Hey everybody it will be short but I just want to thank all of you for your kindness to me this time of year and throughout my mission. It was wonderful to call home Im so grateful that my family has been so blessed in my abscence. I continue to learn much and am always grateful for this mission expierence. I hope that all of us will make some new years resolutions that regard our spiritual growth for that is the most important phase in our growth. Maybe it could be having more meaningful prayer, reading the scriptures each day, visiting someone loneley each week, getting a 100% home teaching, actually studying our lessons beforehand and being an active participant in our lessons, maybe it could be palcing a pass along card each week, or studying PMG each week, or whatever just get a vision of where you want to improve and set aside some time. Ive found that spiritual growth filters off into all other categories of growth. I love you all hers to a great new start. Lets make the year of 2010 our best yet. Elder Powell

Well hey im pretty darn excited for the baptism coming up. Shes going strong and is commited to stay the course. The fellowship and involvement of this ward has been amazing. They ran some numbers across and the high priests group got 80% home teaching thats great can they improve yes but man think what the church could accomplish if that was the case for the whole church. My guess is its below 50% throughout the world. So if your slacking im calling you to repentance. Home teaching can change lives thats been the case with the Blackcloud family its nothin Ive done but what a faithful home teacher has done. If this work is to go forth it must be through the members. Whether it means we retain our new converts, or find the lost sheep, or bringing new people into the fold the blessing is the same. You will feel the love of God and start to recognize how important each and every person is. Im so grateful im here and for the blessings we are seeing. The ward mission leader and us are commited to filling the font each month. But Ive been reading Jesus the Christ, the New Testament, and the March 2008 special ensign on Christ. I recomend giving that to your nonmember or less active friends it is so good. Ive been learning alot and its amazing how much I forget about the Saviors life. I am convinced that if we constantly study the Saviors life we will be less apt to give in to sin, we will be more apt to love, more willinfg to serve because he exemplified all those things. My heart is full of wonder and awe over all that he did, all that he did for us, and how much he loved us. I have a long ways to go to be like him but I am so grateful for the upliftment I get when I study his life. Do your best thats what God wants from us this Christmas. I love you all Im sending out my Christmas cards tommorow hope you like them. Elder Powell

Hey everybody what a great week. We already were able to set someone for a baptismal date for Dec. 17th S B. Just so you know I'm In Dover, PA it is right above York back in the original Harrisburg Mission. Great ward, great ward mission leader alot of Part Member families we are going to work with. Its pretty close to where I was trained so thats fun. Have a good companion been out 20 months Elder Deyoung really funny guy. Hes 25 so thats crazy but we are Co- Senoirs which is good i wouldnt want to tell him what to do haha. But no we get along well. Just felt real blessed this week i really feel like the trial of my faith was St.Mary's and now the blessings seem to be numerous on the horizon. I have a testimony of love and a testimony of members reaching out. You have more influence then you realize for good or for bad. help the missionaries out and dont be dead weight. Get excited if your bored your doing something wrong the gospel is meant to be exciting. How exciting it is for me to have the opportinity to change lives and so too can you. You just have too wait patiently on the Lord after youve done your part. I love you all Talk to Mom if you have any questions about things i need. Have a good week. Elder Powell

Hey everybody. Hope you all had a great thanksgiving mine was great. We had a way fun turkey bowl we played in the mud and slid everywhere haha. But we also got incredibly stuffed and that is not an understatement. We had three large meals that day. Bryan came to church again so that's great he can now be baptized if he will excercise a little faith and progress towards that goal. We got back in contact with Barbara and I think we resolved her concerns and I think we can get her back on track so that was exciting. Just so you know I got the news and I am getting transfered. President released me as District Leader and informed me that I would be serving with an older missionary and then I will train after that so im excited about that. Ive enjoyed being a district leader but I think its good when others get the chance to serve in leadership so they can grow. it helped me grow I dont know if this is temporary or not but I am excited of the prospects of just being a regular ole missionary. Not as much stress and you can just devote all your time to the work. But im going to miss St. Mary's we worked hard Ive grown to love many people here. Its always good to have a fresh start and its always great this time of year Christmas I mean. Id encourage all of you to start thinking of service you could do to make somebody more happy this holiday season I know im really going to try and be aware of opportunities. But I guess next week ill just have to let you know where im going and such I gotta go pack i love you all have a good week. P.S I know some of you have asked what would be good to send for Christmas ill let you know for sure next week and my new address. Elder Powell

Well hey, theres gotta be something wrong with me I got sick again this past week. But i'm better now, I hate staying in the apartment. I got sick for 3 days and then my companion got sick for three days. Got alot of studying done and I've enjoyed it but its alot better out applying it rather then just reading about something. Were able to have a great day yesterday saw B and T and B with a member and it sure is good having a member along. That way when they come to church they have somebody they know and its not such a shock. Try to go out with the missionaries if you don't have someone to teach, see if they can't go with ya to see some of your less actives with ya. But now that I think about it they probable have tons to do at least back west because they cover stakes and geez I only cover two branches haha. But we just got back from going to tour the Zippo factory up in Bradford probably heard of it they make real lise lighters and also case international is up there they make knives so that was pretty cool to go see. This could be my last week here the ZL'S recommended I leave but ya its all about what President feels inspired to do. Either way there is positives to me staying or going so whatever works so send stuff to my mission address for the next little bit. But can't believe its already thanksgiving what a wonderful time of here. We have much to be grateful for our freedom, this church, our families, knowing God's will, having job opportunities so much I could go on and on but let us remember to really stop and think of lord's wonderful blessings he has given to us. If we think long enough we will discover that we are the most blessed people on earth hands down. We have much to live up to when much is given much is expected let us not shirk our duty and always to remeber to thank the Lord. I'm grateful for all that I have and all of you. Take care and have a great thanksgiving. Elder Powell

Well hey back to monday p-dayIts only been 4 days since I last wrote so we will see if I can think of stuff to write that will interest you. B came to church which is great 2nd time he has come. He liked it from what Elder Christensen said I was up in Kane this sunday. I guess at the Ridgway building someone pulled the fire alarm and the fire department came haha. Probably one of the A kids. 2nd week in a row their was major drama haha. Sister Murphy an older lady passed out in the bathroom and the ambulance came and took her to the hospital shes fine but the branch president sure looked worried at the time. Our branch is getting hit with alot of stuff so many people are sick and are expierencing hardships. People are moving out and stopped coming or are offended I tell ya just plain drama sometimes haha. All in all though great branch though. Have 3 people already willing to feed us on thanksgiving so that's good and we are working on getting some less actives out to a turkey bowl thanksgiving morning. Found a real cool guy named J seeing him tonight excited for that. This week we will be having our Zone Conference those are always uplifting and well worth the time. Wednesday will be the new day for District meetings. After district meeting this wensday we are going to try and help the other elders find some investigators like the last two months theyve found like 4 people not good haha. But crazy thing is I think we are setting the example in our district for work ethic yet they are the ones who are having a baptism coming up haha. Oh well we will keep working and will put this area in a position to succeed. As I might have told you I finished the Old Testament and am now on to the New Testament. I have a great love for the New Testament. Jesus's sayings are so profound and so true. You could gather so much just from one verse. Im grateful to be studying it this holiday season and I encourage you all to do so like wise. It will help draw our thoughts to the Savior and will help us remember the real reason for the season. Im doing well hope you all have a great week.With LoveElder Powell

Hey everybody!!Things are going well here B is doing well and weve made some progress with some of our investigators. We were finally able to get back in contact with R. Hes been gone for a couple weeks his daughter went on to Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and he went to NYC with her. But anyways he's going to read the B.O.M from the beginning. R S is a excommunicated member who we found who wants to come back and we have been meeting with him pretty regularly. those are just a couple people we just keep finding and dropping finding and dropping but i know that if we talk to enough people we will find those who are ready. We've been doing alot of service lately working at the Hospital, splitting, stacking, and gathering wood, and we work at the Northern Elk Food Bank. A first glance one may wonder what does this do well I have to say it has brought good exposure to the church and it removes negative and false ideas about the church. I enjoy doing it its fun meeting new people my nickname at the Food Pantry is Tater Tot haha so were fitting in pretty well. But I have a testimony of love is the key that unlocks doors. When we love we feel better about ourselves and those whom we come in contact with. Let us all work on this the greatest of all attributes.(Moroni 7:45-48) I love my Savior and I love being a missionary. Take care and be strong. Elder Powell

