January 12, 2014

Dear Family,

Wow, that has been quite the week and then some. I am so sorry that Brother Gilstrap passed away. I can't believe how hard that must be. I am just in a lot of shock right now. But hey, all is good, he will be an amazing missionary for the spirit world.

I can't believe how fast this change has been. We are in week 6 and Elder Kennington and I have been begging
President to keep us together. We have not come close to our potential and we are super excited for this week. We have three hopeful baptisms this week and we are sure that we will get at least one. The district that we have has baptized three this month and Elder Kennington and I are hoping to double that number. To help us have more spiritual power we started something called the 40-day fast. It's where you pick a couple things you need to get rid of and you fast from them to help you focus on the work more. I had picked music sports and a lot of other things to help me stay focused on the work. It has been such a struggle but such a blessing as we brought four people to church for our area and three others outside of our area. We have been so blessed here and I love this area. I don't want to leave. I am kinda scared that the Lord will put me as a zone leader because a lot are leaving this change. I am nervous and hopeful. 

This week was super short and I felt like  we got hardly anything accomplished. We had a couple touching moments with some less actives this week and that they have some really hard times they have worked over three months and have not received one payment [for their work]. They lost their car, their phones and pretty much everything. It has been super hard for them. I felt horrible as a received instruction to see them and we just simply forgot to go and
help these lost sheep of the Lord. I have now learned NEVER ignore the people who have revelation for the ward mission or anyone else with authority. I love the gospel but I have a lot of repenting to do. 

I am so grateful for the atonement of Christ without it we would never get back to the presence of our Heavenly Father. I know with this we can progress from good to better, I love the repentance process; it has changed my life forever. I hope all is well at home and I wish everyone a Happy New Year!!!

Elder Thompson