The Spirit of the Temple

Hola Mi Familia,

I have not used that one in quite some time. This week has been super great. Elder Woodruff and I get along great. Our stories are too similar. He was diagnosed with seizures when he was two (me when I was 3), and ran track and cross country in high school. Both of us found out the Book of Mormon was true and then decided to go on mission. Both of us were not originally called to the referral center. After someone in our MTC districts went home we were both told that we were going to be sent home. We both have been companions with Elder Savoie, Elder Withers and Elder Jacobson. Now both of us are companions.

Elder Stevenson and Elder Woodruff.

Anyway this week has been super good. Something I have been thinking about is the temple. I love going to the temple and learning about it. Something elder Curtis and I talk about is after our missions going together to all the temples in Utah. So that always gets me excited to go. I learned about the process of building a temple this week. It is actually really interesting. The church builds temples to fit the area. This is why each temple is so unique. I also learned a special fact about the temple. The people who we do the ordinances for are aware of the work that is being done for them and they choose whether or not they accept or reject the ordinance.

I know that as we go to the temple looking to be taught by the Holy Ghost we can learn something new each time we go. I also know that the temple is a testimony that there is a life after this one. We truly can be with our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ in the next life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Yadz visited the church and sent a picture.

Saturday 09/30/2017 and Sunday 10/01/2017

Conference was super good. It was sad to not have President Monson and Elder Hales there. There were so many good talks given. My favorite by far was the talk given by Richard J. Maynes in the priesthood session about integrity. I also liked that there was a lot of talks about service because I went in with the question "How can I become a better disciple of Jesus Christ?" So that really answered my question.

Part of a chat with an investigator.

Monday 10/02/2017

Guess what today's date is. It's ten o two. So funny story, when I was with Elder Savoie I took this referral confirmation for someone named Toni. She came on asking for a book that talked about families. So I was going to give them the link that goes to the lds store, but Elder Savoie whispers, "Elder Stevenson, The Book of Mormon." So I say "The Book of Mormon talks about families." Then she said she wanted a book about American Indians, so we told her that the Book of Mormon also talks about American Indians. So Toni says "Wow, The Book of Mormon talks about American Indians and families?" So we tell her yes. I then ask for her address and she says the first part is ten o two. So I clarify and say "Is that one zero zero two?" She replies "No. Ten o two, just like I said." So we always quote that.

We have been asked to usher at the Tuesday night devotionals.

Tuesday 10/03/2017

Bonnie L. Oscarson came as the Devotional speaker. She said a lot of Good things. Something she said was "If you are faithful, your mission will be one of the greatest blessing of your life. Your mission will become holy ground for you."

Wednesday 10/04/2017

We talked with a girl from the Philippines named Yadz today. She is super awesome, and she is a less active. She wants to be a good example to her son, so that is why she came to us. After we talked with her, she told us that talking with us has made her want to go to church this Sunday.

Dinner at Tucanos.

Thursday 10/05/2017

We talked with Keidi today, (Elder Savoie transferred her to me). She told us that she wants to go on a mission. So that is something that we are really excited about. We also talked with Tammy, and she is getting baptized next Wednesday.

Friday 10/06/2017

We watched Elder Hales' funeral service today. There was a lot of talk about the character of Elder Hales. It was said that Elder Hales was a true and loyal friend to everyone.

Another picture from Tucanos.

Saturday 10/07/2017

We had a super great day today. Elder Woodruff, Elder Duran, Elder Withers, Sister Wageman, Sister Ranker, and I all went to Tucanos for dinner and it was fantastic. We all had a great time, and there was lots of laughter.

I love you, and hope you have a great rest of your week.

Love,

Elder Stevenson