Letters from Elder Alston: August 2014

Thursday, August 14, 2014

August 11, 2014

hey everyone. Sorry for not writing last week. we were swamped with stuff to do.

this past week, not much happened. Our most eventful day was Wednesday. We went on splits with a couple Elders Quorum members. It was fun. Elder Kienitz went with Mike Gast (A less-active whom we have recently been able to re-activate), and I went with Brother Windsor. Combined, we were able to get 5 member present lessons and found 3 new investigators within 2 hours.

Brother Windsor was so fun to be with. when we got back home, he gave me a hug and told me that I was an amazing man and I was going far in life. It was a well needed boost.

Friday night, I got a call from another missionary in the zone. He asked if he could come over to our house and talk a little bit. So long story short, He cane over and him and I went outside. He just started crying and asked me why it was so hard. He said he doesn't even know for himself if what he is teaching is true.

I told him that I had a similar feeling about 6 months ago. I told him about Grandpa dying and about how furious I was at God. But then I hit my knees and prayed. After that night, I can never again deny the existence of our Heavenly Father. It is no longer faith, It is a sure knowledge. Anyway, I got him talked down and I committed him to go home and pray his heart out. we hugged and went back inside. I have kept a close eye on him the fast few days, calling and texting him. He seems to be doing better today. I don't know why everyone comes to me with there problems... haha Oh well. I love helping.

Hope ya'll are doing alright! Till next week,

Elder Taylor Alston

oh yeah...

This is on our fridge. It pretty much got me through the week.

Clean Apartment Award! Woohoo!

When life gives you Dr. Pepper and a camera with cool effects ...have a photo shoot.

July 28, 2014

Sorry it's so late everyone! We went up into the mountains today:) This week was great! I was able to go on exchanges with Elder Peterson (My trainer) on Saturday which was fun! It was a really long day! We got up at 6 and Brother Dahl (new move in, Age 25, RM) came and picked us up at 620 to go workout, Then we went to help someone move out at 730 to about 9. Then walked a couple miles home, got picked up at 10 by other missionaries to go help with some ward work until about 3, Came home and cleaned up, Then got picked up for dinner at 445. THEN biked to an appointment at 7. We found a new investigator tracting as well. It was really a miracle how it happened...

We were locking our bikes to a sign to start a certain street and a guy was outside washing his car, So, naturally, we decided to ask if we could help. He respectfully declined and then asked... "So, what sort of message do you have for me?" haha very good question. We then taught him the restoration and the BOM right there in his driveway. He accepted a copy and we committed him to read Alma 32 before our next visit in 2 weeks.

It's INSANE to see the Lord's hand in the work. He placed Christian outside at the very moment we would be in the area and He trusted us enough to know to talk to him. I love this great work. I love serving. And I love this TRUE Gospel.

We did have one let down this week. Joy told us that she wants to stay non-denominational. But we will keep at it. We don't give up without a fight;)

The work in the Coronado ward is picking up SO fast. The members are beginning to trust the missionaries again and do their own work as well. And they take care of us SOO well. We get fed everyday and we constantly get calls from members telling us about missionary experiences they've had. I think the talks we gave really helped them to see that ANYONE can do missionary work.

The Lord IS hastening His work. I know it. I have witnessed it more than ever here in this great ward. I love all of you with all my heart and I know that Our Heavenly Father is with us. you are NEVER alone.

Love, Elder Taylor Alston