Christmas Time is Here

 Hey fiends and family, hope you are all doing well.  Christmastime is here, and it is one of my favorite times of the year.  So... Merry Christmas!  So, let me tell you about some of our fun adventures during this past week.  One of our investigators named Simone is doing really well.  She was investigating, and then we weren't able to see her for a couple of weeks because she was so busy.  Her mom wasn't really pleased with her joining the Church, so we were worried what was going on without a lot of contact with her.  But we were able to meet with her again and she said she told her mom she's getting baptized.  Luckily, she is really close to her grandma, who is really supportive of her, so that helps.  She has a great testimony though.  I can see the positive impact the Gospel is making in her life, and I know that many great blessings await her as she enters the Gospel path.  One thing I've really gained a testimony of lately is talking with everyone, no matter what.  Most people are really nice once you start talking to them, even if they aren't super interested, and I'm always surprised at the people that are.  We met one Chinese man named Wang who is really interested in Christianity.  We taught him a bit about the Plan of Salvation, and he said he really wants to learn more.  We are excited to teach him after his finals are over.  The Lord continually provides us with people to teach when we faithfully and diligently go about His work.  Also, I won a prestigious award this past Saturday.  Our ward had a Christmas brunch with an ugly sweater competition, and I was the winner, haha.  The funniest part was that the prize was a $15 iTunes gift card, haha.  But hey, I guess I'll just have to use it for some cool new music when I get home.  All in all life is great, and it is great to be a missionary around this time of year.  
          So spiritual thought of the week.  I am always amazed at how much I feel the Spirit when I listen to the General Authorities. I know that they are chosen servants of our Father in Heaven.  Last night's devotional was great.  Any time I need to strive to refocus my life on the Savior, I listen to or read the words of the prophets, and then apply the things that I have learned.  I was thinking about this in terms of missionary work.  While it is vitally important to testify of the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith, another vital part of sharing the Gospel is bearing testimony of our current Prophet and Apostles and share the words they are giving us in this day.  I love sharing with our investigators current messages that help them in their everyday life.  It helps them to grow their testimony of the Restoration, and have an assurance that the heavens are not closed, and that we still continue to receive revelation in our day.  So, when sharing the Gospel, look for opportunities to share the words of modern day Prophets.  One great way to do this is to post little clips on your facebook from lds.org.  I know as we do this that people will want to hear more about what we have to offer, and their testimony of Christ will be increased.  I love you all so much and hope you have an amazing week. 

Godspeed, 
Elder Chandler Kendall