The General Epistle of Samuel (Week of Seventies)

This week was wonderful. We had some great experiences and were able to get a lot of work done. We have some wonderful Chinese students we are teaching and a hard working zone so things are going well.

Early in the week we had a special zone conference because Elder Herbertson and area authority seventy was touring the mission. We had a wonderful conference talking about recognizing the spirit and following it's promptings. Very enlightening. Elder Herbertson gave a wonderful training on how to be an "Exceptional Missionary." It was great to see Him and Sister Herbertson again because they live in Basildon ward so I got to know them pretty well. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to them before I left either so that was nice. 

The rest of the week we just worked our little tails off finding new people to teach and working with our investigators. Our two Chinese investigators are great. They are very sincere and willing to do all they can to find out the truthfulness of our message. One of our investigators, Derek, is progressing nicely. We had a wonderful opportunity this week to teach him in a great environment. We received a phone call from the stake president (He lives in our ward) asking us if we wanted to teach one of our investigators in his home. We affirmed that we could get someone and asked why the sudden invite. He then told us of how Elder Leimer of the area seventy was coming for our stake conference and wanted to teach with the missionaries. We arranged to teach Derek in the stake president's home and had a great experience. After having a wonderful lesson with Derek he asked us one of his "questions of the soul." He asked what the purpose of life was. We turned the time over to the stake president to answer the question and he gave a beautiful answer. The spirit was there and Derek was satisfied. Later that weekend at stake conference the stake president told us before the meeting that Derek had inspired him to change his talk to the purpose of life. In his talk he practically spoke directly to Derek and it was an even more complete answer for him. We were so thankful for the support of the church leaders in the work. Derek is progressing nicely towards his baptism. 

As well because it was stake conference this week the adult session was saturday night in Ipswich. It was great to go back there and see many familiar faces. Most of the ward recognized me almost as if I had a name tag on. Really though it felt like home there. My companion said to me afterward that I must have made an impact on that ward because everyone seemed to love me. It is comforting being supported by those you work alongside. 

That has been my week. We have a full week this week of work. It should be uninterrupted by meetings and what not so we really need to buckle down and get things done. We have a few exchanges, one of them tomorrow so I am looking forward to that. Last week was great and this week will be even better! Thank you all for your love and support. I love you all and look forward to hearing from you again next week!!!

 

Love,  

Elder Dalton

P.S. Here is my new mailing address

12 Marine House

Quayside Drive

Colchester

Essex

CO2 8FX

England