Well we had B come to church sorry I dont keep you up with all the people I think I told you about him. He came to all three meetings and really enjoyed himself. He learned alot and is rethinking some things such as his view of God. When we met him he was very sceptical of God didnt know if he even exised now as hes been reading he is pondering about it and is grwoing so what a blessed expierence. L C the lady whos son was a Mormon is going in for Chemotherapy and if all goes well she will be to church in January so I hope that she heals soon and all goes well with the treatment. we had a good halloween we carved some pumpkins and Elder Christensen carved a B.O.M pumpkin it was pretty cool we only did that because they wanted us in at 6. I also finished up the B.O.M again and I learn stuff new stuff all the time Im also almost done with the Old Testament and I also have learned some neat things in there. We are doing well just continuing to work trying to find the elect. Last night the Branch Preisident laid down the law to his priesthhood brethren telling them they need to step it up. So we are going to try and get the members more involved and excited. Love you all have a good week. Elder Powell

Well hello everyone. So all my predictions were quite wrong. Haha that's why I am not the mission president. Im staying and I am getting a young missionary. His name is Elder Christensen from Hurricane, Utah I look like a giant next to him. But we had two really neat expierences the last week. Me and Elder Norton found a lady who is looking for new direction in her life and wants us to come back. We also found the most golden person I have tracted into on my mission it happened last night her name is L C. She moved up from Atlanta a year ago. I guess her son is a member down there and she loves the church and reads her B.O.M and has no problem with it. She was sad because there was no Mormon church nearby and we excitedly told her their was one and she seems so enthusistic about coming. She wants to know her purpose in life and we left her with the Plan Of Salvation pamphlet and she said she would get right down to reading it. She told us to give her a call Saturday night to make sure that she can but all in all a real cool person the Lord led us too. Also a little story on prayer so Elder Christensen locked us out of our apartment after we went to give a blessing to someone. We looked around asked the neighbors if they had ladders, they either dint or they werent home and the men in the branch were at work. I was saying a prayer in my heart like man I dont know what to do we tried everything I tried to pull myself up on the roof but to no avail. Haha but you know what happened these workers guys just happened to drive down our road and they had two ladders on their van haha what are the chances. They also happened to running ahead of schedule so we wouldnt be messing them up for a job. Call that coincidence but I call it God's tender mercy. Well the mission tour went well although the Grow's really laid it on us. When I say we you have to undersdtand that the Pittsburgh guys were quite disobedient like even alot of their Zone Leaders I feel really unimpressed with. They told us that we need to work with more urgency. It kind of was a wake up call to me for the things that I am holding back and the places that I need to improve for we only have one shot. Its the same with all of us we only have one shot to live this life to truly make a difference in the world. Alot of times we all just get to darn casual and its easy to do so. Its easy to fall in a rut and go through the motions. I know that when we truly examine ourselves and do that will benefit us in the long term will help us fing more abiding peace. I love you all. A ggod scripture to ponder. (Moroni 10:32)That is the goal and it is possible through our obedience and our reliance on Christ. Elder Powell

Well hello everyone how is it going. Things are going good here we are working really hard trying to up the area and ive realized some great blessings. Some dissapointing news at the same time B dropped herself. It was so weird too the previous day we had a good lesson and she said that when she came to know this was true she would be baptized. In her prayer she expressed her gratefulness for God sending us to her. Well the next day she called us up and said you dont need to worry about coming over I'm going to stay with my church. She said that we didn't teach the same things that her church taught. I know she must have been antied and yes its a bit discouraging. It just really teaches me that Satan is ferocious he doesnt sleep and he trys with all his might to impede the work. All is not lost though we will give her a week or too and stop and really have a heart to heart talk and resolve whatever concerns our differences she may have. Ill admit as soon as I saw the number I just felt it would be one of those calls. But we could've chose to mope around in discouragment but we decided not to please satan and went stright back to work. It was really neat we found a really neat lady named M B. Her openess was touching she said she would read and pray and if this is what God wanted for her she would follow it. We also have met some other really neat people that have warmed my soul. Its refreshing in a world of negativism to find those who give of themselves and truly understand what we should be doing in this life. We were able to see P and she said she would be coming to the addiction recovery class and btw the one last week went well two people showed up and want to come again this week. We attended church up in Kane and gave me short notice and I gave a talk on service. I felt good about it that's one of the Lord's tender mercies he has given to me and i am so grateful. K we have not been able to see for a couple weeks. But im in good spirits transfers are coming up and I dont know what's going to happen Ive been told many different things. First of all me and Elder Norton have done well together and have improved the area, but 2nd the Zone Leaders reccomended I train, and 3rd they also think there is a good chance I could go Zone leader. I personally just like being a regular old joe, although it would be really fun to train. But we will see I really have no idea. I guess tuesday Ill find out also that day we will be having a mission tour with Scott Groves in Pittsburgh im excityed for that. But one thing I want you all to do is to read in the war chapters in the B.O.M this week. You may wonder why I ask you to do such a thing. Im in them now and i am finding so many wonderful paralels to the gospel and the war against satan. Even the war chapters you can learn great truths. (Alma 40-62 roughly dont have a B.O.M handy. Got to love the book of Alma and btw Moroni is my favoite B.O.M hero. He is an example of righteousness, boldness, and unwavering obedience to the Lord and his gospel. Obedience is such a critical thing I want you to know I feel so much better when I make obedience a quest and so to will you(Mosiah 2:41) I love you all this work is true even if satan tries to manipulate that it isnt. The work will continue to go forth lets jump on the bandwagon. Find someone for the missionaries to teach. Elder Powell P.S its snowing right now haha we are supposed to get a few inches.

Man I loved conference it went so fast. I tell you though it wipes you out all the spirituality. I will talk about it in a little bit. First of all S was able to watch conference and she liked it. We had a less active come to the Priesthood session. We also found an investigator named B B who came to the afternoon sessions and she came to FHE. How cool is that. K and P have been difficult to get ahold of. My thoughts are they may have been antied that always seems to be the case. How sad that people will trust man and no0t go to God and dicover the truth of the matter. We will keep trying and if im wrong I will be glad to admit it. We just got to keep going forward and find those who will have an open heart. This friday we will be holding and addiction recovery program at our branch and the Moons will be presenting it. We hope to get about 5 people their which will be great because alot of times the hold up for investigators and less actives is addictions. Take away the addictions you take away the shame and replace it with confidence and vision that truly it pays to choose the right. But ya things are going pretty well. But back to conference It was all great I noticed a few main things. 1) Keep the commandments. 2) Love 3)Go out and serve others 4) The world is abonding its values dont abandon ours. I really enjoyed Jeffrey R. Hollands talk. He expressed how God has counteracted against satan's mists of darkness. His weapon the B.O.M. He expressed how in the very moment that Joseph couldve delivered himself by doing one simple thing deny the B.O.M. Yet he didnt. He expressed would he blaspheme at that moment about a Book. If it was a book written by him certainly he wouldve confessed that it was his hand and not God's hand. He had nothing to gain and everything to lose by to stick to his guns that the book was of divine origin. He knew that God had called him to this work and was willing to die for the B.O.M. I loved how Jeffrey R.Holland said I give my name to the world. In a very real sense he was saying the same thing I will die for the B.O.M because I know it's true. The witnesses did that as well they were willing to lose their respect, their jobs, their family, and even their lives and why? Because they knew that they couldnt for great are the blessings to those who stand for truth. I hope I could say that I would be willing to die for the truth. The more we immerse ourselves in truth the more we lose the grips of the world and the more we can say YES it's better to face persecution then to give in to fear and deny our testimonies. If our testimonies arent as strong as wed like them to be then open up the fruit of the Restoration the B.O.M. In it it conatins a living testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. Combined with the Bible and the words of living prophets we will not be decieved if we treasure up. I know that htese men are inspired and that they are true diciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Why else would they give up their careers, their free time, their energy, their personal pursuits and basically all to serve the Lord. That should be evidence enough that this work is true. I leave my testimony that this gospel is true be strong and reach out in love to all. Elder Powell

Hey Im doing wellUnfortunatley I dont have long to write im sorry. A guy in our branch is going to take us Elk Viewing in about 30 minutes so that will be fun. I guess from what Ive heard Elk County where I reside is home to the the only natural Elk herd east of the missippi. But im finally starting to kick my cold not 100% but getting there. I tell you it was annoying but im excited to work hard again. Had some good success in terms of we have bout 5 or 6 people who have commited to come out to conference so that will be great. I am SOOOOO!!!!!! excited for conference and hope you are too. How blessed we are to have men that can guide through these somewhat tumultous times. I know every time I hear God's prohets speak I am filled with the spirit. It gives me motivation to improve and a hope that I can accomplish the purposes that God has for us even when it is hard to do so. One thing I would recomend is a study journal and also come with questions and expect the Lord to answer them. Invite your freinds, less actives, whoever it will be great I love you all. Take care and prepare yourselves for conference Elder Powell

