Happy New Year!

Hiya all!

I feel like I just wrote yesterday. Preparation days have been so messed up due to holidays. This week is transfers, but unfortunately I won't know what's happening until tomorrow. We shall all be left in suspense. 

Well, since Wednesday life has been very busy. For starters, we spent Friday and Saturday Morning in Rosendale Valley on exchanges. I was with Elder Beere and it was a good exchange. For most this transfer both our areas have been struggling with finding people, however, that does not stop transfer miracles! Between the four of us, we were able to find 3 people on Friday and 3 more on Saturday! Honestly, it was amazing! One of them was a self-referral, Kerena, who called us as we were walking back to the house at the end of the day. She had been taught before and was almost baptised. She has since experienced changes in her life and wants to meet with the missionaries again! That was quite the phone call. 

Other exchange highlights:

- ate a 23" pizza (that thing was huge!)

- a friend gave us a ride in his Bentley

- transfer predictions

On Saturday we finished exchanges and went back to Burnley for our lesson with Kerena! It went very well, and she expressed that she wants to be baptised and wants us to help her get there! This was amazing, and we look forward to working with her. It was truly a miracle. Keep her in your prayers. 

The weekend as a whole was amazing! The biggest part was KYM'S BAPTISM!!!! It was so good! It went so well, the talks were well prepared and the spirit was strong. Kym seemed so happy, and she brought her friend and sister along as well. It was an amazing day and baptismal service! Elder Evensen performed the baptism and I did the confirmation. We did have a little scare on Sunday, because she was running a bit late, but luckily we knew the members who were grabbing her were on their way. The confirmation went well and the spirit was definitely felt!

I am grateful for the restoration of the priesthood and the wonderful blessings it has brought into my life and those around me. I am blessed to be a representative of the Lord and that I can bestow those blessings on others. It is a special experience. 

So, yeah, it's been great! Truly a wonderful and busy weekend. I hope you all enjoy your new year! I'll re-extend the invitation we were given for the new year: 1) What are you willing to sacrifice or leave behind this year to be more Christ-centered? 2) One thing you want to achieve, obtain, reach for, do better at, etc. 

I can promise that the greatest capacity to change comes through living the gospel of Jesus Christ and using the Atonement to help us become a better person. Christ is willing to help us as we come to Him with an open heart. 

I love you all and wish a great start to this new year!

Elder Burns

England Manchester Mission
Springwood, Suite G5
Booths Park
Chelford Road
Knutsford
England WA16 8GS
United Kingdom