Conference Week

Family and Friends,

This week was a great week as our spirits were lifted by the inspired messages of living prophets and apostles! Hearing them speak opened my mind and heart even more to the truth and mercy of the gospel and of the Savior. I am so grateful to have the knowledge of the gospel. Lately that has been what is motivating me to share it with everyone else! I was especially touched by the many talks of the plan of salvation. I am so grateful for that plan, and to hear it explained more in depth made my heart jump for joy in amazement for the love that Heavenly Father has for us. I know that He created such a perfect plan so that we could become like Him and be with our families forever. I am sure that is how each of us felt in the pre-mortal life when we first heard the plan.

This week we were able to invite many to the conference, but not many of our investigators came. I think 2 or 3 actually came. It makes me sad that so many people reject the prophets, just like they did in the days of old. I think what makes me more sad is that many people justify it saying that they are living the commandments, and that they will surely return to live with Heavenly Father. I am so blessed to know and teach the true gospel of Jesus Christ, that allows all to be saved if they will humble themselves and follow the simple steps of the gospel. 

One of the investigators that we have been visiting lives at the Branch President,s house so they have been helping us in teaching and sharing the gospel with her, as well as bringing her to church. She went home to her house 1 hour away from Santa Rosa and came back a different person. Her family had told her many things about the church that aren't true. One thing a lot of people are confused about beyond explanation is that they think that Joseph Smith is God for us. Many people, no matter how much we explain, refuse to think differently. Luckily, with the help of a close family, she is feeling  more comfortable and her testimony is beginning to grow once more. 

As I went to conference with many questions, i felt peace as the speakers answered the questions of my soul. I Now know how I can improve and become more like Jesus Christ. I know how I can be happier and have more joy in my life. and i also know how I can help others to do the same. I so badly want the things that I have learned in the mission to continue even after the mission. I know that these principles are not just to last 2 years, but for eternity. I love you all and want to be together forever! Have a great week guys! Love, 

Elder Dowell

Where you able to watch conference with any investigators?  With them no because we watched it in english!! but we had a few that went to see it! 

Have you had any contacts through tracting recently? Yes! Every day we meet people contacting. It is the easiest way to introduce the gospel, just go up and tell someone about it! After conference I was very eager to explain the plan of salvation to many people, and although not everyone accepted, i felt happy telling them why we are here in this life and where we will go after. 

What was the best thing you ate this week? Fried plantains! they are my new favorite food. and pupusas with chicken in the middle. 

What was your biggest challenge this week? The biggest challenge was getting locked out of our house and having to climb the fence to get out.. we will get the keys somehow though! the goodor bad thing was that it was fairly easy to break into our house with a screw driver

What makes a good member missionary? How does that affect you? Great question. A great member missionary is someone that finds a friend who is willing to take a discussion.. go to the discussion with the missionaries, and then before the missionaries go back, go check on them and see if they have any questions. many times people have questions but they are too shy to tell us what their doubts are. Many things that we have studied are because the members tell us what there friends doubts are and that is so helpful. It effects us because people witha friend at church are 100 percent more likely to get baptized! haha