The Importance of Families

Hello friends and family!!!  Happy Halloween this week!  I
hope you all have great costumes picked out.  I think I'm just going
to be a missionary for Halloween, haha.  Most people think we're
pretty scary, so I think it's a good costume.  Well, this past week
was a bit slower than usual.  Not that we weren't busy.  One thing
that is really hard about being a zone leader is spending a lot of
time out of your area doing things for the mission.  It is really
making me learn how to have good time management.  One thing I've been
thinking about is how quickly I've grown up.  I couldn't even imagine
having the responsibilities I have right now, not only in helping all
of the people in my area, but helping the missionaries in the zone.  I
know I couldn't do it without the Lord and the Atonement, but lucky
for us, the Gospel is true, and divine help is always there.  I love
serving in the singles ward though, if I had my choice I would spend
the rest of my mission here.  Elder Chesley and I get along really
well, and we have a lot of fun going out and talking to people about
Christ and His gospel.  We've had some challenging experiences with
our investigators, and people in general.  One of our investigators,
who we thought was doing great, texted us and told us she could never
be baptized.  That was Saturday, and we haven't been able to get a
hold of her since, so that's a bit concerning.  We've also had a hard
time getting people to come to church.  But I think the biggest thing
we have been struggling with is finding new investigators.  Most YSA's
we find on our own really don't have time to meet with us, and the
solid investigators we get are usually from members, which hasn't been
happening as well.  But I'm not discouraged about it, I'm just
learning a lesson of patience.  I know that if I seek to be diligent
and obedient, the Lord will provide investigators for us, and we will
find those who are prepared.  Luckily Simone and Ashley are still
doing great, and they should both be getting baptized in December.  I
just pray that I'll still be here for that.
         So spiritual thought of the week.  When doing missionary
work, it is always important to touch on families, because our
doctrine on families is very unique, and give people a lot of hope.
Even with YSA's, they still care about their families and it is
something that is important in their lives.  The funny thing about a
lot of people is that they believe that families will be together
after this life, but we are the only church that teaches that.
Furthermore, we are the only church that has the sealing power that
can bind our families together, and ensure that we will be together as
long as we remain faithful.  This is such a great message, and it is
all because of our Savior's sacrifice that this is possible.  So,
whenever you have to opportunity to testify to someone about families,
please do so.  I promise as we seek to do this that people will have a
desire to learn more about how their family can be eternal.  I love my
family so much, and I can't wait to spend eternity with them.  It's
going to ROCK!  Love you all so much, and hope you have an amazing
week.

Godspeed,
Elder Chandler Kendall