TRANSFER NEWS!!!!

Dearest family and friends,

It is was a really good week.  My time though in Footscray will be concluded tomorrow morning.  I will continue to be in the same flat, but I will be serving in Sunshine and Saint Albans.  It is still in Western Melbourne, but a little farther away from the city.  I be on the trains a lot in these next couple weeks.  I will be serving with Elder Pham.  He is from Saigon.  It is has been really fun serving with Elder LyNguyen.  I really admire his love that he has for our branch members and every one in general.  He always has such an attitude of service.  He has cooked many countless meals.  One thing I really learned from him, was about the power of the scriptures in lessons and just allowing the scriptures to speak for themselves.  The scriptures are indeed one of the greatest gifts God has given us and are so very crucial in missionary work.  I am so grateful for them. 
We have certainly seen many miracles in these past couple months. Three people that we found will be baptized by the end of the year.  This confirms my strong belief that we need to talk to as many people as possible, even if we will not teach them. Also, two people that we initially contacted are now coming back to church. As I think about these things, I feel great peace with our labors. One older gentleman that we have been teaching, came back yesterday after 30 years of being away. It is pretty amazing. He is seeking greater peace and I do really believe that he felt the love of other members and the comfort that he yearns for. 

Elder LyNguyen and I taught priesthood yesterday. It was really fun.  We talked about Joseph Smith.  I think in many ways Ether 12:27 describes pretty perfectly of how he became truly a man of God.  He was humble and willing to act on the revelation that he recieved.  I admire his faith and the love that he had for others.  Through my Book of Mormon, I have come to know that he truly is a prophet of God.  It is difficult to express how many times the Book of Mormon has given the exact counsel I needed or given me peace and great joy to my soul.  Galatians 5:22-23 and 3 Nephi 28:11

describe well the way I have come to know spiritual truth for myself.  As I describe again to people, probably every day, our desire to know can eventually become an unshakeable faith and ultimately, knowledge.  

Every thing is going well.  Merry Chirstmas to everyone.  We had our branch Christmas party on Saturday.  I read Luke 1 and 2 yesterday.  I love the Christmas Spirit and this special time.  Love you all.

Jonathan