Well Elder Powell hit the sick bug so the last two days Sister Summerhays told me to take it easy. I hate it to be honest I wanted to be out working. Its nothing serious just sinus and a pretty annoying cold but she didnt want me to spread it on to others. So I did alot of reading and studying and we worked on our area books and called old potentials and formers. But I can tell you if I was a missionary that stayed in all day I would go nuts and probably go home. We are being blessed right now we have two with a date K and P, and hopefully we will get S with a date next week. P we saw yesterday and she promised that she would come to church this sunday. Scame to church that was great and came to FHE again so were excited about that. S is starting to read more and K has been reading his assignments and says he feels good when he reads. We hopefully will get him out to church this week. But this sunday will be interesting Elder Norton will be going up to the Kane branch and I will be going to the Ridgway branch. After the meetings the Ridgway Branch will be doing a media blitz where members of the church that havent mailed out their Books Of Mormon will go out and hand out Church media to people of the community im going on a exchange with a member and im excited to have him lead out to see how he does it. After church im supposed to teach the branch some approaches to use and just how to possibly go about handing out this media I remember my first days of talking to strangers and it takes you out of your comfort zone haha. But me and Elder Norton gave talks this past sunday mine was about the sacrament how we can prepare, and the symbolic and important nature of the sacrament. I always forget to bring my inspirational thoughts so sufficeth to say I was enlightened. I felt the Lord helped me in my talk. But ive been enjoying my study in the Old Testament and Book Of Mormon. I ve been going through both highlighting every thing that stands out. I definetly recomend it it takes alot longer but later on it really helps you. Also I would suggest a study journal. But im doing good I hope I get over this sickness soon take care and remember to read your scriptures. With Love Elder Powell

Hello how is everyone?Im doing great P is doing well we were able to teach her again and she loved it. Also we were able to get her over to family home evening with a bunch of old folks in our branch so she fit right in. She's coming to church, and will be coming to FHE again she is reading her assignments and we are excited about her. We found a few more people that said theyd be coming to church but they bailed on us. You get that alot people just dont do what they say. We are having most of our success outside St.Mary's just because that's definetly the stronghold of Catholiscm but nice people for the most part. We are excited about S just in the begining stages with her we stopped by to see her last night and had a good mini lesson but she invited us over tonight and we are bringing a single guy in our branch over. Me and Elder Norton are thinking we've got to set these to up. He's 38 she's 34 and they both want to get married understandbly. So hey maybe that will facilitate her getting more excited. But me and Elder Norton will be heading up to the Kane branch this sunday for the first time they asked us to give talks and then on the 20th we are giving talks at the Ridgway branch. Some thing that comes to mind is the talk by Henry B.Eyring entitled Remember, Remember. I think the reason Ive thought about it is because I think as members we aren't as steady as we should be we are to hot and cold. If we were to keep on the top of our mind the spiritual expierences we've had we would be must likely to slip and fall. Satan wants us to forget who we are and lull us away into carnal security my challenge for all of us this week is to remeber our spiritual expierences and let those expierence propell us to more spiritual growth I love you all take care. Elder Powell

Wow time sure does fly.Its been a good week theres two cool stories. First of all we found a girl named C and she seems really humble and willing to learn. Shes 21 and is a single mom. She's overcome alot in her life we will go for our return appointment tommorow hope that goes well. Also we had a very good lesson with a lady named P. We honestly werent sure what we were going to teach her. Elder Norton found her on exchange with Elder Ang-Bejar. We taught her about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it not only covered her sins but her weaknesses, her pains, her trails and she had never realized that before. She seemed so happy to know that and says it will be easier to have a relationship with God knowing that he has felt everything she has felt first hand expierence. We also taught about the fall and how we will be responsible for our own sins and not by Adam and Eves choices. We told her that Gos has a plan and we need to make good choices to please him and make it back to him so we brought up baptism and she said she would be baptized when she came to know this was true. When we left her an assignment she was eager to read it and she was like if I have questions can I right it down we were like YES haha. So that was a neat expierence. But ya we have helped the members alot this past week. One of the members had an emergency had to get the hay cut, bailed and transported before the rain come in because the hay cannot be wet. Well we helped them from 6 to 10. My goodness im sore I was running from bail to bail throwing it up, I sweat like crazy it was like 90 degrees with humidity and I weas wearing Jeans but that night I didnt get to bed till like 12. Haha we dont normally do that but they needed it done. Our mini zone conference meeting went well I had a good talk with President Summerhays for like 30 minutes haha Elder Norton only got to talk to him for like three minutes. But ya we had to do a role play in front of the Zone a mock teaching situation and that was pretty fun. But im doing well we had a great week we will keep working hard and trying to find God's children. I love you all.Take Care

Hello greetings from St. Mary's!!!!This past week was good we spent a good amount of time meeting the Ridgway Branch members. Few in numbers but they seem strong. Some really neat people in the branch including a black family of 10. So haha they make up a big part of the branch. But this branch is really into missionary work. They have this program called send a B.O.M on a mission. Each active member has commited to place 5 B.O.M 's each year. Well alot of them have already placed B.O.M's in their friends hands so what they are doing now. Is they prayerfully select 5 names out of the phone book and send the B.O.M and their testimony. We then as missionaries foolow up with the people it will be alot of work haha but I think it is a great start for missionary work. I mean it shouldnt replace one on one contact but they are making an effort and that's what counts. Me and Elder Norton had some pretty good success weve found 5 investigators the past week and this next week we have no obstructions in terms of schedule so we are going to try and tract for over 20 hrs. Im excited to see what we can do and try and get this place rolling. Ya from more of what Ive found out. This place has been white washed 3 straight times so it hasnt been doing well. Yes there is alot of Catholics i mean alot. They are pretty nice but dont really budge. But yesterday we had Zone Conference and man it was tense. So lets just say Pittsburgh missionaries have some obedience issues and President Summerhays was basically like anyone that isnt willing to keep the rules ill get you a plane ticket home. I realized that I myself am not perfectly obedient and need to imporve in several areas. But I guess alot of ther missionaries have facebook accounts, watch movies, play video games, and the last guy in this area got too close to a girl. Too be truthful its a clash of styles right now I feel lucky to be with Elder Norton. They were very casual missionaries that dont really take things seriously and about having a good time and our mission was about being obedient and trying our best. So it will take some time I have a feeling a few people will be sent home. I feel so bad for President Summerhays because I sure wouldnt want to do deal with a situation like this. But im doin good and I want to strive to have more meaningful prayer this week and hope you will too. Have a great week Elder Powell

I am pretty tired so I don't know how long this will be. We worked hard this week I was pleased at the amount we were able to teach this week. We had a mini zone conference this week and I got too have an interview with President Summerhays and it was short and sweet. He didn't give me any indication of whether I'm staying or going. I will find out soon enough. Transfer calls will be on monday and transfers we will all head down to Pittsburgh for transfer meeting. Just this once I think we all will come so everyone can meet each other. Thats going to be alot of missionaries probably 170. My guess is I'll be heading out but still a good chance I might stay. Too be honest I love the branch but its sometimes difficult with the area. There are not a lot of people and its so spread out. But nonethless we have been blessed these past few weeks too teach quite a bit. I think my favorite part of the week thus far was when we were able to teach M G. Elder. Bylund came on exchange with me and we taught about the Plan Of Salvation and I felt the spirit really strong and I know M did too. Its great when the spirit directs you dont even think about what you say you just let him speak for you. I really enjoyed my exchange with Brother Roberts. The reason why is because I was just so impressed with his quiet fortitude. He is poor and struggles to make ends meet, he's never been married, he pays his tithing. Yet he always comes out every month on exchange with us. He is great example of doing your duty and not complaining about it. He could make up excuses for not coming with us but he doesnt. It was just great too see his example. But I've been studying the Bible alot lately im in 2nd Chronicles. One great story I was reminded of was the story of Naaman. He had leprosy and he went to Elisha the prophet to be healed the prophet told him to go wash in the Jordan river 7 times. Naaman was wroth because he wanted Elisha to heal him right there, and if it was a river why the Jordan river so he had a bad attitude. His servants said something profound to him its found in 2nd Kings 5:13. " And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, IF THE PROPHET HAD BID THEE TO DO SOME GREAT THING, WOULDEST THOU HAVE DONE IT? HOW MUCH RATHER THEN, WHEN HE SAITH TO THEE, WASH, AND BE CLEAN?" Naaman repented and he did as Elisha directed him to do and he was healed. So to are we guilty at times of Naamans attitude. We often times think oh that wont help. I dont see how reading my scriptures, or saying my prayers, or going to church, or going to the temple could really heal me. We conjure up some miraculous way of how God will heal us yet we deny the little aspects of the healing process. God wants to see where we stand he wants us to take counsel from our heart rather then our mind so much. He wants to see how strong our faith is and whether we will trust him to do the little things to bring about great miracles. Remember the brasen serpant and how many of the Children Of Israel denied looking at it to be healed because of the simpleness of the way. We need to do the little things in order to qualify for God's trust and too secure for ourselves marvelous blessings. Im glad that this lesson was brought back to my mind because I am just as guilty as anyone. I know this gospel is true do your very best and be happy. I love you all. Elder Powell

Man we were really blessed this week.

