Weeks 46-50

Anderson Petty

1:58 PM (6 hours ago)

to Anderson, Andy, bcc: me
Hi everyone!! I want to start this letter off by apologizing for not writing an email for the past 4 weeks.. I dont have a ton of time today either, but I really want to update you all!

Well as you read in my last email, I’m going through some big personal trials right now that have required a lot of patience from me. They have definitely been a good test of my faith. I have had so much extra help from my family, my mission president, doctors, counselors, and I want to express my appreciation for everything you all do for me. I have seen a lot of charity in my behalf and I’m humbled and really really grateful.

Well, I’ve been really diligent the last transfer despite my hiccups and trials. Anytime I am not doing something, I am filling my life with light. Reading the scriptures, listening to good music, etc. I want Gods help in my life and in the lives of the people here in Wilmington. So I have decided to act. Rather than just do nothing and stop helping these people, I’ve really done my very best.

Here are some experiences from the new year that highlight God helping people’s lives:

My companion and I have had meals with members almost every single night, and we always always give them some sort of message or invitation to help them grow a little closer to Jesus Christ. We had the very special and sacred opportunity to give a blessing to a sick toddler in the ICU, and brought an enormous sense of peace to the family. We have been blessed every week with new people that want to learn more about Christ. We have extended the invitation to everyone we are teaching to come to church, and some of them have begun regularly attending!

The biggest blessing we received, however, was the baptism of our friends Jacob and Yoel! They are two brothers both about 10 years old, and they chose to be baptized together! Their mom is a member of the church and since has come to church every week, and brought the boys to every activity.

I know that God is our Heavenly Father, that Jesus Christ is His beloved son, and I know that they are constantly blessing our lives. If you want to be happier, if you want to find peace, if you want a happier family, if you want a better job, if you want to learn how to understand the scriptures or gain your own testimony about why they are important and why we should go to church or keep the commandments….

Just act. Do something about it. Go to church, read the scriptures, pray and talk to your Father in heaven. Tell him what you desire, and he will help you. Trust in him, and trust that he loves you more than you can understand. In this hard time of my life I have had to hold on really tight to my testimony, and just trust in God.

To end this big rant I’ll give you some scriptures that have helped me keep going recently:

2 Nephi 2:25
2 Nephi 4:27-28, 35
2 Nephi 31:20
Helaman 5:11-12
Mosiah 2:41
Ether 12:16, 27, 28
Moroni 10:32

I love you all so much. I am trying to be my best every single day. Thank you for your prayers and support and love. They have all been a great help for me in this past transfer!

-Elder Petty