Elder Rix and Elder Withers

Hello!  

Greetings from Hitchin. The ward here is great! It's a blessing to be a part of it. 

On Sunday, we had dinner in the Bishop's home. Bishop also went with us and we stopped by the home of a less active man. He wasn't home, but his wife was. She let us in after a talking a little bit at her door. They have a lovely home! It's an old home, but it's beautiful. We sat down and talked with her. Her husband, who served a mission, is less active. They both were previously married, and he has two children, one of which is a daughter who is a return missionary, and the other is a son who is preparing to leave for his mission. Bishop's wife actually met this less active man while she was on her mission in Leeds! And Bishop met the parents of this man while he was on holiday. The wife isn't a member. We had a nice conversation with her, and we shared two paragraphs of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World."  She is prepared to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, she wouldn't want to join the church unless her husband was going to come back to church. Hopefully we can help both of them! It's such a blessing to be a missionary :)

I'm grateful that Heavenly Father is mindful of me. I know that He is there. I know that He loves me. I also know that "...the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (1 Nephi 1:20). Heavenly Father will guide us and help us overcome our trials. He wants us all to return to live with Him! As a wise woman once said, "He will lead me home." 

My mission so far hasn't been easy. I've had some struggles. Yet, I know that Heavenly Father and my Saviour will support me as I turn to them. Having gratitude for trials is a great way to overcome them. Also, having hope is important! In Preach My Gospel, it says "When you have hope, you work through trials and difficulties with the confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good."  

In the Gospel Principles Book, in Chapter 8, it says, "All of our thoughts, our words, and our actions are influenced by our prayers." Wow! That's quite the quote. It's a great reminder to improve the quality of my personal prayers. For if my prayers are poor and insincere, it'll have a negative influence on all of my thoughts, words, and actions. On the other hand, if my prayers are sincere and uplifting, it'll have a positive influence on all of my thoughts, words, and actions. If we "pray always," and do so earnestly and sincerely, blessings will flow into our lives, and we will be guided on the path back to Heavenly Father. 

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week! Say a good prayer tonight :) 

Love,

Elder Withers