life without us always seeing it. He is quieting working miracles. 

I'm very thankful for many humbling opportunities to see God's hand in my life. I know you can have this opportunity as well if you align your will with His and ask for His help. He will bless you and you will see blessings. This is my spiritual thought for the week. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Elder Greenlaw

Elder Greenlaw and Elder Heaton

Awe! Hearing Lindsay Tait's song on the 2017 Mutual Album

Week 17: I Have A New Mom

So we have had a fun past couple weeks! I'm sorry for not writing but we were busy doing missionary work. Haha. It bummed me out that I couldn't let everyone know what's been going on the past few weeks. If you have any questions, just go bug my parents cuz I talk to them every week. Ha 

My new mom is Elder Heaton. He's really cool and we get along very well. He's from St. George, Utah and is the oldest of 4 boys. He played soccer.. so gross. Just kidding. We have been trying to transform this area. Our area book is a mess so we have been clearing it up and staying fairly busy tracting and finding new people to teach. We have been trying to get some member missionary work to happen as well so we have more people to teach. One thing we have started doing is giving a Book of Mormon to our families at dinner and invite them to write their testimony it in. Then we ask them to give it to a family they know. We hope this will help them to invite someone to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We haven't received one back yet because we just started doing this a few days ago so we will see how this goes. 

We have been finding some really cool and prepared people lately, slowly but surely. Angie is one of the people we are teaching and she is very cool. We found her by knocking on her door one day. She is a single lady with a desire to learn more about the Book of Mormon because she's always been wondering what the missionaries do. We walk around all the time.. and ride bikes. She was confused and now we have shown her what a Disciple of Jesus Christ looks like. One thing I've been learning out here is that miracles, like when Christ was on the earth, still happen. People might think that God has held His tongue from us since Jesus Christ, but I see the Lord's hand in everything I do each and every day. I wish everyone could know what being led by God feels and looks like. It's truly amazing. I love Kentucky and the people so much. I know they all come from very hard backgrounds, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms people's lives. What we know as normal is completely foreign to them. The transition is hard, but worth it. Count your blessings people. The gospel is here to bless us and we forget that in Utah a bit. I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and I love everything that this church brings to the world. If you have doubts, turn to the scriptures for answers not preachers or people. Everything I struggle with or don't understand has eventually made sense by doing this. I have found peace with living and believing in the gospel. So read the Book of Mormon.. It's important. Keep the people in the world, the missionaries, investigators (including Kentucky residents), in your prayers so people's hearts may be softened and open to receiving the restored gospel on the earth. 

I love y'all and will talk to you next one. 

Elder Greenlaw

Week 15: I'm Officially Done With Training - Whoot! Whoot!

Well we did it. I made it 3 months. It's crazy to think it's been that long already. Wow, time has flown by. It's time for me to depart from my dad(trainer).  It is a sad day. He is a really good boy and we get along so well. My new companion is Elder Heaton. I technically haven't met him yet, but tomorrow I will. This past week has been awesome. We are pretty much teaching our entire street and they all love us to death. Haha!! It's very interesting to see. We are working hard and making progress on the people we are teaching. It may seem slow, but that's because they will come in their own time. I love y'all. I'm thankful for all your support and love. It's awesome to hear from you each week. I will keep this short and talk to you next week. 

Elder Greenlaw

Andrew had PDay today and is getting a new companion. He didn't have a lot of time to write. He is happy he is staying in his area. His new companion is from St. George, Utah. We will get to know him more in Elder Greenlaw's next letter. 

Funeral of Elder Bagley and Sister Rowe

Week 14: Be of Good Cheer and Count Your Many Blessings

This week has been awesome! We have had success in our efforts to help our members in the ward. We are focusing really hard on the members, having them do the finding and the missionaries do the teaching.  Boyyyyy is it tough. It's a work in process, but what I have seen lately is everyone is more happy to help us in any way. Previously, the members were not missionary minded and they didn't really talk to anyone. Our efforts are working and hopefully we will get some great referrals soon. 

I love my area and it makes me sad to think that I may only have just a week left with my dad (trainer). He's a good boy and we get a long quite well. Some things I've learned this week are when you are working hard, things go by faster and easier. You would think that wouldn't be the case, but it really shows. Not only that, but other people we teach can see if you are working hard and living the gospel. Their hearts are softened. 

