Steilacoom: Ask, and It Shall Be Given You

To my family:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! Wow you're 50 years old! That is great! Yesterday and Saturday I was thinking what you might be doing and thinking Happy Birthday thoughts towards California :) Good job Matthew on BYU-I!!!  Good luck Charlotte, Claire and Matthew in the Roadshow this weekend and have fun!

We had an interesting week. It's funny how every week when I sit down to type an e-mail I only remember the good things or what I learned from the hard things. Most of this week we had appointments fall through, and many with members ready to come with us, which makes it more disappointing. But for many of these lessons that fell through, it is interesting to see what God will lead us to do instead. Usually it is better than what we had planned. More evidence this is God's work, not mine.

Drought here in CA, floods there in WA

On Tuesday, Elder Schaffner and I went to teach Cesar about the priesthood and missionary work. He is so amazing, he just takes it all and loves it. You can see in him, that he is starting to realize just how important and big this is. How life-changing and miraculous that The Church of Christ is on the earth in its fullness and with it the sacred priesthood authority to perform saving ordinances, and even ordinances of exaltation. He told us he would study this (his hand resting on his new Preach My Gospel) every night until he understands it. Funny enough yesterday was his dad's birthday so he couldn't make it to church but he will hopefully receive the Aaronic priesthood this Sunday.

We had an exchange Friday with Elder Oliphant, the missionary who served in Steilacoom the three months before I got here. We realized together we had about 7 months of Steilacoom missionary history! It was so fun, we biked around Steilacoom and met so many people, and got in touch with 3 former investigators, met 4 more people from the church group, we met with Jay and Justine (where we taught all 10 the first three lessons) and also taught Haopeng and Tiffany. They are having some complications with visa-marriage things, that I don't understand. They have a friend who is helping them, though. It might be this Saturday, if we can work that out!

Also we met with Rebecca and she committed to church this Sunday! We are having a church tour Wednesday morning which should really help!

We meet with the Sisters that are serving in our ward once a week to discuss the work and help each other with ideas for our investigators and coordinate member involvement and so on. This week we all four had been thinking about referrals and how to best get our wonderful members to not only come with us to lessons (which they do amazingly) but to invite their friends to meet with us. We brainstormed and all decided to fast and pray for member missionary work to hasten. The Lord doesn't always answer prayers immediately, but sometimes He does. Sometimes it as simple as: "Ask and it shall be given you." Heavenly Father loves us and the purpose of prayer is to align the will of the child with the will of the Father. To secure for ourselves, and others, blessings He is already ready and willing and wanting to give. Where I'm going with this is that yesterday we had our Ward Conference. Our Bishop and Stake President spoke on "Hastening the Work"! It was very spiritual and powerful. During our third hour all the members 12 and up got together to share what promptings we had during our sacrament meeting. We had an hour of open discussion, from the members, on how they can better do missionary work. Prayer works. They all came up with a few steps to hasten the work in the Steilacoom ward. The biggest focus was "invite, invite, invite." The missionaries do the teaching, the members do the inviting. What a special privilege to serve in this wonderful ward. So many of these sweet Saints do so much. And we do all we can to help them!

To each of you: invite! invite! invite!

Much Love,
Elder Webber

Scriptures on prayer: Matthew 7:7 and 3 Nephi 18:18-21 and D&C 50:29-30

Steilacoom baptism! Cesar

Family,

We had another busy and wonderful (and wet) week!

Funny stories about rain: so yesterday it was pouring pretty bad, and we were out knocking doors of course, and on our way to make a visit we passed this road that has a dip, it's the one I sent a picture of a few weeks ago, with the cars trying to drive through. It was so dark we didn't see it until we were in it, and slowing down quickly. Unfortunately, I didn't keep peddling because I didn't want to get my shoes wet. Instead, I planted both feel in the deepest part possible, which went up to about half my shin, totally soaking my socks and shoes ha, ha, ha. I just started laughing. Missions are fun.

