Coming Up with a Subject Line is the Most Difficult Decision of my Life!

Hello friends!! 

I have a lot to update you on! This past week has been one of great progression, in so many facets of the work. We've been busy with service, finding, the sun, a baptismal interview...! It's been a productive week! 

One of the great blessings of this week is that we had our 4 days of British summer!!  It was amazing! The sun was out, blue skies, I didn't have to wear my rain coat or bring my umbrella. I even pulled out my short sleeve shirts! It's amazing how people change when the sun comes out! We were able to go to the Southport Pier (the 2nd longest in England), and contact people along there. People were happy and smiling, and much easier to talk with. It was a wonderful miracle! 

With the sun being out, came an increase of people working outdoors. With this blessing, we were able to do lots of service (which means we get to wear jeans and t-shirts!!). We helped the Mateer family move on Wednesday. It was really fun to do some heavier lifting again! Later in the week as well, we found a man that needed help with the ponds in his back yard. When we got to the house, nobody was home! We went around back and shouted for him, but still no answer. After some time we went back to the front and knocked again. This time his wife answered the door. Apparently Allen had gone out to get the newspaper. We waited for him for about half an hour, but then decided we needed to go. About 15 minutes after we left, we got a call from Allen saying the he just missed us. 

Another great miracle this week comes with a longer story. So, for the past four weeks, we have not been able to find anyone to teach. We were in a rut, where we couldn't find anyone. We were struggling. On Thursday, we arranged a tracting blitz with the zone leaders, and the game changed. Within one hour we were able to find three new friends! 

And then another great miracle! There have been these two young women that we've been teaching, Natacha and Kim. They are both amazing people and progressing so much in the gospel, and it is truly changing them for the better! We extended a baptismal invitation to them and they accepted! Natacha's wants to be baptised, but her family wants her to be completely sure, and suggested that she study with us for longer before making such a commitment. 

Kim has been progressing so much, and is ready to be baptised! After we extended the invitation, we heard that she stayed up all night (any many other nights asking question, planning her baptism, and imagining what it would be like). She worked every weekend, and when we taught her the commandments, specifically keeping the sabbath day holy, she said "I just might have to quit my job then". Two days later, she handed in her 1-week notice, with her last day of work being yesterday. She had her interview on Thursday, and it was amazing! She wasn't nervous, more excited and peaceful. We met with her yesterday, and planned her baptism! 

Kim's baptism is coming up this next Saturday, the 28th!

She is so excited for her baptism, and so am I! We do pray for her, and ask for your added prayers, as the weeks approaching a baptism Satan tries his hardest and will use his entire arsenal to prevent someone from taking this glorious step in Heavenly Father's plan. 

Invitation of the Week

I was reading the talk "You Matter to Him" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2011 General Conference, and was struck by the power of his message. It's something that I believe we all can gain from, the reminder that we are all God's children, that He loves us infinitely, and that "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God". 

I invite you all to read this talk, and ponder and what it truly means or would mean to you to know the truth of the words, "I am a child of God". 

I know that I am a child of God. I know that even through all of my imperfections that He still loves me perfectly. Heavenly Father truly wants the best for all of us, and will bless us as we seek after them. I know that he provided a way for us to return to Him, and that the gate to that path is Baptism. I am so grateful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father loves me, and I know He loves each of you and knows each of you personally. 

I love you all! 

Ta-ra! 

Elder Burns

England Manchester Mission

Springwood, Suite G5

Booths Park

Chelford Road

Knutsford

England WA16 8GS

United Kingdom