Holding On to Christmas

Holding on to Christmas                                                                                                                                January 14, 2013

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

Dear Family and Friends,

                Elder Sheffer wanted to have a picture of our Christmas tree and we have been busy so this was the week we were plugging in the lights and thinking it was time to take it down. We finally made the long walk out to the car to get the camera. We took a picture of our dollar store tree. We had it taped to the counter so it wouldn't tip over. In the back ground are oranges that were given to us to enjoy and share. The weather here has been very cold and the fruit growers have been up in the night keeping their wind machines blowing the air to keep the cold from settling in the orchards and freezing the citrus. It has been about twenty-eight degrees. Okay, we know that doesn't sound that cold if you are in Utah were they are having a record cold of minus five. Please stay warm.

                We received a referral from a member, actually the bishop's wife, at Christmas time. It was for a Russian lady. She is progressing very well and we hope she will be baptized soon. It has been an amazing experience because we wanted her to be taught in Russian if that were at all possible. We were blessed to find two men that had served their missions in Russia and one of them is in the ward where she lives. Last night we taught her a lesson and she has internet now so we were able to have her listen to the prophet's Christmas devotional talk in Russian and teach her about how important prophets are. She was touched by the spirit and committed to follow the prophet. It is truly a tender mercy of the Lord that she has the internet.

                We received another referral, from the same sweet lady, and this was the daughter of the man who just passed away. She is from Oklahoma and she was touched by the kindness of the people in her father's church. She is now planning to move to Visalia and has asked for the missionaries to teach her about the church.

                We had an amazing Sunday. There were five people at sacrament meeting who are considered less active that we have been working with. One of these is Linda Butterfield. She is the wife of David who Elder Sheffer taught on his first mission. In Relief Society they asked if there were any visitors or new people. One lady said, "I have been gone for three weeks. So, I guess I am new." That is when Linda raised her hand and said, "I have been gone for 35 years. So, I guess I am new." She was asked to introduce herself and the response was electric. One of the ladies said, "You sewed my prom dresses when I was growing up. I have a temple dress that needs mending. Would you mend it for me?" Linda said she would be happy to help. It was so sweet. Elder Sheffer said that her husband was in tears most of the meetings and Linda said at the end of the meeting, "This is home for me."

                We had the sweet experience of baptizing Brittany and Rebecca Allen on Saturday and on Sunday they were confirmed. Brittany was befriended and fellowshipped by a sweet lady, Mandy Larsen, who just moved to Visalia and was reaching out to make friends. The members are the best missionaries. Once their friends accept the Gospel they have a support group to help them as they grow in the Gospel when the members share their joy of living the Gospel.

                What a wonderful start to a new year. Make the scriptures a part of your day and they will carry you through.                           

God Bless You all,  Elder and Sister Sheffer