The miracle this week is this young man named Cesar. If anyone was prepared to receive the gospel, it is Cesar. I told you of how quickly he was able to recognize the Spirit testify of the truth of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, the Prophet. He accepted everything else just as easily! We got to participate in one of the lessons last week, on tithing. When the sisters asked "Will you live the law of tithing, and donate 10% of your income to God's Church?" his response was "can I pay more than 10%?" We almost didn't know how to respond. We mention fast offerings and the some of the other many ways to give service in the Church. But mostly all we ask is a "broken heart and a contrite spirit," the sacrifice of our sins.

Cesar's Baptismal Service

On Saturday we had his baptismal service, and Philip, one of the prospective elders got to baptize him. Cesar was excited and nervous. When he and Philip went down into the water, Elder Schaffner and I got to be the two witnesses for the baptism (to make sure it is done properly). Philip said the prayer, immersed Cesar and when he came up out of the water, there was an indescribable change that came over him. As his sins were literally washed away, the Holy Ghost had a perfect temple to enter into, and he stood for a moment in awe. All he could do was cry and embrace Philip. It was so powerful! While he changed, Elder Schaffner shared a "missionary message" and taught the Restoration. When Cesar came out, he shared his testimony. He struggled to speak because of his emotions. The Spirit was so strong and almost tangible in the room. He managed to get out the words, "I've never felt like this before." When we feel the Spirit stronger than we ever have before, there are no words for it.

On Sunday he was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (he asked Elder Schaffner to do it :) ) and that was spiritual too. Right after, we went to sit by him as the sacrament was blessed and passed. During the passing of the bread he leaned over and asked, "Elder Webber, can I do that too?" This guy is so humble and has such a strong desire to do what is right, what is best. We are going over today to talk about the priesthood. He was interviewed after church on Sunday so he could receive the priesthood this Sunday. Talk about the fast track! President Weaver says, "When they're ready, they're ready!"

Two more updates: before the baptism Saturday we saw Chris again (the one that had all the struggles). I think he is the modern day Job. Things have sort of gotten worse and he is learning humility. He told us each Sunday he wants to come to church and to join the church! He just can't get himself out of this pit. We sent him the talk by Elder Holland about depression, which he told us he thinks he has now. Needs a lot of help, but this should be the time to make the best decision of his eternity!

We met with Haopeng and Tiffany Friday (with the return missionary in our ward I told you about). THEY GOT THEIR MARRIAGE LICENSE!!! That is the other major miracle this week! So Tiffany is just waiting on a wedding dress she ordered, and the plan is March 1st for the marriage and baptism. The not so great news is that Haopeng is even more unsure about baptism. He has been so busy with school that he hasn't read any of the Book of Mormon. When we asked what we could do to help Tiffany prepare, she whispered and pointed to Haopeng (who was in the other room) "help him!" We're hoping that even if it's only Tiffany's baptism first, Haopeng will see the change in her and understand the importance of this gospel. He will come eventually.

This Sunday is another fireside in Lacey. Maybe at the end of "Called to Serve" I will lead them into "Happy Birthday" just for you dad :)

Love Elder Webber

Close-up before Church

Scriptures: D&C 84:20 and Alma 32:16 (they apply to this week!)

Snow in Steilacoom!

Family:

We had a busy week and a great week and I have so much to tell you!

I loved the story of the statewide fast for rain and then having rain that night! how blessed we are to live once again in a day of miracles!

Also I'm so happy to hear Katie Eckhardt is going on a mission!!! That is super exciting and will forever bless her family :) Good job Katie!

Speaking of missionaries, last night we had the second fireside, this time in Tacoma. We invited Rebecca, but she couldn't make it. The sisters are teaching a 19 year old named Cesar, and he did come! Cesar is so cool. Elder Schaffner and I actually knocked on his door late December, he said he was interested, we gave him a Book of Mormon, but then we could never reach him. About 10 days ago, the Sisters were knocking when Cesar passed on the street and they talked with him, and set up an appointment. They have been teaching him at a members home, and once he read and prayed about the Book of Mormon, he said he knew it was true and he wanted to be a part of it! He is getting baptized this Saturday. He couldn't find a ride to the fireside so guess what? He just biked there! From Steilacoom! that's like an hour bike ride. He later told the sisters that no matter what, rain or snow, he will do anything for the Church of Jesus Christ. Wow. These people are out there, prepared for the restored gospel. Truly the work is hastening.

