Members, Christmas, Baptisms!

Hello all! I didn't get too much time last week to write a proper letter, but luckily this week isn't quite as busy!

So, along with the title of this email, Chorley Zone has accepted "Members, Christmas, Baptisms" as our focus for this transfer. As a mission the goal is for each companionship to baptise within December. We even have a mission wide chat that we've been able to share successes and miracles that are happening throughout the mission. I have loved this, because even if an individual area may seem slow, you truly realise how many loves are being blessed by the gospel. And we are not short on miracles here in Burnley!

We've had a big push for working with the members and they are more than willing to help. This has been a big blessing. The ward council is very much missionary minded and our Ward Mission Leader is A+. They have been so good with fellowshipping. It seems to be a very loving, non-judgemental ward. When we first brought Kym to church, we barely saw her because every time we turned around a member was talking to her.

Kym has been so gold! Since our first lesson she has been to church every Sunday and loves the Gospel. She's even come to many church activities just because she wanted too. She knows this is the restored church, and has a great desire for baptism. She feels her life has been leading her to this. With that, Kym is preparing for baptism on the 29th of December and is very excited! We are too!!

Then finally, Christmas! There are so many facets to why Christmas is the best, I can't even begin! One, I just love the season and the fact that many hearts are turned towards service and remembering Jesus Christ. This is really good because people tend to be more open to the message of Jesus Christ during this time of year. 

This week we had the mission Christmas Conference. It was very enjoyable and very fun! (I'm sure my mom will post some pictures). As part of it we had a variety show, and our district did a Norwegian Christmas song with acting/ dancing. It was very goofy, but definitely the nonspiritual highlight of my week! I also put together a fun rendition of Fur Elise/Linus and Lucy (with a twist )

Now, as for England, the weather around Christmas isn't the best. We get blisteringly cold winds and rain. On Saturday it was -12°C realfeel and rainy and windy. We had about 3 hours of street display and Chou it's it hard to talk to people in that weather. They are on a mission to get out of the weather. I, however, wasn't afraid to face the weather. I closed my umbrella (too windy), smiled and went out (probably some tapping in the water too). Even though the weather wasn't preferable, I was really happy! 

That same day I noticed something written on the ground in Burnley Town Centre that I love! (It was too big to get a picture ) It goes something like this: 

Nevermind if there is rain and clouds, the sun is still shining on the other side. 

It's so true! We can look at the gunk that inevitably comes into our lives and choose to have that take control of our attitudes and behaviours, or we can learn to dance in the rain, knowing that the light of God's love is shining just beyond the clouds. Now the difference between this analogy and England, is that, if we are faithful, the clouds will eventually disperse and the light shine through.

I know that God's light is always present in our lives. I know He loves us and knows us personally. He is our Heavenly Father and He is watching over us every step of the way, through hardship and trial and through happiness and joy, He is always there. Lean on Him, He is eager to help! 

Invitation: Who can you help this week that may be struggling to know they are loved? Got a name? Now go be a light in their life! #lighttheworld #onebyone

I love you all, and I am grateful that I had more time today to write a proper email!

Elder Burns