Exchanges + Fireside = 😃

This is my new favorite flower! (and I don't even know what it's called!  10pts to whoever can get me the name)

Hello! 

We had exchanges this week with the zone leaders in Bolton.... Can I just say how much I love Bolton?? There are so many people, but it's not like a big city, so it's perfect for me! I was with Elder Toly and he is a star. We had a lot on our plan fall through so we did a lot of finding in town centre, which would normally get me a little panicky, yet over 4 hours of street contacting went so quickly! We met some pretty great people and had so many great conversations! It was such a needed breath of fresh air! 

On Sunday, we also had another "Why I Believe" fireside (formerly the new-member fireside). It was wonderful to hear the testimony of many people that recently joined the church or returned to activity. It was an amazing testimony builder. One of the sisters that shared her testimony, told of how she met the missionaries right after seeing "The Book of Mormon Musical". She wasn't a believer in God, but felt she needed to meet them and find out who we actually were. I don't think she realised just how important that decision has become. 

At the end of the fireside, the stake president shared his father's story. His father was given a copy of the Book of Mormon from a friend and invited to read it. He said he would on the 30 minute ride home. On that trip he did read the Title Page and Introduction. His father said that by the time he reached home, the Spirit testified to him that the book was true. Especially with scripture, it's not about proving it right or wrong, but it is the witness of the Spirit. Many of these recent converts to the gospel shared the invitation, "if you don't know if it's true, read and pray". Each of them had their own experience and millions of others have had too. The promise is given to everyone. 

I've got more to say about my studies this week, but it will have to wait for later. But just so you know, I started a goal to finish the Book of Mormon by my birthday, and it has been an absolutely amazing experience while studying it!

Love you all! 

See miracles. Be miracles. 

Elder Burns