Saturday night we had a snow "storm" in Washington and church Sunday was cancelled! I was pretty stunned, I had never even heard of church being cancelled. They made the decision Saturday night and our bishop called us around 10:20 right before bed! We stayed in our apartment until the ok, then went out and cleared some snow off a car of a member we knew was physically less able. We also built a little missionary snowman and threw snowballs at each other during tracting ha, ha.

One funny story from last week that I forgot to mention. So in the past month there have been about 14 robberies in Steilacoom. Very unusual because it is a nice, quiet neighborhood. Apparently the robbers have been people, especially women, dressed as missionaries. They go door to door and see who's not home, then break in! So we've had some funny responses from people when we go around, as actual missionaries, and knock on doors. Some people have been scared. Last Friday, we were knocking in a nicer neighborhood and it was very dark. There are few streetlights. Many of the homes had no one there. After we finished a big cul-de-sac, we kept going down the street when we saw a big search light from around a hedge, lighting up the hill. We both knew there was a police car and we both knew why. We kept going and walked straight to the police car. He got out and asked if we had been in the neighborhood knocking doors, we smiled and said yes, we're missionaries! he smiled too and got on the phone with a lady, the one who had called him. He asked slowly what the "robbers" looked like and was smiling at us and laughing! He told her, "Ma'm, I'm sorry, but they are in fact Mormons." We both were trying hard to hold in the laughter. He told us to carry on and have a great night, and drove off. We then finished our tracting.

Also this week, we had another church tour with George, and showed him all the paintings in our building, and explained them. He loves learning about the Restoration and he seems to understand it in his mind. We are working on having him understand it in his heart as well. We need both to be truly converted to the gospel.

Missionaries serving in the Lakewood Zone

Rebecca has been doing better, and her husband came home today, which is all around good. She loves our visits. We had dinner with a member family last night, we taught them the Restoration, and invited them to be a fellowship family for her. We will soon schedule a time for all of us to meet so we can actually start the lessons.

Haopeng and Tiffany have not yet got a marriage license! They are always so busy with school. We are working a lot with Haopeng. He struggles more with faith. Tiffany is very ready and told us once they can get married, she will get baptized.

Elder Webber and Elder Schaffner

Recently in our ward a missionary returned home. He finished his two year mission in Texas, Spanish speaking. On Wednesday he was at the church to be released. We were there at the same time with George's church tour. We talked to him for a moment before he went in. He still had his name tag on and was really friendly. We continued our church tour and when we had finished, he had finished his meeting with the stake president at the same time. We walked up to where he was, by the bishops office and he was standing, head hanging, looking at his two name tags that he was holding in his hand. Tears were in his eyes and we instantly knew that he had just been released. It was a powerful scene to see, a faithful missionary finally having to take off his tag. All at once I felt a deep gratitude that my full-time mission is going still. I held on to my tag tighter. I am so grateful every day for the privilege to serve the Lord full-time. To be able to walk out of the apartment and be at work, preaching and testifying of the Restoration.

Transfer meeting was Tuesday (feels like a long time ago!) and it was great. Nothing changed, area or companion, so it's always a little easier. I also heard that Raymond had two more baptisms: AJ, Machel's son, and Machel's friend Kelsey. Both of them we found while we served there! I love those updates. I also heard Dennis is still going to the temple and saving all his family! The work is hastening!

Love Elder Webber

Scripture: D&C 50:17-20

Elder Webber's Apartment

Staying in Steilacoom!

To family:

I had another great week! Actually that's every week, but that's missionary life! Lots to tell you today.

I am staying in Steilacoom transfer #3 now, and staying with Elder Schaffner! We were both hoping to stay together, we have a lot of fun, get along easily and work hard together. We help each other to be more obedient. I have learned a lot from him. I hope this transfer we can continue to grow and learn. I think we will. Sister Stucki is staying, Sister Tingey is on a plane to Brazil right now, and Sister Sandau is coming here (I knew her from my MTC district!) We are super excited for this next transfer, we're hoping a lot of things will line up. 