We have a really nice lady named C to church this week. She's had a tough life and is really willing to learn and go to church. We hope she wants to become a member hehe. We are also hopeful about our best friend A. We found her from our investigator S. They are neighbors and best friends. We got in contact with them by helping them both quit smoking. S is so nice and awesome. She is very spiritual and is reading the Book of Mormon!!!!! She is asking questions about Lehi and Nephi. It shows us that she is willing to do things that will help her learn and grow closer to Jesus Christ. We are going to continue working with her and the blessings and miracles are increasing as we increase our efforts. It's amazing to see. 

I love this gospel and sharing it is really hard, but it has helped me to grow and become the best person I can be. And think about it, I just started!!! The important part in all of this is people we teach and talk with will see the truth and light of this restored gospel. I give everything I am and have to my Savior. 

This Easter season really hit me in the heart as I focused on the atonement of Jesus Christ. It was more emphasized for me, and I wish it was like that every day. The atonement is the single most important event in the entire universe. He is my light. I choose to be cheerful because it is a commandment of His. Read Mark 6 and you will read about the experience of Jesus walking on water after the apostles struggled for hours. He said.. be of good cheer. Christ will not let us struggle forever, but he does let us struggle a bit sometimes because He knows it's good for us. This is part of the Plan of Happiness. 

I testify that the Savior lives and that he loves us. If we turn to him, he will heal each of us as he did for me in my life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYBODY! 

Love Elder Greenlaw 

Week 13: Thank You For the Birthday Wishes - I Love You!!

First off I'm sorry I didn't write last week. PDay flew by and I didn't have time because it was a party. I went to Keeneland Race Track in Lexington, KY and watched the horses for my birthday. It was district PDay so I got to spend it with a bunch of friends. 

Elder Greenlaw turns 20! Happy Birthday!!!

Going out to eat at Joellas for my birthday! 

Chicken and Waffles, baby! 

Keeneland Race Track

Birthday, treat! 

Yuck! 

Enjoying a nice day on our bikes!

Spring is a coming! 

General Conference was AMAZING! I'm gonna be honest, this was the first time I haven't fallen asleep in conference and I learned so much because of it. I learned so much about families and repentance. One thing that really stuck out to me and reminded me about my life, was the topic of repentance. One talk in priesthood session that everyone should watch because it was amazing, was about treating your wife with the upmost respect. It is a priority with God.  I've always felt this way. I can't wait to love my wife so freaking much. I've always been so excited for the unity that comes with marriage. That will be the most amazing thing to happen to me in my entire life. Hey special lady, better watch out because I'm gonna love you to death. Anyways, back to missionary work.  In Conference, they talked about each of us needing to wake up from our spiritual slumber and prepare our selves for the war that is happening against the adversary. Repentance should not be a bad thing that satan makes it seem like. It is not a punishment. Turning to Christ and being cleansed through Him, is the greatest experience and most amazing this that will ever happen to you. Christ is there, with his arms open, ready to receive you. His love is intimate and real. We shouldn't take it for granted.  We should all enjoy the repentance process because it's a good thing. Please don't postpone repentance, because you are just being carefully led away by Satan when you hold on to sin. It is a state of endless unhappiness that I know you don't want. Go do what you gotta do. We need to prepare ourselves now because Satan is quadrupling his efforts. If we don't quadruple our efforts, we are gonna lose the fight. Be on God side and you won't regret it. 

Anyways, I love all of you and pray for you. I know God will prepare a way for you to come closer to Him. I am a witness that this is true. The savior is willing, let him heal you. Please, please, please! Have a great week and share your testimony with everyone. Support and build each other! 

See ya next week,

Elder Greenlaw

Week 11: Pushing Through

It has been an amazing week. I have had so many hard but amazing experiences that have helped me in my life. I've really come to love my personal study each day. I didn't know that I could learn so much. Personal study is the key to our individual growth. No one can make you do it but yourself. Personal revelation is the most amazing thing and one of the greatest blessings we have. It shows us how much Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ love us individually. They love us sooo much!!  

I am not gonna lie, the mission is hard. Harder than I ever thought. Mostly because it takes a toll on your mind, your body, and your spirit. It's exhausting! It is also easy to get distraught and down. But let me tell you, I have never grown so much in such a short amount of time in my entire life. We are in this life to have struggles and battles. We shouldn't see them as a bad thing, because they aren't. They make us stronger. If you notice, these things, each and everyone of them, shapes our soul. Every day of every minute counts. Keep going. I am going to keep going. I won't give up. I did that once and that was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. 

