July 28th Email

The Lord has blessed us so much this week. We had B's baptism on Saturday and the spirit was strong. There was such a reverance and peace there. As I looked into B's eyes I saw a sparkle that I didn't notice before. Ya know B really doesnt show that much emotion but I truly think he enjoyed the baptism and felt the spirit. Elder Knecht was telling me how B kept thanking him for Baptizing him. The wonderful thing was that DT came to thebaptism and it looked like tears were in his eyes. He came to church likewise and after church he commented that he liked the feeling he had church. I want him to get baptized so bad, he's so close. He just wants to read the whole B.O.M first. Yesterday in sacrament I had the oppurtunity to confirm B a member and give him the Holy Ghost. I was grateful fo that oppurtunity. Along with these things we've recieved 4 referals this week which is amazing. Considering me and Elder Mitchell had like 4 are whole transfer. We set someone with a date for the 23rd of August and we will set another person this week. Hopefully we can set DT with a date sometime in the next few weeks as he finishes the B.O.M. I really hope I can stay at least one more transfer so I can see DT get baptized I have a great hope that he will. The other day we were driving out in the country and it was gorgeous with the blazing red sunset. Unfortunatly I didn't have my camera.

Blessed

Elder Powell's latest email...I'm using ititials for the name for privacy purposes.

We have been so blessed the last few days. We had four investigators out at church. We had B who is getting baptized this saturday, we had DK who came to the church for the first time in 31 years, we had DT, and we had AM who is a youth who has not been baptized yet. It's so amazing because combined I think weve had four investigators combined come to church my previous two months of the mission. Everything just worked out yesterday. The messages in Sacrament and in the classes were seriously meant for our investigators. They all seemed very attentive and seemed like they were touched by the spirit. I know I was church yesterday really gave me a boost. Saturday we taught D.T and he is so sincere. He really wanting to know that this is the true church. We committed him to give up coffee which he did without hesitation and he committed to finishing the B.O.M in the next couple weeks. Keep him in your prayers that he will recieve his answer me and ElderKnecht are going to fast for him next sunday. I am confident he will recieve the answer that yes this is the true church of God. Once he recieves that answer I know he will be a strong member of the church because of his puredesire. I really am starting to grow in love and friendship towards the peopleI teach and offer service too. DT is a great guy andI love B too. I am so excited for B's baptism this saturday at 2. There is quiet a bit of preparation we will have to do to make the baptism happen. I feel so blessed to be having a baptism in my first area especially because Ephrata is pretty set in their ways. The Lord is also blessing us with new referals and opportunities I am certainly not deserving of all the blessings im recieving....... I have a testimony that God loves us and that this life that we live is bigger then anything we can imagine. My testimony of Joseph Smith and the restorationis sure it did happen I testify of that help us grow. Stay close to the Lord. It is through him that we can have the most happiness in our lives. I pray for you all and love you all so

Transfers

Elder Powell wrote...

I am doing pretty good, I can't believe my first transfer is over. My trainer Elder Mitchell has been shipped out. He was a good companion. He taught me how to serve your companion with love and obedience. I am a liitle anxious because it is up to me to show my new companion Elder Knecht around the area and introduce investigators, and ward members. So that will make me grow. ElderKnecht is from Sothern California. He seems really cool just relaxed and a nice guy. I'm excited for an oppurtunity to start fresh and make this transfer even better then the last one. I'm excited because we set one of our investigators for baptism on the 26th, hopefully he will continue to follow through with his commtitments.

Glimpse into Elder Powell's most recent email

I have to say this was a discouraging week. Appointments fell through left and right, people didnt want to listen to us. Anti-Mormon stuff all over around here. You really have to put on a courageous face at times with all the rejection and rudeness people bestow on us. But hey the Lord is giving me an oppurtunity to grow in ways that I couldn't grow anywhere else. I had a cool experience yesterday had been a long day until we came across two Columbian people. Elder Mitchell started speaking Spanish with them while I just watched and acted like I was helping since I truly am not since I know little spanish.I thought of Cory during this and for a second it seemed like I was in his mission. Anyways it was so cool cause they actually asked if we would come see them and not the other way around which NEVER HAPPENS. We were blessed by the Lord when we needed a blessing.

Chanse wants your testimony

Chanse wants everyone to send them their testimonies. He wants to know how you came to know the church was true and how you became converted. You can send these in the mail or to his email address.

Notice that his email address is different then before. He changed it and will not be getting mail at the other address.