61

This week was awesome! Last p-day we went fishing with our recent convert, Edgar Zuniga, and the family. Elder Brook and I didn't catch anything, but it was fun to hang out and spend time with the Zunigas. They are moving out of our ward soon, and we are bummed out about it. But they will be great members wherever they are.

Tom is doing great. Janey is praying about a baptism date. We have taught her for more than six months and she has had two baptismal dates already, but she says she feels too rushed... so we invited her to set her own date. She said she would like to be baptized before Thanksgiving! :)

Yesterday we had a surprise  As Elder Brook and I were walking into our church building for sacrament, Sis. Lemon and her son Jacob (Sis. Lemon has been less-active for years and we have been teaching her three children: Madison (14) Jacob (12) and Taylor (11). They set their baptisms for next April) came walking out and said, "We have some news for you! Jacob has decided he wants to get baptized. He doesn't want to wait anymore." YAYYY! It's about time. Jacob has gone to scout camps and is in deacons quorum and loves the young men, but he really wanted to pass the sacrament. We're planning on November third! Yeah baby.

The Mezeys had their interviews last week and they are all good to go for this Saturday! Sis. Mezey, Kayliegh, Alyssa, Shelbie, and James will all be baptized.

Life is great my friends!

--

Elder Chris Andrew

California Sacramento Mission

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

60

What a spiritual feast we have had this week. I loved General Conference. It is always a time of self-reflection and an eye-opener to areas of improvement. I'm so glad we have it every six months. I was amazed to realize that although the leaders of our church must have a deep knowledge of gospel doctrine, their messages are always centered on the principles of the gospel -- faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, and saving ordinances. They truly love us and are inspired in their words. I especially loved the talk about the relationship between having a testimony and becoming truly converted. Becoming converted is a life-long pursuit, not a one-time spiritual event. We become converted by praying, studying the scriptures, and obeying God's commandments.

 

On Thursday Tom Erps was baptized and confirmed! He set his baptism date about six months ago to be on his birthday, October 4th. The Paul family that initially fellowshipped Tom came up from S. California to participate in the baptism and confirmation. In the picture Tom is on the left and Bro Paul is on the right. Elder Gurr came back from Jackson to be here as well. It was a great service. Edgar and his family came to watch and so did one of our current investigators, Kristina. She is working toward being baptized as well.

 

Today Elder Brook and I are going fishing with Edgar and his family. They had to move out of our ward this week, so we want to spend as much time with them before we have to pass them off to the new ward. Good thing the church is true wherever you go! We will miss them.

--

Elder Chris Andrew

California Sacramento Mission

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

59

Great week! Yesterday in sacrament meeting Edgar got up and bore his testimony. He shared his experience coming to the church and simply said, "I know that this is true." He talked about his experience growing up catholic, but losing his faith a little as he got older. He said that he has been feeling like he has been searching for something for a while. When we began teaching him he knew that this was it. We found Edgar through his family. We received a referral for a non-member that lived in the home and found the Alvarado family, who were baptized years ago in another ward. They had fallen away, but they caught the Spirit again after a few times of us visiting. Cynthia, one of the daughters of Br. Alvarado, asked us to baptize her oldest daughter, Lupita. After a few weeks Cynthia's husband, Edgar, came home from work in Fresno, and we began teaching him along with Lupi. And now he's here! We're so proud of him. Edgar is such a great member of the church.

This week Thomas Erps is getting baptized! His baptism is on Thursday. Elder Gurr will be coming back, he began teaching Tom. Tom is so prepared -- he even taught Gospel Principles class one week. We're excited.

And then there's General Conference this week! Pretty stoked about that.

Well, other than that, nothing much else. Love everyone!

--

Elder Chris Andrew

California Sacramento Mission

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

58

On Saturday Edgar Zuniga and his daughter, Lupita were baptized. It was awesome! The service went fairly smoothly. Elder Brook baptized Edgar and I baptized Lupi. After the baptisms Elder Brook and I gave the family a quadruple combination with their last name on the front. I am so happy. Nothing sweeter than baptizing truly converted souls as a missionary. I'm so proud of Edgar. He has shown willingness and humility in following Christ. He will be a great asset to the Valley Oaks ward and a great member of the church.

Yesterday we confirmed both of them in sacrament meeting. Bishop Michael confirmed Edgar first and then asked me to confirm Lupita. She was my first confirmation! What a joy.

Edgar and his wife, Cynthia, have been having struggles with their landlord and are going to be moving this week. They're looking for an apartment in the area, and we're praying that they will find one in the ward. It will be harder to retain them and keep them active in another ward if they move out of the area. But God is in control. He knows what is best for them.

Well, other than that, nothing else of interest has happened this week. We've been finding new investigators, helping investigators with baptismal dates, and teaching. Good stuff! I love being a missionary. Love you all,

Elder Andrew

--

Elder Chris Andrew

California Sacramento Mission

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

57

It's been a good week. It's transfer tuesday today and Elder Brook and I went to the temple this morning. It was a great session. I love the temple. We got our transfer calls last night and, like we expected, we're both staying together to finish training. I'm stoked! It'll be another great transfer.

