It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life                                                                                       December 10, 2012

Dear Family & Friends,

It is a wonderful time of the year. Our thoughts turn to Jesus Christ and the world seems a little friendlier. We have been blessed to be asked to help at several of the ward's Christmas parties. It is such a joy to see the saints and the many recent converts. We reflect on the innumerable tender mercies that we have seen and experienced this past year. When you are praying for and looking for miracles the Lord helps to open your eyes and hearts to recognize His hand in the dance of life around us all. He weaves a tapestry of incomprehensible complexity with attention to every detail. Wow, that sounded profound. J

                We went to visit an investigator and when he drove up to the house his friend remembered us and started to visit. By the end of our conversation he was asking, "What do I need to do to be baptized?" We will be teaching these two lifelong friends together. It is so sweet when the Holy Ghost testifies. Another lady we have visited over many months said at our last visit that she had been praying and reading the Book of Mormon. We were so thrilled because at our last visit she was still not sure there was a God. Her heart is softening.

                We found and met with another person that Elder Sheffer knew from his first mission. It was David Butterfield. Thirty-six years ago this man was less active and he told a story of having a home  teacher who he thought was a good friend and then the people stopped visiting or making any contact. Months went by and David saw this person in the store and with surprise asked if he had moved away or had been ill. This man said, "No, I was just released from being your home teacher." Elder Sheffer remembered that story and vowed to be a friend to others even if the assignment changed. Elder Sheffer even had a picture of this man and his family from years ago and he printed it off our computer for him. We had a delightful dinner with them.  We forgot to take a picture this time. We hope to have another opportunity.

                We just had transfers and there has been a lot of change. We have been told that there will be several new missionaries coming in before our next transfer. It will be interesting to see how this is handled and meeting the eighteen year old Elders will be a moment to remember.

"Faith is the Power, Love is the Motive, Obedience is the Price, The Spirit is the Key, The Restoration is the Message, 

The Members are the Means, Christ is the Reason, Baptism is the Way, Joy is the Reward."

 

This was in the email we received from friend who is serving in New Zealand with her husband. Deann Hirschi always has great words or wisdom. Thank you for sharing Deann.

                                God Bless You All   Elder and Sister Sheffer

Pictures: Elder Sheffer picking tomatoes in December

              Senior Missionary Christmas Dinner

              Visalia Zone December 2012

              Former Elder Brent Young and his parents visiting from Nebraska