Unfortunately, Haopeng and Tiffany were not baptized on Saturday, mainly due to them not having time to get their marriage license. We hoped and prayed and worked as hard as we could, but perhaps it was not the Lord's will. I learned this week, that despite all of our efforts, energy, prayers, fasts, or pleas, sometimes God says "no" ha ha. His will is done, even if it is different from ours. I feel that maybe Haopeng and Tiffany need more time, and our purpose is to baptize them so that they can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which they may enjoy the rest of their life. I want to make sure they are ready to receive that important gift and responsibility. That being said, we will work to have it as soon as possible. We talked to them Saturday night and they said they will try and get the marriage license as soon as they can. It's hard with their crazy school schedule. 

I also learned that humor is the best escape valve to the pressures of life. This week was a difficult and stressful one, but we had such interesting and humorous experiences throughout, I really can't explain them all. But I am grateful for Elder Schaffner and other missionaries who remind me that this is God's work and He is in control, and if I'm doing my best, I do not need to worry. So laugh a little, smile and think on your friends and family and run with patience the "race" that is set before us. 

I've been changing a lot, I think (It's hard to tell). As each transfer passes, my numbers have gone down and down ha ha. From Bremerton booming to Raymond miracles to Steilacoom settling. Even though I'm working as hard, if not harder, than I have in my mission. It's becoming very much a part of me, and I'm being a missionary now instead of just doing missionary things. I think, hope, pray and fast that I'm becoming who God wants me to become. It can be very hard to tell though.

Thanks Dad for sharing your experience giving a blessing. I feel I should share two experiences I had this week. On Friday night we decided to randomly visit a recent convert family. The mother has been very sick and it has gotten worse so that she's nearly bed-ridden. We shared a short scripture message with her and her three kids. Funny enough, at the same time we visited a nice man from Catholic Community Services was also visiting. We made sure to share a Book of Mormon scripture ;) but after he left, we asked if there was anything we could do for her. She requested a blessing. She is not very active in the church, but encourages her husband and family to go. She had never received a priesthood blessing, only seen one of her children receive one once. I gave the blessing and felt the power of God come over me and speak through me. I agree, Dad, it is a wonderful experience for all, and humbling that God trusts such great power and authority in an imperfect servant like me. 

The next day, we visited Rebecca with one of the priests (they all got called as Ward Missionaries which is awesome). She was in obvious pain, and much less talkative. She has a lot of problems with her health, and so does her whole family. We also shared only a brief scripture message. At once, the thought came clearly to mind mind, offer a blessing. But for a non-member, I hesitated to say it out loud. At that instant, Elder Schaffner turned to me and mouthed "a blessing." Recognizing this as my confirmation of a prompting, I quickly nodded and we tenderly explained priesthood blessings. I asked if she remembered the stories in the Bible when Christ would lay his hands on others and heal them. She said those were her favorite stories. I testified that that power and authority was back on the earth and if she requested, we could give her the same kind of blessing. She did request one, and we blessed her. The same feeling came over me and I could tell the Holy Ghost was guiding my words. I was surprised at what I was able to bless her with. I prayed afterwards, privately, that the blessing would heal her, despite the weakness of my faith. That it would work by the perfect power of God and according to her faith. 

On other note, the Seahawks won the Super Bowl. Washington is a happy place.

Thank you everyone for your prayers for me and these investigators. They are being answered, I assure you. 

We all got to volunteer at a Methodist soup kitchen. It was a great service opportunity. I worked in the back washing dishes with a super sprayer, you would have been proud mom.

Also, thank you mom for the Snickerdoodle cookies!! They were most wonderful. Good job Matthew applying to BYU! I hope you get in! Keep up the diligent studies Charlotte and Claire, they pay off. And thank you McKay and Allyson for watching after Annabelle. Keep up the missionary work mom and dad. I love you all!!!!!!