 

This week we are getting ready for Edgar and Lupi's baptism! Edgar Zuniga and his daughter, Lupi, are getting baptized this Saturday. I am so happy for them. It has been incredible to work with them and help them come to church and feel the Spirit. They are the greatest. They will be wonderful members of the Valley Oaks ward. They have come to church every week for the past month and a half. The only struggle is getting the younger children to primary. Any tips? We've tried candy, CTR rings, begging, but the two youngest don't want to leave their mother. Oh well, they'll get used to it.

 

Last week I went on exchange with Elder Turner. He is one of my favorites. He is our zone leader and we live in the same apartment, but it was fun to get out and work with him. He is from Afton, WY and is hard-core outdoors man. He worked as an EMT running ambulance before his mission and volunteered for SAR. This is his last transfer and he is staying to die in Stockton! Also, my last companion, Elder Gurr who went to be Elder Crager's last companion, is training this transfer!

 

Well, love you!

--

Elder Chris Andrew

California Sacramento Mission

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

56

Today is beautiful. We got up this morning, I cut my hair, studied, and now we're at the Miller's home emailing. We just helped them mow and trim their lawn, and the weather outside is balmy. Br. Miller remarked, "I hate to say it, but it almost felt cold this morning." Californians will tell you that the the best part of California is the weather. I like the people, but the weather is nice too. In the valley we almost never get snow, that is if it ever drops below freezing at night. My favorite part of winter here is the fog. We don't have very much fog in southern Utah, and last winter it was foggy quite a bit in Sacramento. I'm hoping for the same season soon. Anyways, with that said, it's felt a little like fall around here. It's still in the 80's and 90's during the day, but it just feels "fallish." I love it. Soon it will be General Conference time! And then Halloween, and Thanksgiving, and before you know it, Christmas. I'm stoked.

Well, this week was great. Our Wednesday was out of the ordinary. Our investigator Edgar's grandmother-in-law (who was a member, baptized in Salvador years ago) just passed away, and we are the only connection the family has had with the church in many years. Elder Gurr and I found them from a referral in the household, and we found out that the family are members. They have been less-active for a while and have moved in and out of several wards. We have been trying to get them to church but opposition has gotten in their way. We have given them priesthood blessings as well. So, when Emma, the grandmother, passed away, we were asked to come to the graveside memorial service and give the dedicatory prayer. We called for permission from President Lewis. We talked with Bishop Clegg, the bishop in the Spanish ward, and he organized and presided at the ceremony. Wednesday morning we headed over to the funeral home and sat while the family gathered in the chapel around the casket. We followed the hearse to the cemetery. It was a cloudy day. At the graveside, we sang a couple hymns and family members said a few words about Emma. Bishop Clegg taught about the plan of happiness and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was powerful. After that I stood and offered the dedicatory prayer. It was simple, but I felt the Spirit. I hope that what was said and taught will have the power to turn the hearts of the family to the gospel. The knowledge of the plan of salvation will comfort their souls. I am so happy that Edgar and his family have made the decision to be baptized and active in the church. The path is difficult but it is so worth it.

Other than that, nothing too exciting to report on. Something that I realized this week was the very real opposing power of Satan. That scumbag does everything he can to stop the children on God from making lasting righteous choices. It's hard to tell a progressing investigator that the road they're on is for their good when so many bad things happen to them. They have financial struggles, a death in the family, they can't hold on to their house, they have car problems. All these things happen just as they start to read their scriptures, pray, come to church, and commit to make the sacred covenant of baptism. Opposition comes without fail; if it doesn't there is something wrong. That is the test, will they continue on the path of exaltation, or take the smooth highway of least resistance?

I do not envy the place of new converts in the church. Their struggles as they learn and do new things, essentially begin a new life-style, is extremely challenging. But the Holy Spirit will help them overcome all things. I love to share Alma 7:10-12, about Jesus Christ.

10 And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Because of His suffering during the Atonement, Jesus Christ knows how to "succor His people." The meaning of "succor" is "running to aid." He experienced all of the pains, the sickness, the sadness, the grief, the heartache, the suffering that we will ever feel. Because of that we can seek comfort and spiritual healing from Jesus Christ. It is because of that eternal truth that I love my calling as a missionary - to turn people to Christ. I know that He lives.

--

Elder Chris Andrew

California Sacramento Mission

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

55

This week has been beautiful. We've enjoyed 80's and low 90's, and that's a huge difference from 108. Fall is coming! Nothing too exciting happened this week. We are still working with the same families, the Mezey's, Edgar & Cynthia, and Tom. They all came to church yesterday and liked it. Cynthia's grandma passed away, and so her and the family are very busy with visitors and arrangements.

 

This week we have a new missionary meeting up in Sacramento, and we have a zone training on Thursday. We're all looking forward to that. You wouldn't believe it with all the zone conferences, district meetings, exchanges, and zone meetings we have, but we've cut down a lot on "administering" and focused more on "ministering." I'm all for less and shorter meetings. Speaking of meetings, I can't wait until General Conference in October! Six months is too long sometimes. I guess that's why we have the Ensign magazine, huh?

 

Well, love ya guys. Later.

--

Elder Chris Andrew

California Sacramento Mission

8267 Deseret Ave

Fair Oaks, CA 95628