Nothing but the Real Thing

Family and Friends,

This week was the week of changes so we have some new people in our district here in Santa Rosa. One of the sisters is from the Dominican Republic and she talks super fast. Elder Deeble and I have been working hard to help the people here grow closer to our Father in Heaven, and I have felt the spirit many times comforting me, letting me know what I should say and where we should go. I feel and have recently learned more and more that there is nothing more than the guidance of the spirit. I absolutely love being a missionary and serving people. I love to teach, even if people have other views. I was saying to Elder Deeble this week that when we share the restoration, my testimony grows each time because at the end people either end up accepting it, or just saying that "God is good" and accepts any type of religion or behavior. I feel so blessed to know the truth and to teach it to others. 

This week we had an activity in our branch where the young men and women went to play soccer. we invited some random youth and they came and had a great time! they liked it so much that they went to church yesterday! They stayed all 3 hours! as well as the dad of one of the kids. We put a date this week to pass by and teach them more. They seemed very excited to be there. I always wonder how I would feel if I were in their situation. 

We also had the opportunity to visit with another investigator this week. She recently had to move but she was in town yesterday and we talked to her about the temple. That was very powerful to be able to explain to her more about the covenants that can seal us together forever. We also taught about covenants in a family home evening with a family in our ward. we have been teaching the recently married husband of one of the daughters and he seems to be progressing. It has been awesome to teach him because he is very smart so he really understands what we teach him.. especially when we use examples that apply to his life. For example he told us he was a banker.. so to explain him about baptism we asked him if he could accept false bills just because he felt bad for somebody. He told us no.. we then explained that a baptism by authority is the same way. Even if Heavenly Father feels bad for us, he cannot accept anything but the real thing! 

I have been able to see so many people with so many different problems. I know that it really doesn't matter the problem, money, cheating spouses, anger, tears, drugs, scars,etc, the gospel is the only thing that can completely heal everything. I know that Jesus Christ lives and that He wants to heal us! I love you guys and I am so thankful for your support. Have a great week!

Love

Elder Dowell