"Let us go up to the mountain of the Lord"

Hello all! 

Sorry there wasn't an email last week... You can blame that on bad time management and an encounter with a door, but I won't get into that. 

Okay, well, here's some updates with Elder Lange. Okay, he is a hoot. We always seem to be laughing about something or another. Needless to say we get along very well. 

I don't believe that I've written since transfer week, so I'll fill in on the bigger things. 

District Leader/Zone Leader Training: We had a meeting two Thursdays ago involving all of the District and zone leaders. We discussed a lot on how we can help those in our stewardship to become their best selves. We talked about having a constant focus on Jesus Christ, and how we can help our missionaries to have the same. It was a very powerful feeling to be a part of that group. 

Being a district leader has been incredible. It opens up my heart, mind, and eyes to the world of missionary work. So many miracles occur within the District (9 missionaries) that amaze me. Their faith is spectacular. Yet, I only see 9 of the thousands of missionaries around the world. I can't image the types of Miracles that President Nelson must see and hear about. I love having this increased opportunity to serve the missionaries around me and help them come closer to Jesus Christ. 

Sundays: Well, for those of you who haven't been keeping track, these past Sundays have been interesting for me. In order we had 1) General Conference, 2) Normal Sunday, 3) Transfers/Stake Conference, 4) Normal Sunday. Well, by week four, it felt like it had been ages since I had seen all the ward members. As we stood greeting people as they entered, it seemed as if I was greeting family or dear friends. Swinton is a good ward.

Fireside: Well, yesterday I had my final fireside of my mission  yeah.... how that happened?? I have no clue. It was in Runcorn, and I had the opportunity to play for a musical number that all the missionaries did (EFY Medley). I love playing, and I love having opportunities to serve with the piano.

Aside from playing, the fireside speakers were amazing. As some will know, these monthly fireside are entitled "Why I Believe". It was amazing to hear newly baptised members share their stories and tell us why they believe. It is powerful to hear the newly found belief and testimonies of these people. I think it gives me a glimpse of how the early pioneers felt, because at that point, nearly everyone was new to the church and restored gospel of Christ.

And the Temple: Yes, that's right! We were able to go to the temple with Osvaldo this last Saturday. It was such a special experience. We joined Congleton ward for the baptisms, which was Elder Lange's last ward, so he knew everyone there. The peace and joy that was felt in that building was amazing! Osvaldo said that it brought back many of the same emotions that he felt when he was baptised. 

It was amazing! I could have stayed there for ever. Osvaldo said that he definitely wanted to come back. We were able to do several baptisms for a member of the ward, which made it additionally special. 

When we finished the baptisms and confirmations, we were given some time to ponder in the stillness of the temple as we viewed much of the amazing artwork there. An incredible feeling of peace was there. Words can't really describe the amazing feeling that it was! Beautiful, peaceful, still, wonderful, joy, happiness, love are just a few of the words that might scratch the surface. If you haven't felt that peace, I invite you to prepare yourself to worthily enter the temple of God, the House of the Lord. 

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As you can see, it has been quite an amazing time. Sadly, the time seems to be going faster and faster, and I don't want it to go away. I love serving my mission! I love being a representative of Christ and being able to help others to come unto Christ, and I love having two full years to dedicate to it. There is nothing like it.

Missions are the best!! 

I love you all! 

See miracles. Be miracles.

Elder Burns