Giving up means being subject to the will of the devil. This is hell. True hell! When you submit to him, his chains bound you and you experience sorrow and depression. Please don't give up. There was one person who broke those bonds and chains and will help us if we do what He asks. It is all possible, through our Savior Jesus Christ. He has redeemed me from my own eternal torment. The depth of bitterness I felt, He lifted me from that. I owe everything to Him. I will give Him my all because there was no greater gift given. When we keep going through this life, persevering through our trials and commit ourselves to live His gospel, we are showing Him that we love Him. 

This week we got S, one of our investigators to church!!!! Heck yeah! It has been so hard to get people to keep commitments, but she did it! We are so happy! She is set to be baptized on May 4th so we are helping her work towards that goal.  

We went to a Spanish family's home evening the other night. Haha. The whole thing was in Spanish. We went to play guitar for the hymns they were singing. I didn't understand one word or sentence that was said that entire meeting. But one thing I know, was that the Spirit was there. When some of the people were talking, you could feel how thick the Spirit was in the room. I know that the Spirit was there and that everyone felt it. I know that the Holy Ghost is real. I know the Spirit testifies of truth and also helps us understand God's love for us. I know this is the true church on the earth today because of these great opportunities I get to participate in. It's real, He is real. I testify of Him with all my heart. I know He loves you and will take care of you if you let him. 

I love all of you, including my family and friends. I invite you, wherever you are in life, at this very moment, to help others partake of the blessings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The gospel has so much to teach and give us. Reach out to those in need. Look outward to others, like the Savior did, and forget about yourself every now and then. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Elder Godfrey and Elder Greenlaw enjoying some good weather and time on their bikes!

Elder Greenlaw loves chicken and waffles so his companion and him made their own. 

Week 10: What Do I Need to Do To Get Baptized?

So this week has been an interesting one. We met with some new people this week. S is amazing and is working towards baptism. She has a very deep and has a personal relationship with the Savior. The only thing she really has problems with is the Word of Wisdom. Getting her to quit smoking will be hard but she already knows and feels bad about doing it. We had a lesson with her at the church and have committed her to going to church consistently. Saturday she said her brother in law had a freak accident and died while in the middle of driving his car at 3 in the morning. We are trying to keep her in our prayers. But the more I'm in Kentucky, the more I learn that people make up stories to get out of things. This could possibly be this situation here. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt. Please pray for her that everything will work out and she will come to church and continue progressing. 

T Is a awesome guy we met after his father passed away. His dad was a member of the church. We helped his family get their cremated dad. The family's bills were adding up and they didn't have the money to pay off the cremation. A few ward members cut a deal with the crematory and they got their dad's remains back. They got a discounted rate and a more manageable monthly payment so everything worked out. Anyways, we have been in contact with him. They family loved their dad and they were humbled to know we were willing to help them get his remains. T's dad always wanted him to learn about the Book of Mormon but he never listened until he was dead. He was too busy or too tired after getting home from work like most people are. They wanted to learn and we wanted to teach so it worked out. T is progressing and he straight up asked us in the second lesson what he needs to do to get baptized. We are helping him get there and making sure he actually knows what that means Haha. 

But yeah, that's been our week. Please pray for the people in Kentucky and all the missionaries. Pray that the people will be sustained in their struggles. It is really hard out here. Missionary work is the hardest thing because we are trying to change people's lives. That's not an easy thing. Pray for all the people who are being taught and foe the missionaries teaching. Also, pray for the members in the area, that they may be better with their own missionary work as members. We have been asked to help teach and spread the gospel. Full time missionary or not, it doesn't matter. We all need to just share the gospel. When you as a member, talk to your friends. It helps us missionaries out a lot.

I love y'all so much and I pray for every one of you. I truly love you. God loves you. Don't ever forget that.  Continue to maintain that testimony and pray to know how much God loves you because it can slip away just as any testimony can slip away if we don't nourish it. 

Have a blessed week!

Elder Greenlaw

These pictures explain missionary in Kentucky

Our District

 

Every district has a name and ours is Triple Crown. Here are pictures of our district 

when we were kids. Can you guess which one is me? 

Learning to play the harmonica - Elder Greenlaw says playing music 

helps keep their spirits up when tracting is hard. 

Elder Godfrey trying all the sauces at Chewy

Fun times at lunch!