Hasten the Work

Hello family and friends!

So, the biggest event this week was my first Zone Conference! It was amazing! I felt the spirit intensely, and was truly inspired. I came home that night buzzing with ideas of how to hasten the work! It got me really excited! I also gained a great testimony of note taking. I decided to take a lot of notes, and it proved great. I have referenced those notes on numerous occasions! One of the biggest focuses during zone conference was member missionary work, and that just so happens to be something Elder Carroll and I have been striving to do! Member missionary work is truly the most effective way to go! Friendship and example are the best ways to represent the Lord.

This and last week, we had been trying our best at a two week push to get investigators to church. We went to everyone we could think of! We knocked by many investigator homes during the weeks. We were able to meet with many of them, and teach them, as well as inviting them to church. We were disappointed, because, despite our efforts, nobody came to church. But I believe the Lord focused our efforts elsewhere. Within the last two weeks, we were able to have Michael, an investigator of 3 years, commit to a baptismal date, as I believe I described last week. This week we also invited Paul, a very diligent and good man, who knows the Book of Mormon is the word of God, to accept a baptismal date. He accepted as well! So now we have two on date! The Lord blessed us! Even though we didn't meet our goal of church attendance, we were blessed in other ways!

We also met a lovely young woman, Natacha, who we met at a street display. We've been communicating via Facebook, which I have found to be an amazing missionary tool! She has been so amazing, and truly keeping the commitments we give. She has been reading the Book of Mormon, and loves it. On Saturday, we were able to give her a chapel tour! She came with her mother, and we also had a member family there. The member family were around the same age, gender, and background, so they could really relate to each other on a personal level that Elder Carroll and I could never have been able to get to. They were truly a blessing! Anyways, Natacha and her mom both really enjoyed it! Natacha works every Sunday, so she couldn't come to church. 😔 However, the member sister invited her to Seminary on Monday morning, and Natacha gladly agreed to come! We heard this morning, that she went and loved it! She loved it so much she asked to come again on Tuesday!! 😃

Progress is happening! It excites me in the work, and I truly feel that the Lord is concecrating our efforts! 

Invitation of the Week: Find a friend and invite them to do something with you! It doesn't matter what (e.g. game night, go to the cinema, go on a run/walk, sporting activity, etc.), just be a friend and a good example!

Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

D&C 121:7 "Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands"

I know that this gospel is true! My testimony has grown so much on my mission. I have learned the importance of daily study and prayer. It is truly the best part of my week to read, study, and grow my testimony and strength in the gospel.

I love you all, and hope you have a blessed week!

Elder Burns

England Manchester Mission

Springwood, Suite G5

Booths Park

Chelford Road

Knutsford

England WA16 8GS

United Kingdom