We had three people at church, we got two real solid referals, and found a real neat couple. J came was one of the ones that came and we found him a hearing device so he could hear the talks. He has been too church three times so technically he can now be baptized. We fasted with him but his heart is not all the way into it. He has read about 150 pgs in the Book Of Mormon but he is not praying with real intent and he is just being to casual about everything. I think it will take some more time to get him ready for baptism so I dont know if he will make his July 25th date so pray for him that a mighty change of heart can come upon him. We also had J and KG come to church we found them on Friday so that was really neat. We just looked up on a hill and some some houses and said hey lets tract that street. They are looking for a church and J actually has some connections through family members with the church. I think they enjoyed it pretty well, the branch really was kind to them. Unfortunatley K had told her Dad that she would attend church with him this week but they said they would come the next week. Pray that they will feel of the spirit that it will direct them to come to our church. It was neat though we took Brother Clapper with us and he bore strong testimony and just told how he came to know the church was true. At first he was a little closed off too the message because of the bad wrap that mormons get out here. But when he oppened his heart the spirit touched him and he became converted. But our referals are both member referals one is Brother Gates brother and the other is Brother Fairs brother so thats exciting because they already have friendships with members. C was going to come to church but bailed out at the last moment and also another investigator named M S. So we almost had five at church which would've been awesome but we will settle with three, I'm happy with that haha. We weren't able too see J F this week because he has been very busy. Pray that we will have opportunities to teach him and that he will be able to come to church. Yesterday we had a mini zone conference and interviews. It was pretty good it was neat talking to President Summerhays and im excited for what will happen in the next two weeks. I bet I'll be getting transfered over Pittsburgh way. Either way though I'd like to stay because I feel that some good things will happen here in the next few months. I was really proud of the branch because the Zone Leaders showed some statistics in the Stake. It talked about member referals and member exchanges for the past few months and baptisms and guess he was near the top in all those categories the Bedford Branch. Whats really sad though is that the branches are doing more work then the wards are. When we are in our wards we need to make sure that we aren't neglecting our duties. Wards should be able to accomplish wonders but at least out here they are slacking and are not involved enough in the missionary work. Our branch sacrifices alot. The men of the priesthood basically come out at least once a month with the missionaries. Plus many have 3 or four callings. Let us never shirk from our duty. I want to leave with a thought. It was from general conference from Dieter F. Uctdorf. He remarked how there was a time when a group of men were trying to move a piano out of a room and they were struggling to find a way to get it out. Then one of the men offered a profound comment he said "Brethren stand close together and lift where you stand." As the did that they were able to accomplish that task. So it is with us if we are unified and stand close together and each do our part the lord's work will go forth more gloriously. It doesnt matter what talents we have as long as we offer them. Remember the parable of the talents one had five one had 3 and the other 1. the five and the three were rewarded evenly because they both didn't hide their talents and the one with the one talent hid it and the Lord took it away from him. Let us work for the Lord and he will work for us and shower us with blessings. I know this to be a true principle. I love you all hope you have a great week. Elder Powell

Hey everyone hope you all had a great fourth of July. We ate good on the 4th I tell you what I ate enough hot dogs and hamburgers to last a month haha. But It was a good week we were able to meet President and Sister Summerhays and to be honest it wasnt as hard to me as I thought it would be. They seem like great people although they dont seem that they will have as lively personalities as the Pugh's you could tell they have the spirit with them and they will lead us well. I feel for President Summerhays he has so much to do the next couple weeks. He basically has interviews straight for the next two weeks. Well a few changes will occur first of all this is the LAST time that you will hear from me on monday's starting next week our P-Days will change to Thursdays. They had been doing that and their reasoning for us doing it that way is so that we can get rested up right before the really effective days of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That way we will have more in the tank to hit it hard at the end of the week. I personally think its a good idea although it will take some getting used too. Also there will be no more departing missionary firesides which is kind of a bummer. For transfers we will go to Pittsburgh and some of us may need to catch a greyhound to get there for me im not too far away. Also our standard of excellence for tracting was 10 hrs now it is 12 hrs but im happy to say that we got it this week as well as every week of this transfer. Also pretty sure this will be my last transfer here he said he was going to mix things up unless there was a real need to keep a companionship together. So most likely in 3 weeks ill be headed Pittsburgh way which will be fun but Bedford is really growing on me. Im starting to become real close to the members. I loved fast and testimony meeting yeterday the spirit was strong. Its just neat to hear the strength of these members and the great things they must do to keep their testimonies strong. They are so appreciative of their membership in the church even if it means they have less friends and family members that lose respect for them. I really appreciated Bro. Clappers testimony he shared his love for missionary work and how he enjoys coming out with us and learning and growing in the gospel. If only all members could have his attitude that hey I love missionary work and I love voluntering my time. He being a recent convert is a great strength to the branch. I truly do love the members in this branch. I think the coolest missionary expierence we had this week is when we were tracting we found a man named C D. His wife had just left him the pevious night and he was really struggling. It was so neat for me to be able to teach him and watch how our message was able to give him peace and greater hope. He acknowledges that he needs to get more religious and we just testified to him that Christ's Atonement was meant for our trials. To help us get through and to help us overcome and rise to new heights. I felt the Lord led us to him to give him strength in a dark time in his life. Also we set J with a baptismal date for the 25th of July. We know he still has a ways to go and we need to help him gain a testimony but he is reading from the B.O.M. Hes in 2 Nephi 20 so thats pretty good. I think more then anything we wanted to set something he could push for. Pray that he will be able to come to a witness that Joseph was a prophet of God. He needs to know that so he can have the conviction to obey the word of wisdom and to make the neccesary changes in his life. But im doing great it was a good week me and Elder Winters are working hard and we are trying to find those whom the Lord has prepared. To close I want to leave you with a quote. Its from C.S Lewis quoted in Dale E Millers talk entitled Bringing peace and Healing to your soul in the November 2004 conference. "God has an infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created. When Christ died, He died for you individually just as if you had been the only man or women in the world." What a touching quote as we have in our minds the idea of our freedom. Let us remeber the ultimate source of freedom comes from ou savior Jesus Christ. It is he that can free us from any undesirable circumstance whether we bring it upon ourselves or not. It is made possible through his Atoning Sacrafice I love the Savior and I know it would all do us good to draw closer to him. I love you all and hope you have a great week.With Love Elder Powell

