Heeello!

My goodness, you really don't realise how hard subject lines are after a year of doing them!

This week was so busy! So, starting on Monday we got more leeway with our preparation day schedule, which made it much more effective for those three hours of proselyting, but also for the rest of the day as well.

Tuesday was our Zone Conference and it lead into exchanges with the Zone Leaders. The main focus of Zone Conference was on how we can use our agency to overcome ourselves and change two things that keep us from fulfilling our purpose. As part of this we were given 15 minutes to spread throughout the meeting house and ponder. Those 15 minutes went by so fast and many have said it was the best part of Zone Conference.

I loved that time, and in all honesty, 15 minutes is not enough time! It says in Doctrine and Covenants 76:19, "And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about." I think we often forget this vital step in prayer. Some of us may be very diligent in saying prayers and making sure that they are heartfelt and without vein repetition, yet to ponder afterward is often neglected.

In that short time I learned a lot. As I disconnected from outside distractions and listened for that still small voice it was amazing what He was wanting to tell me.

I invite all of us to take time to listen to the Lord. I promise that he is listening to us. As we open our ears and listen for him, we will begin to hear what he has been trying to tell us. I know when I felt as though God wasn't listening to me it was because of one of these reasons. He either was requiring me to walk by faith, knowing that if I seemingly walked alone (which we never do), that I would come out stronger for it, or His words were falling on deaf ears.

Exchanges with Elder Lee: we saw a miracle! We were trying by some people in Chorley and between people we saw a man pass us on the street. We shouted out to him and he turned around and came to talk to us. After inquiring what he knew about the church, he answered that his sister was just baptised in Burnley! Sure enough, his sister is Kym! It was one of those "what just happened moments". He agreed to meet with the missionaries and we're hoping good things come from that.

On Saturday we were able to do some service packing backpacks for children in need. It was a really fun activity! When we first arrived we heard the person in charge (we were doing this for an organisation called Buddy Bags) ask if anyone had a good voice or could play the piano because it was just too quiet! Then one of the members shouted "well there's the elders! Elder Burns can play for you." So, not only was I able to help pack bags, but I was also able to serve through music!

So, don't forget the invitations!

1) take time to meditate and listen for the still, small whisperings of the Holy Ghost.

2) look for ways to serve those around you. They don't have to be big, just serve.

Love you all and hope you have a great week!

Elder Burns

---------------------

England Manchester Mission

Springwood, Suite G5

Booths Park

Chelford Road

Knutsford

England WA16 8GS

United Kingdom