May 8th

Pictures of us at the Temple!

Dear Family! 

This week has flown by! I don't know if it's just because we had a late P-day last week or what! But time really is passing quickly. But I sure do love sharing the gospel! 

Monday morning we went over to an area where a lady had told us to come back. We had an extra hour before the time she said so we went on to knock some doors. Well I should say a door. The first door we knocked this guy named Dion answered the door. We started to teach the Restoration right away and he invited us into his home right away. It was probably the best lesson we've had in a while so it was nice to be able to teach him. Wether or not we will be returning hasn't been decided yet, but ask me more in person on that one. Oh, and the lady who told us to come back, her husband answered the door and told us to go away. 

Tuesday night we had a lesson with Gerelle (he is on date for the 20th). Brother Harris met us there and Brother Gibbons took us there. We are trying to get the ward incorporated as much as we can into his conversion. He met with missionaries about a year ago and fell through the cracks. You could say we are covering those cracks with bulletproof glass so he can't fall through. He is very kind and friendly. We are looking forward to the day when he can be sealed to his wife! Gotta love part member families. 

Wednesday was our preparation day. We had the opportunity to go to the temple and do a session. But we missed the session we had planned so they had us to do sealings beforehand to help them out. That night when we got home I was exhausted. We went to so many stores during the day to get caught up on everything.

Saturday we got to go meet with Fortunat, the guy from the Congo. We had a member there who interpreted the hard parts of the Plan of Salvation for us. But it was a blessing to have him there because he was able to tell us his life story and everything he has gone through. After all the toil and strife in his life he is still happy. Hasn't been able to see his family for 5 years but radiates joy. Being able to teach him has taught me the importance of Happiness in our lives. He is on top of everything. When we saw him at church he said, "So today is the 7th.... that means only 20 days till my baptism!! I cannot wait!" 

Sunday we got to meet with Gerelle again, we are trying to prepare him for his baptism so we will work with him a lot this week. What I realized from this lesson was I've been blessed to be here in this area. I say that for a couple of reasons. Great companion, the work is great, the people we get to teach are amazing, and Elder and Sister Vogel are in this area! They have become like our mission Grandparents. They have their close eye of protection over us. 

Sunday was a Stake Conference/Area Broadcast. Elder Oaks shared something that I thought was great. He talked about the difference of being active in the church versus being active in the gospel. We can go through the motions, go to church, go to our meetings, etc. But it is pointless unless we live the gospel. Daily we need to make improvements, repent and gain more knowledge. In D&C 130:18-19 it reads, "18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

So wake up, and start studying. There are essential principles of the gospel we need to learn!

I love you all!

Love,

Elder Bentley