Hello,
How is everyone doing?Im doing pretty well although it was pretty sad saying bye to President and Sister Pugh. Truthfully they were some of the greatest people Ive ever met. They are people that you look up too and say man I want to be like them. The Zone Conference was really spiritual. I will be truthful; tears flowed from eyes a great deal. When I said my last goodbyes it was tough for the first time on my mission I was permitted to hug a lady. President Pugh said that Sister Pugh could give each of us a hug. She had been waiting for three years. I will always love the Pugh's. But all is not lost it will be great to have a new expierence. On Thursday we will meet President Summerhays at a Zone Conference in State College. I feel for that man he has a lot to get organized and a lot to do to make the merge a smooth transition. Im excited too meet them and excited for new expierences that lie ahead. The work in Bedford is going pretty well. We worked hard this week and we found a sweet lady, her name is S. She lived in a trailer park and she let us right in. She said that we were an answer to her prayer and that she is looking for a church. Unfortunatly she wasn't able to make it too church this week. J is doing ok he just doesnt have a strong desire to obey the word of wisdom and too keep the commitments we give him. We weren't able too see C this week. B is out of town for a few weeks so he's on hold. So whish I could say our area is rocking but its not going as well as we would like. Although I can see some great potential in some of our investigators they just need to excercise their faith and be more consistent on keeping their commitments. I do know though from previous expierence that when you keep going strong good things happen later. Thats some advice I want too give all of you. That is too keep plowing through and wait for the promised blessings of the Lord. He many times allows us to struggle so we will rely more on him and appreciate our blessings more. I know this is true always keep the faith. But man I cant believe its almost the 4th of July hope everybody has fun plans. Elder Winters and I are invited too two barbeques and we plan on working as well. So we should have a fun fourth. But I imagine I will have much too tell next week due too the great changes. But I love you all. I know this gospel is true.Have a good week Elder Powell

temporary new address

Its 103 king Street Apt 1Bedford,PA15522

Hey everybody,
I'm doing well. We were able to teach alot this week and that is always fun. C is going to be praying about a date. We were able to see some investigators we haven't been able to see lately. Can't believe this week will be the last Zone Conference with President and Sister Pugh. They are such amazing people and I will miss them. But there is a time and a season for all things. Ive really want you to know how much I love the scriptures we are so blessed to have them. Read them everyday I promise you your day will go better. I'm reading in Helaman and Nephi spoke boldy to the wicked Nephites. He commented and how could allow Satan to get such great hold of your hearts. It was because of their neglectance to follow God and there hearts were aspiring after the wrong things. Remember we give Satan power only by surrendering our agency. We must remember that we have the advantage and that God will help us if ask with sincerity. I love you all hope you have a great week. Elder Powell

Note that Elder Powell has a NEW address

Hey everyone,
I'm going to keep this short. But I wanted you to know that it was a good week. J came to church this week. Our tracting this week was pretty crazy just plain old country tracting. But yesterday me and Elder Winters were approached by two mennonites who invited us to a hymn singing they said about 700 people will be there. I thought that was so kind of them to go out of there way and to extend an invitation to fellow believers in Christ. I don't know if we will be able to make it but I just appreciated their goodness truly there are many good people in Pennsylvania. Elder Winters is a cool guy he is from Texas. The branch remarked how rare it was not to have a Utahn in a companionship there. But we are working I know we pushed ourselves to get our standard of excellence for tracting yesterday I was happy about that. C is kind of dragging her feet, J is doing pretty good, we weren't able to meet with B.J or J this week. Pray for better luck this week. I can't believe how much moisture you have been getting we've gotten a good amount here but that last couple days have been nice and I'm still waiting for the heat to come. Well actually I don't care to see it but I'm sure its inevitable. But I love you all remember to the little things in order to qualify for the Lords help. Ive been reading throught the war chapters of the B.O.M and the theme is always put your trust in the Lord and keep his commandments and you will be delivered. I know that when I am most happy is when I do the little things.
Take Care Elder Powell

Hey hey hey,

Change came about as I suspected. Elder Lucherini got transfered and my new companion is Elder Winters. He actually came out with Elder Lucherini but he is actually still driving to get here because the member got lost I think haha. I'm just here with Elder Child the one who was in my MTC group and we did some crazy cleaning today. Its amazing all the condensing thats going on in our mission. They just combined another Zone and they closed our District and we will be combining with another set of Elders. Consequently that other set of Elders also had a District Leader there. He has about 6 months to go so President just has me as a normal missionary this transfer gave the nod to the older missionary. Which is fine, I'm just excited to go out and work really hard this transfer. The past couple days I have worked really hard trying to improve our maps, compile a quick list of all the people we can go see this transfer. This is the most organized I've been in my mission which is an accomplishment for me haha. But we had a good week. The baptism in Somerset went really well. I enjoyed interviewing S, it was neat just to hear her story and just give her counsel on how to stay strong. But what was great is that J came to the baptism and It was a positive expierence for him. Unfortunatly J is progressing but slowly. I mean he has come out to church and out to a baptism so thats good news. Also C and R came out to church and enjoyed it. We are really trying with our investigators to get them good fellowship in the branch and the branch is doing a good job. I could possibly see us setting two people with a date this week. C and B.J,so pray for them. Also we are having a BBQ with the Clappers on Wedesday and a lot of their nonmember family is coming. So pray that we may have an opportunity to get some things rolling with his family. I just want you to once again know that I have a testimony of this gospel. It is true it is the secret for a better life. It is the path that we make it back to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love you all have a great week.
Elder Powell

Hey Family and Friends
We had a pretty good week. We were excited we had two people come to church. J and B.J came. B.J is an over aged youth whose family is really less active. Well his grandpa brought him and his little sister and they really enjoyed it. His grandpa hadnt been too church in two years. J is an investigator that weve been working with for a couple weeks and he had a good expierence as well. Weve also been really blessed with the members willingness to come out on exchange. We actually were with a recent convert for 7 hours yesterday and he drove us around so we could go see people that hadn't been seen in a long time. We actually had a miracle happen. So we were looking for a former investigator and we couldn't find him, but what the miracle was this guy just happened to be looking out his window from above and he said are you guys looking for someone and we told him we were. It just so happened that this was a less active that got lost. He hadn't seen anybody in the church for 7 years. He invited us up and told us a little about his story. He had to get up and move and he had to leave all his old stuff behind in his bedford apartment. So he hadn't had a B.O.M for that long we gave him a B.O.M and he wants to come to church. What a neat expierence. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Well I love you all sorry this was late. Library wasn't open on Memorial day. Have a good week.
Elder Powell

Hey, It was so wonderful to talk to my family yesterday. It just made me realize once more what a great family I have. It just gives you a real boost when you feel love. My E Mail will not be long but It's crazy that I have now been out a year I've been so blessed to see some amazing people come into the gospel. I aknowledge that its not me but the Lord. I realize I'm not perfect but I'm so grateful for the gospel because we can always improve. This past week went ok just waitig to find more solid investigators. But we are really excited for this upcoming week because the members are really stepping up and we've got some good exchanges lined up. Its so much better when the members step in. But im going to go but I want you to all know of my love and my testimony of this gospel. Elder Powell

Hey Everyone
We had a good week in Bedford because the cupboard was bare when I got here. We didnt have really anyone to teach. But the Lord truly blessed us as we were able to find 7 new investigators. I have to say that give me a little more time for Bedford to grow on me. Its just so rural and not enough miles. So the city of Bedford has been tracted out many times so I want to go to those areas where people havent really seen the missionaries. But ya really there isnt many people in my area but yet we were blessed. Nobody that we are to excited about YET. But we will keep working and see what happens. I enjoyed my first sunday here. It was so crazy being a branch first one in my life except for Island Park. They had stake conference broadcast and Elder Jensen, Elder Perry, and President Monson addressed us. I really enjoyed President Monsons talk. He talked about how we need to find the lost platoons. There are many casualties out there. There are many lost latter day saints. Whether the old and the lonely, or the ones who have wandered off the path of righteousness. We must rescue our brothers and sisters and go out and be the hero in their lives. If we persistently do this we will bring many back and help them feast at the table of the Lord. Persistence is the key we cant just try once and give up but as we continually show people that we care great things can happen. When we lose ourselves we find ourselves. I have a testimony of that that when think more of others I am happier and I grow much faster and stronger. It has been good serving with Elder Lucherini. We complement each other very nicely. Hes very smart and remembers things well me, not so much. Im pretty good at getting my words out he's not so much. He's a BYU fan so he's a keeper haha. He really likes sports so thats cool to have someone to talk about sports with. He can do alot of good I really like him. But I am excited to call home in a week CRAZY. But I love you all the gospel is TRUE.