Love 
Elder Webber

Scriptures are:
Hebrews 12:1-2 (we are running with patience the "race of life". As long as we keep going, Jesus Christ will help us and we will win)
Ephesians 2:12-14 ("I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see. Amazing Grace that saved a wrench like me" I get to sing that with the whole mission tomorrow!)

We've been reading the New Testament together, we're in Luke 11, and these are some NT gems I've found :)

Steilacoom Still! Critical week for Haopeng and Tiffany

Family,

This starts week #7 since Elder Schaffner and I have been assigned together, the last week of the extra long transfer after Christmas. We will find out Saturday if one of us will leave. Either way, it always goes by too fast. Elder Schaffner and I have really gotten along, so we're hoping to both stay for next transfer. We never run out of nerdy things to talk about. It's pretty much a continuation of what Connor and I would talk about if we were companions :)

Also, Sister Tingey, in our district in Steilacoom, finally got her visa!!! She leaves in one week for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, her assigned mission. She has been in Washington for 6 months now, plus 6 weeks in the MTC. She is super excited to go, but she really loves Washington and is finding it hard to leave. Plus, now it's time for Portuguese, hot hot weather, and the world cup! We'll miss her. We're not sure if Sister Stucki will stay or also leave, she has been here 6 months. We'll know this Saturday!

I love Steilacoom. We elders have found a lot of work to do. We are very busy all the time, which is awesome as a missionary. We have a few really progressing investigators.

Elder Webber at Webber Court in Steilacoom

Rebecca started reading the Book of Mormon! Elder Schaffner had the idea to mark up a few great scriptures, and ones that might apply to her, and we gave her that copy. She really appreciated it and said she would go through and read them that night. Her daughter and husband both had hospital trips for various reasons, so they all sort of struggle with good health. Her husband has some "questions" about Mormons that he wants answered before she can come to church... Hopefully that will work out. The Gospel blesses families! An elderly lady in our ward, Sister Bayba, is her neighbor and she went by and talked to Rebecca for a long time, and became a good friend, offering help. This ward is so awesome!

We had a great church tour on Wednesday night with an investigator named George who we've been trying to contact for a while. We had a struggling recent convert come as fellowship, and he did an awesome job!! We had a pretty in depth discussion on the Restoration, and invited him, if he came to know this was true, to be baptized. He wasn't sure, but he understands the implication of our teaching, and what we expect of him. If he prayerfully reads the Book of Mormon, he will know.

Another member (also a recent convert) stopped by Chris's house and had a long chat with him. We have not been able to make contact, so we suggested he try. It worked and Chris really appreciated it! He is still really struggling with life, but hasn't forgotten us. He said he's still interested, and will come back soon.

OK, now Haopeng and Tiffany. We went over on Saturday night, and it was a really critical lesson. Tiffany, to start off, has been reading the Book of Mormon, and praying, and always has questions, and expressed her testimony that the book is true. She believes Joseph Smith was a true prophet and is ready to be baptized! We taught Haopeng about the Word of Wisdom, and he had a real struggle to give up tea (they are Chinese, after all). He said he needed a reason to give it up. We told him that he can know this is a true commandment from God by knowing that Joseph Smith was a true prophet, having received the commandment by revelation. He told us he doesn't not believe he was a prophet, but he didn't know for sure.  We asked about the Book of Mormon, but he hadn't been reading because of his busy school schedule. We talked a lot about faith and how he can obtain a sure testimony of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and the Word of Wisdom. He understands what he must do, and he told us he is really searching for truth. We asked if he still felt ready for baptism this weekend, and to our surprise, he said yes! His testimony is still growing, but he said that he feels he is ready and he wants this blessing! It was a huge leap of faith for him, and I know Heavenly Father will recognize it and bless him for it.

That being said a few more miracles still need to take place, They haven't obtained a marriage license yet, which they need to do tomorrow. We told them about that and agreed that we could have a very simple marriage ceremony, and a more real wedding celebration next week or later, so they can plan that better. Wow. It is still possible but will happen by Heavenly Father's will, their effort and faith, and our many, many prayers!! I know they can do it!!! Pre-baptism week is always the craziest, I will let you know what happens next week!

