First Week in Richmond!!

Dearest family and friends,

It has been a wonderful past week.  I am really enjoying with Elder Marker (my former companion from the MTC and the beginning of being in Australia--soon to be the companion I will have serve with the longest) and Elder Thao Pham.  I was serving with Elder Hieu Pham last transfer.   Elder Thao Pham is from Seattle actually.  He has a brother serving in Hanoi right now.  Super cool.  I love serving with both of them.  The flat isn't too big, but it feels like home to me here.  It has been full of learning, rushed cooking, classical music, and yes, some laughs.  Haha.  It has been really good so far.  I know a lot of missionaries don't like serving in 3, but for us, so far, it is going awesome.  Everyone likes to talk, but we know how to listen also.  It has been very fun.  

We basically were on the streets of downtown Melbourne for basically the entire week.  I have been outside a lot.  We just try to keep finding prepared people to hear his message--that I know will change them, their posterity forever.  That is something I do know.  I have no doubt in my mind.  

I feel greatly blessed.  We began meeting with several new people.  They all seem really keen to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I feel very excited.  One of them came to church in the city, wanting to return the Book of Mormon and the pamphlets we had given her.  She had great doubt that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  We basically hinged every objection she said on whether the Book of Mormon is true.  We bore strong testimony of its truth and how the Book of Mormon can bless her life.  She has felt confused in the past few years on the contradiction of different churchs' doctrine and the Bible's teachings.  She is definitely a seeker of truth.  Elder Thao gave a testimony on the Book of Mormon and how God answers prayers that I will never forget.  The Spirit definitely was witnessing the truths that we spoke. She says she will read entire Book of Mormon.  I feel very happy that she came to talk to us.  Most of time, it seems, people just picking up calls, but she recognized for herself, that this message we share is more important is no casual affair.  She realizes that the message we share is either of God or not.  It is up to her, but I feel very indebted to God and His divine help in allowing us to teaching this gospel.  I give my witness that the Book of Mormon is true.  I love it and have indeed felt its power in my life.  It has answered many prayers too many times to count. 

I have begun reading the book of Acts this week.  It has been awesome.  I love Peter the people.  I love and admire greatly his faith and willingness to act on revelation from God such as in Acts 10.  He does not wait to visit Cornelius.  Hes simply joins Cornelius's servants and goes.  I have seen great blessings in following the Spirit, but I also know we will receive greater blessings, as we act immediately on revelation.  That is something I try to work on every day.  Faith is definitely needed.  Yet, I know as Ether 12:6 proclaims, that witness will come after the trial of our faith.  

Life is going well.  I enjoyed all your letters so much. I hope mom and Peter feel better.  I will keep you in my prayers.  Good luck with everything this week.  I am safe and happy here.  You are all awesome.  Love you so much!!!

love,

Jonathan