Elder Cook

We had a lot more appointments this week but most of them didn't go through. We've been calling lots of people and hardly anyone answers. But we did finally get in contact with a less active family that we haven't seen in a while and we set up an appointment with them. We also got an appointment with one of our investigators who's baptismal date we had to drop. His name is Akin. Turns out he got a new job and now he's a whole lot less busy. So now we can hopefully meet with him more. He's really trying to start a new life. He has said that he hasn't been very happy and has had a hard life but when I talked to him on the phone he said he's trying to think more positively and that he's got a new view on life and he's much happier now. 

Sam's happy too. He bears his testimony every time he gets the chance in classes. It sort of surprised me to find out how much of an impact the church has on him. We also had a referral from the mission office that seems good. They are a Muslim family and we stopped by their house as soon as we got the referral. They were really nice; they let us in and fed us and were really interested. We have another appointment with them and we're exited for that.

Elder Cook was pretty cool. He talked a lot and did a Q&A thing with us and the Mission Presidents of both missions talked a bit as well. I'll send you another e-mail with more info.

Sorry Sister Fisher I forgot to add your e-mail to the recipients last week so you didn't get my e-mail. Do you want me to send any info or did Dad fill you in? I'm out of time but have a nice week!

Quentin L. Cook

Dear Sisters and Elders,      The highlight of the week was the visit of Elder Quentin L. Cook and his wife. He took the opportunity to shake the hand of all present. He then told a lot about the history of missionary work in England. This included his personal service as a missionary 54 years ago. One of his companions was Jeffery R. Holland. I was serving as a missionary about the same time, but in Australia. He reminded us that our calls are all dictated by one of the Twelve Apostles. We are called to succeed not to fail. Revelation will provide when there is a lack of experience, if we are faithful and living obediently. Missionary work is filled with hard things and rejection. This occurs because our Heavenly Father wants us to grow. D&C 31:7 states that the Savior said, ”I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you.” Many will harden their hearts and reject our message, but we should not be discouraged. It is a time to increase our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He quoted President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Tell the missionaries, if you have more faith, you will have more success.” We need to seek the spirit and have faith that the Holy Ghost will do the teaching. The first vision and the Plan of Salvation always invite the spirit; use them often and bear testimony of their truth.      At the conclusion he pronounced an apostolic blessing upon our mission and missionaries. He acknowledged that rejection and family problems at home may draw us to think that we could do more good at home. He blessed us with a realization that all those we love, now or in the future, will be blessed for our service and sacrifice now. He blessed us to understand the great heritage that is part of this London area. He blessed us that our missionary service would be a blessing to us and our posterity forever. He also blessed all those who have any special needs, some known only to God. May we give of our time with a free and willing heart that we may be able to receive the blessing bestowed upon us by one of the Lord's special witnesses of His Name. I love you and ever pray for you. President Millar