This guy is on fire!

Last week I said I would lead into repentance this week. Unfortunately my message is short as I don't have much time to discuss everything I had originally planned, but I would suggest that you read Alma 34:15 as it sums up my thoughts. There is an excellent talk that was given by W. Gibb Dyer called "Repentance: The Key to Eternal Progression".  You can access it by clicking on this link: http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=266 .  Mom, I know you will love this one and it would be a good one to share with the family! 

The only natural thing to occur when we exercise faith in the Savior is...* repentance *. This leads to making covenants with God and then enduring to the end. I know this might be easier said than done for some, but it's possible! If you wish to achieve eternal life, you must FIRST believe in the Savior. 

Now for SOME GREAT NEWS... Keith is now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! Whoop Whoop! This guy is on fire! He is actively seeking for missionary opportunities and he's experiencing success and being blessed for his efforts. Both he and I sincerely thank you for your prayers.  I really do appreciate your love and support!  I LOVE YOU! Have a wonderful week!  Oh... and... HELP THE MISSIONARIES OUT! You don't realize what a blessing this is for the missionaries until you are actually out here doing the work. 

Love,

ELDER CRAIG

Keith's Baptism Day

Start by LIVING IT!

Another greaaat week! 

I'm looking forward to Saturday because KEITH WILL BE GETTING BAPTIZED! Sorry for shouting, but it's pretty exciting! Keep him in your prayers! During my personal study this morning I came across something that I would like to share. It's about having Faith in Christ.

Faith in Christ is the first principle in the gospel of Jesus Christ! Faith in Christ is the most crucial thing that we could ever have!  As I've studied this topic I've come to understand a few key things. The first thing I asked myself is "What is faith?"  That question could be a whole 'nother conversation, but when we exercise true faith, it brings us unto Christ. Notice the term TRUE faith?! If you would take some time to study this, I'm certain you will see as I have seen that it creates miracles! Now, how do we exercise faith in Christ? In short it's by keeping his commandments! If you are struggling with gaining Faith in Christ or in a principle of the gospel, you must start by LIVING IT! 

In John 7:17 we learn that it is by the exercising of something that we gain the testimony! "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." This all leads us back to READING and PRAYING! To know the truth we first have to SEEK it.  When we exercise that little particle of faith (Alma 32) in Christ, For example... like read the Book of Mormon (another testament of Jesus Christ that will bring you closer to God and Christ) and live the principles taught, the only natural thing to occur will be having Faith in Christ... stay tuned for next week because I will show you how this ties into repentance!

My time is short and I have to bid you farewell for now.  Love you and thank you for your love and prayers!
Elder Craig

Added Measure of Commitment

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN GREAT!

It's 7:30am on a chilly Monday morning. I just had a great conversation with Keith (one of our investigators). I was talking to him about using both he and his buddy's chainsaw (more on that in a minute). During our conversation Keith informed us that he went to church Sunday in Fredericton *by himself* which is a good hour and a half drive (in winter conditions). He said that he had a good experience in church. This is good news!!! It solidifies everything he has been working towards throughout his conversion process and helps him to know that what he is doing is right.

Pior to Sunday, Elder Wilson and I began a fast.  We invited Keith to join us in an effort to help him come to a knowledge of the truthfulness of the gospel and also to combine our faith in supporting him through some of the challenges he is facing.  Keith had a great fast and testimony experience! I too had a great Fast Sunday!  There is always something so special about taking the time to acknowledge the Savior and put forth an added measure of commitment to seek help or whatever one might fast and pray for. Keith mentioned that he had never in his life felt the way he had on Sunday.  This is so neat to hear someone verbally speak these words. He mentioned that while listening to various testimonies during sacrament meeting he was better able to understand the importance of family. This is meaningful as he comes from a very large family.  Can you feel our excitement?! Missionary work is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

I hope each of you had the opportunity and privilege to hear the testimony of others. I want to thank all of you for your prayers on Keith's behalf. He really is doing amazing! He has overcome so much and feels the added strength that comes from your prayers.  Mosiah 5:2 reminds me so much of Keith! "...Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." Keith is always looking for opportunities to serve others. He has been involved in doing service work with us. There was a brutal storm that passed through leaving power outages in Woodstock, Fredericton, Miramichi and Moncton areas. This left many opportunities for service work. We have been sharpening our chainsaw skills by assisting a member who lost 10 or 11 of his 60-70 foot pine trees during the snow/ice storm. Keith and I worked the chainsaws while my companion, Elder Wilson, kept busy delimbing trees and dragging logs that had been cut.  I have never been as tired or as sore as I have been this week, but with good reason! We've physically worked our tails off!!!

Well guys, that's all I got for this week. I hope each of you have an amazing day and week. I can't wait to hear from you through emails.  Keep me posted on what's going on! Wesley, I want to know how you are doing and if your collar bone has healed.  You are probably already shredding the track.

Love you all,
Elder Craig

Lot's of snow. Winter is here.