Elder Powell

Bedford 4.27.09

WowIm really expierencing a change. I got transfered out of Lewisburg to a place called Bedford. I will be with Elder Lucierini hes been out 3 months and I will be the District Leader. I am a man in the midst of the wilderness. Our area is huge. I am excited for the new responsibilities that I have but realize I will need to really rely on the Lord. I really liked Lewisburg we have three people that will be baptized this coming transfer Bedford has one I think will be baptized soon. I will be serving in my first branch which will be quite an expierence im sure. But Im doing well im going to cut it short just because I have alot to do. I love you all take care. Elder Powell

Easter truly is a wonderful time.I write with deep gratitude for our Savior Jesus Christ. He sacraficed so much for us I pray we can make a renewed effort to sacrifice more for him. Me and Elder Fisher had quite a succesful week. Elder Fisher taught me a wonderul lesson of faith. So every week we set goals and this particular week Elder Fisher thought we should shoot for a much higher goal. I doubted a little just knowing that we hadnt ever come close to that mark before. But you know what we worked really hard and we achieved those goals. Its a testimony to me that if we have a vision and a will to accomplish it we can succeed. We have many people to teach now the key now will be getting them to progress. That is always the case when one truly puts forth the effort one sees the wonderful fruit of the gopsel. When one goes into it half heartedly one rarely sees the fruit. Same goes for all of us. I many times struggle doing things half heartedly and I dont yield the same results of when I go in it full board. I myself commit to do better and truly do things with more effort and not go through the motions. I truly have much to improve upon. But ya Easter was great I ate so much I broke 200 pounds for the first time haha man I gotta cut down. Oh also we went to this Ice Cream place called the Big Chill and I downed two quarts of ice cream in 8 and a half minutes. Man my mouth and stomach is still suffering haha. But it was fun The other five Elders in our district did it as well. But I just want you all to know that I love you and I hope that your life is full of happiness and fullfillment. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Love Elder Powell

Hey Family and Friends.

So some big news I will be switching missions starting July 1st. I will be apart of the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission. Due to my disobedience they decided it would be best to move me to get a fresh start haha jk. But I am serious about the fact that I will no longer be apart of the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission. Because of the downsizing of the missions in the East the church felt that it would be best if they combined our missions. When President goes home in July thats when the change will occur. It was very shocking to me. Its just weird I was called to the PA-HBG mission and come July it will no longer exist. I really dont know what to think. It could be pretty exciting in the sense that I would have a big city in my mission which would be a change because most of my mission is rural. Plus Lake Erie is in the Pittsburgh mission as well so it will be pretty cool. Its just going to being weird integrating and now our mission will be even more huge. Basically our mission covers 80% of PA come July. There will be about 150 missionaries combined. I already know who my new mission President will President Summerhays from Salt Lake. He's been out a year so I guess it will be nice not having to break in a new Mission President. But I'm sad to see President and Sister Pugh go. But Mission Headquarters will now be in Pittsburgh so I'll be getting a new address in July. But ya that was crazy news but on to the work. I don't have much new to report. We were able to get back in contact with H which relieved me. She just was really busy these past two weeks and seems the same as she was. So we will try to get her rolling. Me and Elder Fisher plan on tracting about 17 hrs this week to see if we can find more people and find those who are prepared. Maybe thats not alot I dont know what its like in other missions. The standard of excellence here is 10 hrs a week so we are going to try and go above and beyond that and if we can find more people. But ya we are going to do our part and leave the rest to the Lord. I hope you all had an opportunity to watch conference. It was wonderful. I know that Neil L. Anderson will make a fine Apostle. It was so neat to actually to have known him before. I remember he spoke to us in a Satelite broadcast once. His testimony was so pure and his heart you can tell is what the Lord needs to bless the World. I noticed three main themes. 1) The Temple 2) Do Not Despair 3) Stand Firm in the Tide Of Evil. These are the last days and how approriate it the things that they spoke about. It is the Temple that will give us the strength and the insight to rise above what the world throws at us. We need not despair when we are doing whats right. If we aren't where we need to be then lets get there. The world makes good look evil and evil look good. We will mocked and made fun of by many as we live gospel. But we won't be ashamed of ourselves and we can stand with confidence before the Lord. Im reminded of the Song Whos on the Lord Side. It goes "Whos On the Lord Side Who Know Is The Time To show " Truly this is our time to show our loyalty to him. Things we will be hard but we must remeber the promises extended toward the faithful Saints. Truly we can look at this as the greatest time to be alive. Because we can do the most good in this time. Doors that were locked before now will be opened to missionary work. With the trials ahead your example will draw many people to you and the church. Be bold declare the Gospel and live t. I testify that if we do things will work out and we will be a great benefit to our fellowmen. I Love You All I am Doing Well

Elder Powell

Write me, my Mailbox has been scarse lately haha

What a wonderful blessed week we had. The R Family are now the newest members of the Lewisburg ward. How wonderful it is to witness the baptism of a family into the gospel. President and Sister Pugh actually came to the baptism which is rare especially considering they drove a couple hours to come to the baptism. What a privlege to have them. I was talking to Sister Pugh after the baptism and she remarked how rare it was in our mission to have a whole family come into the gospel. How blessed I am to be apart of this I justly ascribe it to the Lord. F went to great lenghts to study out our religion and find out if it was right and he and his family came to the conclusion that this was the right thing. The baptism was fantastic the spirit was strong. I was relieved to see that sister R had peace at the baptism. She had been way nervous because she is not a crowd person and she was wondering if she knew enough. We counseled with her that she did and although many people showed up for the baptism she was touched by the spirit and had a great calm. The remarks that were given were wonderful. This ward has strong members and rocks that the R's can stand on as they continue to grow in the gospel. The confirmation went great as well. I confirmed for the first time in my life, as well as a gave a baby blessing keep in mind this girl is 7 which was interesting. I basically said the name that shewould be known as in the church and I gave her a blessing to continue to grow and prepare for baptism. It will be such a treat to see this family go through the temple in a year. The Lord has blessed us greatly i believe a great connection is found in D.C 4. We have desires and we are called to the work of gathering the harvest. Although I make many mistakes I appreciate that the Lord allows me to be apart of the miracle of the gathering of the faithful. Which brings me to the point of conference this weekend. I am so looking forward to conference this weekend. Im so excited to be spiritually fed. I plan on writing a series of questions that I want answered and then I plan on diligently listening to the talks and alowing the spirit to teach me. I pray that you will all prepare yourselves and truly have a desire to follow the Lords counsel directed through his prophets. Im happy to hear that you all seem to be doing well. Understandably you have trails but the trials are for a reason they can help us grow. I love you all take care. Elder Powell

Dear Family and FriendsI can imagine this weekend must have been a wonderful expierence. How happy I am for that. You will have to tell me all the details. To update you my new companion is Elder Fisher. He has been out 6 months and he is from Bountiful, Utah we have had a great time thus far. Hes just a really happy guy and he is a good missionary although I am the senior companion I think I learn more from him than he learns from me. The R's are doing great and we got all the Baptism details wrapped up so im glad we got the buisness taken care of so we can just focus on the spiritual nature of the day. Its been quite busy trying to teach them everything but we are almost done with the things they need to be taught. It will be wonderful though they actually have a couple members of their family who belong to the church who they just recently found out about who will be attending the baptism. That is a major plus because they know have a support group within the family. We contacted a potential investigator this week. She was someone I had talked too on the street one day and she seemed really interested. Well she seems really solid and we set her with a baptismal date. Her name is H. She has just been prepared and really has a great desire to learn and grow. It made me think what if I wouldnt have talked to her. Many times in this city I have become discouraged and frustrated with the great disinterest of the people when we talk to them on the streets. Sometimes I really dont want to do it because of their rudeness. But this really served as a testimony to me that talking to everyone you see brings forth great blessings. It may take thousands of people to reject you to find someone that wants t o lerarn. But its great when you do suceed amongst all the failure that seems to happen. I guess i should clarify. You never fail when you invite people to learn more. Because when you invite you put them in a position to act. When you do that the spirit can work in their lives and eventually hopefully soften their hearts. We have been so blessed and I look and see that all the credit should go to the Lord. I am just an instrument that can help bring his work forth. I pray that we all look for missionary opportunities. When i say opportunities it doesn't have to be something major. It could be something as small as paying a visit or saying hello, or being a good example, or inviting them to activities. Just remeber that you do it for the right reasons. Do it because you love the gospel, and you love the people and you want them to have more. I love you all hope you have a great week. If you write make sure you write by 8:00 A.M monday morning so I dont have to wait a whole week to get back to you. Elder Powell