To conclude, I want to express how much I love this Chinese couple. The spirit was strong during our discussion, and I felt so much desire and concern and care for their eternal welfare. I know it will all be right in the end for them, no matter what happens February 1st at 11:00 a.m.  I love you all as well! Have a wonderful week,

Love always
Elder Webber

Elder Webber found a cat

P.S. Tiffany is applying to BYU Provo for graduate school!!! How cool would it be if I got to see them there when I get back :)

Moroni 7:47; Moroni 8:25-26

Steilacoom Spirit rocks! And the first fireside of the season!

Family,

I am so excited to write again. I loved hearing a little bit about each of some of my friends who are also in the mission field and how different yet similar their experiences are serving the Lord throughout the world. Truly this is the "marvelous work and a wonder" spoken of by Isaiah (and many many other prophets).

I'll start with the exciting news: Haopeng and Tiffany came to church!! Thank heavens for MLK Jr. day and no school, so they could come to church!! It was such a relief to have them there. We also had a new investigator there, Victor. We found Victor by knocking doors back when we were with a priest, Sam. We took turns on each door, and on Sam's turn we found Victor! We've been trying to meet with him, but things kept coming up. He is 60 and from Mexico originally but moved to America when he was just 6. He wants to know more about what happens after we die. His mother passed away a few years ago and he was very close to her. He lives in Oakbrooke, a 30 minute bike ride from the church, and probably an hour and a half walk. Guess what? He walked to church! He told us he would come, and he honored his commitment! Wow. He came in a few minutes late but an awesome member family came in at the same time, recognized a stranger, and had him sit with their family. That was perfect! They then, after sacrament meeting, invited him over to their home for dinner. Yes! Members are the means!

We hope he stops before the water

I was glad to hear about your experiences at Stake Conference. The Church decided that for this whole year, all the youth 12+ will attend the previously "Adult session" of Stake Conference, and every session will be on "Hastening the Work." The church leaders decided that since youth are a significant group of member missionaries, they should attend too. Ours are coming up in the next months. We have been working well with our amazing Ward Mission Leader to have a member present at every lesson possible and it's been going great. I've realized there is nothing like the experiences and testimony a member of the church can share to an investigator. It carries with it force and spirit that can seriously help someone to join the Church. So good job, family, keep it up, and pray for more opportunities! My advice would be "Just Do It" ;)

Elder Tommy Webber and Elder Schaffner

 More on Haopeng and Tiffany! We had a lesson in our Bishop's home with them on Tuesday and we read from the Book of Mormon. Bishop will be the one who can marry them. Haopeng bought Tiffany a ring and Tiffany ordered a dress from China! It's getting real. I can honestly say that I never before my mission thought I would be planning a wedding. Good thing we have sister missionaries in this ward. It's times like these, I would usually just call AllyMehner for help. Ha, ha.  We're having fun and are so excited for these two important steps in their lives: a marriage and a baptism. Continued prayers for them please. We also went over on Saturday night and Tiffany had her awesome questions as usual. She's up to 2 Nephi 3 and she asked us particularly what about 2 Nephi 2:25. What did I tell you? Scripture mastery! They are doing so good. They are our dear friends and we love them.

One other thing I learned this week is why the Spirit is key. Without the Spirit, we cannot teach, we cannot find, we cannot testify, we cannot learn. The Spirit is the key to the door of missionary work. It opens up all the possibilities for success and growth and inspired service. And how do we get the Spirit? Simply put, we must keep the commandments. The Spirit is our covenanted promise if we remember Him, and keep His commandments. We must pray daily, study the scriptures, and live worthy (which all means, keep the commandments). Those words summarize it all. I pray that we may all have the strengthened resolution to keep His commandments. 

I love the work. I love you.

Elder Webber

Scripture: John 5:39

P.S. Dad could you send me some examples/ stories of how you have been sharing the gospel? I want to share them with members :) thanks

Steilacoom Missionary Work has Ups and Downs

My fantastic family,

The work is pressing onward, ever onward here in Steilacoom. Missionary work, like life, has ups and downs, but by Monday mornings, as I write to you, I can never remember the downs. I guess that's what happens when you live the gospel and keep the commandments. It is not easy, and you still have plenty of struggles and challenges that, in the moment, are so difficult. But when you look back, having endured, you only can find the growth and the joy and the blessings!

There was a LOT of rain this week. Not super heavy rain, but this continual shower. And if it's not raining, it's always doing this weird sort of misty gentle semi-rain that doesn't seem like much but then 30 minutes later you realize you're soaked! But my rain coat works great so don't worry mom. I also wear thermals every day now, not that it's that cold, but once you start, you don't go back ;) The rain is fun. I love Washington. Every thing grows here, and then moss grows on that. And then moss grows on the moss. I think I will come home green.

Steilacoom rain

Some progress on the work: we have of course our dear Haopeng and Tiffany. They are a roller coaster! They progress so well in many areas, but then really struggle in others. Our biggest challenge here in Steilacoom has been to get investigators to come to church! We try everything we can: church tours, Saturday "church roundup," phone calls/text reminders, teaching the doctrine, and no one comes! I was sort of frustrated yesterday, but taking the sacrament always calms me down. That's why people need to come to church. There is so much sacred strength and spiritual stamina we receive as we partake of the sacrament. We had another great lesson at Brother Ely's Saturday night. We taught about church attendance and read 3 Nephi 18:1-25. Haopeng says that he just has too much school work and can't come, but that he will try next week.

Elder Webber and Elder Schaffner

Everything else is great with them though. Brother Ely has this model of the Salt Lake City Temple that he picked up during the lesson and placed on the center of the table. We then taught about eternal marriage and it was so powerful. Brother Ely testified of the sacred nature of the temple and the blessings of being sealed in the temple. Haopeng and Tiffany were so excited, you can always see it in their faces. The Ely's are amazing, they promised them that if they were still here in one year from their baptism, that they would take them down to Salt Lake so that they could be sealed in that very temple! He has become their true friend.

The very exciting thing he said was that when they return back to China, the Chinese government will allow Haopeng to teach his immediate family about the Church (no one outside China is allowed to do that), and can even baptize and give them the priesthood! It is amazing to see how Heavenly Father is reaching out to all of His children, and how the work in China is growing! We like to think of Haopeng as a modern church pioneer for the Chinese people, ha ha.

We have a newer investigator, Rebecca who is a married mom of two and is really looking for a church. She did not have a Christian background but believed in God after her 3 year old daughter (who suffers from brittle bone disease) fell 33 feet out of a building and lived. She is now a freshman in college. She wants a church that has a family feel and fellowship. I think we can help her :)

Lastly, I would like to bear my testimony. I should do that more :) but yesterday in church we learned about the new 2014 youth theme "Come Unto Christ." I had my testimony strengthened as I learned what that means:

All have fallen, and come short of the glory of God. Christ saved us, in that He overcame both physical and spiritual death because we will 1) all be resurrected and 2) return to the presence of God to be judged. However, because we are accountable for our own sins and because Heavenly Father wants us to receive all His blessings and become like Him, we must follow His Plan. That Plan is His Gospel: of faith unto repentance and baptism for the remission of sins followed by the gift of the Holy Ghost which retains our remission unto the end if we endure! This is the ONLY way back to Heavenly Father and the ONLY way to be free of sin so that when we overcome spiritual death we don't have to suffer the second spiritual death. It is the ONLY way we can live with our families forever in the celestial kingdom of our God.

I know Christ lives. I know because I have felt the Spirit testify truth to my heart. This communication is more pure and real that any other communication to our natural senses. Any of us can also know this is true by doing the will of God. Trying it out for themselves.

In summary, come unto Christ, and (then) be perfected in Him, and deny yourself of all ungodliness... then is His grace sufficient for you, that by His grace ye may be perfect in Christ. Trust God. It is all true. My deepest love to all of you,

Elder Webber

Scripture: Moroni 10:32 and Matthew 11:28-30