Dear Family and Friends I am alive and well.Actually doing really well as a matter of fact. B's baptism was a wonderful expierence. He has had a hard life and hasnt had alot of things go his way. What a wonderful thing it is for him to have a fresh start and truly be cleansed of his sins. He has a great heart and Ive enjoyed watching him grow. Some excellent news the R's came to the baptism and they decided as a family that they would be baptized. YES!!!! They are such a solid family. A family that will stay true to the gospel. Being the leader of the home Fax has truly studied this out and he has been touched by the spirit and his family likewise has. They will be baptized the 27th of March so alot still needs to be taught and arranged for the baptism. Me and my new companion will have alot to get worked out this next week which is a wonderful dilemma to have. I feel so blessed by the Lord and i am not worthy of all the blessings Ive recieved. I feel in large part it has been a result of your prayers and great faith. I thank you so much for your love and support. Although it feels like im in a totally different world I know you are there. So as I suspected change has occured i will find out shortly who my new companion is there is a possibility that I will be the Senior Companion and maybe even the District leader we will see. Whatever happens I am excited for another fresh start. I hope the new missionary that comes in really wants to get out and work and together we can grow in the gospel and bring others to a knowledge of the truth. Im so happy that things appear to be going well at home. What a big week for the family I whish I could see the joy on your face as Jeff is sealed to his wife but I know that this is what the Lord would have me do. I love you all so very much. I would like to offer a little counsel. Ive become somewhat aware with the negative circumstances that face the church at times mainly outside forces trying to weaken the church. But I want you to know that nothing can stop this work from progressing. I dont care what all the critics say I know this church is true because the spirit has borne witness to me many times that it is. Be a light to the world and turn the other cheek. Stand firm in the faith but do so gracefully. Remember alot is required of the saints in the coming days but I know we are more then equal to the task as we rely on the Lord. Take CareElder Powell

Lewisburg 3/2/09

Hello Family and FriendsThings are going well in Lewisburg. The R Family came to church once again and we were able to teach them after church. The spirit was very str=ong. Sister R was all teared up and they were all into the lesson. They were touched by the spirit. We asked them to pray about the truthfullness of our message. When they found out it was true they said they would be baptized. F (The Father) has quite a unique story. How he went from being an ordained southern baptist minister to realizing the doctrine of the trinity was not correct, to being fed up with the bashing of other churches in some of the protestant churches he attended. He has been searching for truth and he has been really impressed thus far. I never thought I would be teaching a southern baptist minister who was actually interested haha. The lesson that was taught during church was perfect for F. It talked about how we need to be accepting of other faiths and praise them for the truth they do have. I have been guilty at times in my life of critizing other religions and how unchristlike is that. We are members of the true church but that doesn't make us any better then anybody else. We are just privleged to have a fullness of the truth. There are wonderful people of other faiths. In fact me and Elder Norton were eating out and a man was watching a significant portion of our stay at the restaurant. Before he left he came and praised us for bowing our heads to pray. He was very complimenatry. It turns out he was a retired minister. What a great example that was to me. Here was this wonderful man who came and brought out the good of someone even if he didnt believe quite the same way. Now what we should do is love all people. Live the way we should live, bear pure testimony, and invite. Thats all we can do but just because we dont quite see eye to eye with other people doesnt mean that they are any less important in the sight of God. But back to the R's I am excited for them and I pray that they will recognize an answer to their prayers. Another great event that occured this week was we were able to have Zone Confer=ence. It was so wonderful to see President and Sister Pugh again. There message was touching. President Pugh told of how he was recovering in Utah and how Elder L.Tom Perry came to give him a blessing. Elder Perry was very interested in how the work was going and asked President Pugh many questions. At the end he gave advice he said " President during this time I want you to really think what your missionaries need to hear." He talked to us about repentance and how after weve gone through the neccesary steps we need to forgive ourselves. Nobody is perfect. He talked about how we need to be using the Atonement regularly and feeling its healing effects. It made me feel good listening to him and more then ever it just made me ralize why do we hold on to things. Why do we allow that thorn to fester. Let the Savior remove it. Using the Atonement is a direct and positive way of following our Savior Jesus Christ. We can change and become better no one is ever without hope. I loved the following quote from our beloved Prophet. " In the private sanctuary of ones own conscience lies that spirit, that determination to cast off the old person and to meas=ure up to the stature of true potential." That is my prayer is that we will all measure up to our true potential I love you all. Be strong have the Lord come along.Elder Powell

Lewisburg 2/23/09

Dear Family and FriendsI want to express the love i have for each one of you. I am grateful for the wonderful influences that have helped me be who I am today. Being out here helps me realize how truly blessed I am. The previous week was not very fruitful in terms of finding people. But it was wonderful in the sense that some great things happened. First off B has been coming around and has matured alot. He has done so well lately that we decided to reset him with a date. His new baptismal date is March 14th so pray that he will stay strong and continue to learn and grow. S has said that we could come back and see her which is wonderful but I think she has lost some of her fire and determination. Pray that she will see the need for the gospel and that it is what will bring her the most happiness. With all her trials she wonders if what we teach her is even helping. It made me pretty upset when I found out her doctor told her to stop meeting with us so that might be partially why she isn't as gun ho. The R family came to church and they once again had a good experience. It was a wonderful block of meetings on Sunday. It was our ward conference and the President Hoffman and Bishop Clark addressed us. Bishop talked about being prepared and getting ourselves ready for the 2nd coming. He had many great comments he is very bright I wish I would've written them down. President Hoffman gave a great talk on service and how we as a people needed to be unified. In fact that is our stake theme. "That we will be of one heart, and one mind." He refered to Elder Eyrings talk on Unity whe he said a great day of unity is coming. I learned that we all need to band together and rise above the sinking values of the world. Gods standards never change he acknowledges that these times are difficult but he has given us a voice of a prophet to follow. It is my testimony that we do have a prophet and we cannot withstand satan unless we follow him and the counsel that is directed to him through the LORD. Alot is required of us as members. I need to go but be strong I am doing great and am being blessed.With LOve Elder Powell

Lewisburg 2/17/09

Hello Family and Friends. I'm sorry I was unable to E-Mail yesterday the Library was closed due to Presidents Day. It was a good week, time really goes fast out here. Me and Elder Norton have really tried to step up and talk to everyone we see. It still takes guts to talk to strangers on the streets but its amazing when you do all within your power the Lord blesses us. Case in point; we had a wonderful family show up to church whom we had never met. They had such a wonderful time at church and the ward really stepped up and fellowshipped them. The Dad used to be an assistant pastor and at first I was a little apprehensive how their experience would go just because of his background. When I talked to him he was a humble very kind man who really is searching for the truth. Hes reading the B.O.M and he's watched alot of the Church videos and him and his family is really soaking it up. Thanks to a member who was willing to share the gospel a family has been touched. I'm really excited for the opportunity that we will have to teach them soon. We are always seeking to find families because retention is so much better when people are not alone when they join the church. What a wonderful blessing. It just goes to show that members play a huge role in missionary work. It is so much better if the members do the finding and missionaries do the teaching. Do your very best to share the gospel. It takes guts I know but think of how wonderful you will feel if you can bring somebody in and change there life for the better and invite the fullness of the gospel into their lives. We haven't heard from S but we are really going to try and contact her this week. B is doing better we will hopefully set him with a date soon. Also there are some promising people coming up. I really feel this area could really explode. We just need to give our best effort and let the Lord work in his own way and in his own timing. I can promise the greatest happiness we will feel is by living the gospel. I know when I have slacked I am not as happy. Don't let Satan decieve you. He would have you think that the gopsel is restrictive and it won't make us happy when in fact it gives us so much feedom and happiness. I have been reading from the B.O.M lately and I am learning so much. Before I would've just read pretty quickly through it but now I am taking the time and letting the spirit teach me. My scripture study has really improved. 2 reasons why #1 I'm willing to pay the price to gain more knowledge and #2 I'm writing things down which invites the spirit to give us more personal revelation because it truly shows that we really treasure learning by the spirit therefore we will be more apt to recieving more guidance. Don't take the scriptures for granted; I am starting to realize that any question we have can be answered in the scriptures if we diligently search and we live worthy of the spirits guidance. What a great gift that we all should seek after. I still am far from perfect but I want to be led more by the spirit. We will be led more often as we are obedient to lords will and if we truly want it. But I hope you all had a great week and a great Valentines. Mine was just another day with choclates as an added bonus haha. I love you all take care let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Elder Powell

Hello everyone!!
I guess ill start off with the major news. So we had a setback with S. She
has asked us not to stop by for awhile. I guess just the trials and things shes
gone through has finally caught up with her. She didn't really mourn during this
time and she tried to be the strong one in the family. Now she just wants some
time to herself to figure things out. It was dissapointing news granted but all
is not lost. She knows the things we taught were true and thats its helped her
in her life but I think she is just overwhelmed right now. I believe that in a
short while we will be teaching her again and getting her back on the road to
baptism. Ya know you never know what will happen in life especially in
missionary work. But you need to accept what comes you way and be grateful. I
feel like I can work on that. B is also not really progressing like we
would like him too but has made progress. It is hard for him to commit to things. We have had an increase in finding
which for that I am grateful. We found an unmarried couple and had a very
spiritual lesson on the Restoration. I felt it I pray that they felt it as well.
One thing that has been impressed on my mind is the need for us to fortify our
testimonies. There are so many people who fall away once adversity strikes and a
cloud of opposition comes. THere is SO much out there that is against the church
and if you havent read the B.O.M and prayed about it how can you expect to
stand. If its true which I testify it is then this church is true. If you doubt
me just look at the marvelous good that has come forth because of it. You cant
tell me that a false book and a false prophet can bring forth this much good.
THe Savior taught about this that by their fruits ye shall know them. You can
sucked up in the opposition of the church or you can ask GOd to tell you the
truth of the matter. There will be no fence sitters in the coming days we need
to make sure that we are seeking after the Lords will. There are wonderful
people of many different faiths but appreciate that we have been given more
light and understanding and do something about it. If youve recieved a spiritual
witness of a particular truth then that is enough you dont need to prove it
intelectually. Stand tall and be as the Savior would be. I just got rolling and
I dont know why I said all those things but I want you all to stay strong. It
makes me so sad to see people fall away. But I am doing good we are working
hard. THankfully we have had beautiful weather lately its supposed to be like 60
on thursday so it definetly feels like spring here. I pray that you can all be
happy. I love you all. This gospel is true

Elder POwell

Lewisburg 2/2/09

Hello family and friends this last week is just a blur it went so fast. It is now the start of a new transfer and me and Elder Norton are staying together for which im glad. We've had a good time together and we have got some good things to look forward to this transfer. I can see two possibly three baptisms coming up this transfer. Weve got a great ward that fellowships pretty well and has a good ammount of referals. A lot of the baptisms that have happened this year have resulted from the members. S wasn't able to come to church this week so we will have to push her baptism back. She strained her back and had to go to the emergency room. But i do have great news. Thank you so much for the prayers on her behalf. Truly a miracle took place this week. So as I told you before her neice was hit by a drunk driver. She flew like a hundred feet and I guess the guy was going pretty fast. They rushed her to the hospital and things didn't look good, she was in a coma, and doctors said her chances looked poor. Her father was especially struggling and S was worried that he might hurt himself. She was there as a constant support and she encouraged him to pray. He had never prayed before and he had no concept of a God. S was reading in the Book Of Mormon during this time in the hospital and she came to the story of the Alma the younger she just flipped open to it. She got to the part where it talked about how he was in a deep sleep and there was much fasting and prayer and show after three days he arose. This was an answer to her prayer and it give her peace and assurance that her niece would live again despite the bleak outlook. She had marvelous faith and me and Elder Norton fasted and all the prayers that were offered. What ensued later was a miracle so Serenas niece was hit on friday amd on monday she arose from her coma. 3 DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT!!!! It happened to be right before we broke our fast. Doctors were amazed to add to that she has no brain damage the only thing is a couple bruised ribs and headaches that will go away with time. WHAT A MIRACLE!!!! As a result of this her dad now has a belief in God and this event has brought him and his wife together on the verge of a divorce. Now God didnt cause that drunk driver to hit that little girl but he was able to show his power and provide a tremedous growing expierence. I learned two valuable lessons from that expierence. 1) God can accomplish any miracle she shouldnt have lived. 2) The Book Of Mormon does provide answers to our prayers. You cant tell me that it was just coincidence that she flipped open to that passage at that particular time. And that she arose after three days just like Alma is evidence that God was speaking to Serena that things would be ok. Thank you so much for your prayers I love you all; I'm doing well. Remember to keep Heavenly Father, and the Savior close in your lives. If we have faith anything can happen. Just look at the miracle of my dad. I love you all take care. Elder Powell

Lewisburg 1/26/09

Greetings from Lewisburg,PA. I am doing well; we didnt have a very successful week but S has remained strong. She had another big trial. Her neice was hit by a drunk a driver and is in critical condition. It seems as if Satan is working very hard on her but she hasn't faltered. Her family is devasted, this comes after her brothers death a week ago. She is a rock and has turned to the Lord. Her example has influenced the lives of family and friends and they are becoming better people as a result. I am so proud of her but she is in need of our prayers. I hope we can all be brave and face our challenges head on. The Church is true and through Jesus Christ we can recieve strength. I love you all take care. Elder Powell

Lewisburg 1/20/09

So Im writing on a Tuesday because yesterday was Martin Luther King Day and the Libraries were closed. Thank you so much for the cards and kind words that you sent for my Birthday. I can't believe that I am no longer a teenager...haha, it is so weird. But thanks again. This past week was wonderful. I really enjoyed my exchange with a brand new Elder. It was crazy he reminded me so much of myself at the begining of his mission. It was a different expierence for me to basically pull all the weight but I really appreciated his humility. It was fun, we worked hard and we were able to find a new investigator. The greatest part of the week was what transpired with our investigator S. Me and Elder Jensen the newbie went over to her house on Tuesday and we had a wonderful visit. She said she would be baptized on Valentines Day and agreed to pay tithing. Now to the hard part we knew she smoked but we proceeded to teach the Word Of Wisdom and she committed to give up smoking and stop drinking tea. We asked her to give us the cigarettes that night to remove the temptation but she couldn't. We asked her if the next time we came if she would give them to us she said yes. The following day her brother passed away due partly to drugs. I talked on the phone with her and offered counsel. She didn't question her faith in God but she questioned how he could let this happen. I went on to talk about agency and how Heavenly Father would love to step in sometimes but he can't because that would destroy the plan. He gives us the opportunity to make our own choices to allow us to grow and then we must accept the consequences. I told her that Satan tries very hard to have us question our faith in God and his son Jesus Christ. He wants to isolate us from the only lasting help that we can have especially in times of tragedy. I told her to turn to God and not push him away to ask for understanding and peace. On Friday we went back and just talked with her awhile about her brother and about the Savior and the healing aspects of his Atonement. I wasn't sure if she would still stay true to her commitment because alot of times people turn to addictive behaviors to numb the pain. I was so proud of her as she handed us her last two cigarettes. She said that her brothers death really opened her eyes to the fact that if she smoked it could be her last breath. The next couple days were very hard on her and Satan was working doubletime on her. She was very unstable emotionally and she almost gave in to smoking and drinking but she turned to God instead. She said she has never prayed so much in her life. God gave her strength to overcome. I am so proud of her she stood strong even when she faced terrible temptations when it would've been very easy to give in. She feels so good that she didn't give in. Her influence not only has spread to us but also to members of her family and associates she has. They have noticed a change in her and also the great strength she possessed because God was on her side. Many are taking a greater interest in religion and S has already her family to the baptism. I think much good will come out of her great example. Pray for her continued strength. I pray that we will all turn to God in our afflictions and that we will be strong enough to degeat Satan and his temptations. If we choose to overcome then we choose to invite Gods spirit in our lives. Greater self worth and greater strength will follow. We will be able to feel Gods love more and be able to see clearly. I love you all take care Love Elder Powell

LEWISBURG/1-12-09‏

Hello family and friends cross your fingers that this E-Mail doesnt get deleted. I am doing really well here in Lewisburg. Although we arent finding as many investigators as we would like we are being blessed with the investigators that we do have. S is doing well and is really excited about learning. She came to church and loved it. She also came to a baptism that the other Elders had and it was a positive experience. We are going to be setting her with a date on Tuesday as well as teach the Word Of Wisdom. That day I actually will be on exchange with a brand new missionary. He's only been out three weeks. This will be the first time that i will be the old one in a companionship, haha weird. It will be awesome because new missionaries are so teachable and just have a great spirit. Although I suspect I will probably be doing most of the teaching. Instead of teaching it maybe I should just go and grab her cigarettes and say no more and then be done with it haha jk. But ya, I'm excited. B is doing well also he is improving with the things he's struggled with and he just seems to be maturing and more light has come into his life. Those are the main two all the others we either struggle contacting or they aren't too solid. We are tracting over ten hours every week but we cant seem to build our teaching pool. I think when the college kids come back this week we might have more success. But we had Zone Conference two weeks ago it was great. It focused alot on the proclamation to the family. We need to protect our families and not support things that would degrade the family unit that God established. President Pugh is actually out of the mission right now for surgery. Pray for him that his surgery goes well and that he has a speedy recovery. We are going to fast for him as a mission on Tuesday.I have no idea what kind of surgery it is but we want him back as soon as we can as well as Sister Pugh. I am doing great I hope you are too. I have testimony that if you go to work for the Lord he will go to work for you. He waits at the door and we must open the door. We must accept him and his will for us. Be humble, don't question Gods commands just do them. I love my Savior, and my loving Heavenly Father. I love you as well take care. Elder Powell