Chili Cook off, New Misisonary, Tom

Monday, November 12, 2018

Hello!

Quick update on the week!

Chili Cook off - Still in Searcy which is awesome. We had a ward party last Friday. It was super cold outside get night but it turned out to be a success! It was at the Sherwoods "Diamond Ranch." They had a fire, hayride, and chili for everyone! Tons of people brought a pot of chili. My companions, the sister missionaries, and I were the judges. Lots of good chili!  Was definitely biased towards the white chicken chili because that's what I grew up with!

New Missionary - The new missionary that joined us is named Elder Mabeus! He is from Henderson Nevada and loves to play baseball! He has signed to play at BYU after his mission! Pretty cool! Now I am serving with 2 collegiate level athletes. I'm pretty sure I cook collegiate level French Toast though, so I fit right in.

Tom - We have been teaching Tom for the past 4 months or so! He has come to church almost every single Sunday and just yesterday decided that he wants to accept the invitation to be baptized. His baptism will be Saturday! Very exciting for everyone, especially Tom.

Love you all so much! I always enjoy hearing from each of you!

Elder C.R. Anderson

College Dinner, Harding Class, Transfer News

Monday, November 5, 2018

Hello Family and Friends!

Amazing week! So much happened, that I could hardly attempt to include it all. Here are 3 of the big points.

College Dinner - About a week and a half ago we got a text from a random number. After communicating for a while, the person (Daniel) invited us to dinner at his apartment! We agreed to go. We had no idea who this person was or why they wanted us to come. We show much, last Monday, and we are introduced to everyone there. There were 4 college students waiting for us! Daniel had met the missionaries a while back in February while doing a service project. While talking to them he said that he would be in contact and wanted them to come for dinner sometime. About 8 months later he realized that he wanted us to come still so he texted and invited us over! We were able to teach all 4 of the people there. One of them (Josh) who is a freshman at Harding is really interested. We have an appointment with him at the church tomorrow morning!

Harding Class - This last Saturday we were invited to Harding's campus to teach a class. The professor was offering a weekend class for most of Thursday and Friday night, and all day Saturday. The class was on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We were able to meet with him in his office last Wednesday and he invited us to come and teach for a few hours that Saturday morning! We prepared for the class, but mostly in the form of short answers to some of the questions we expected to be asked. We were able to show up early and sit in on the first hour of the class given by the professor. It was really good! He was very factual, and actually portrayed a very positive and realistic view of our church and what we believe. After he finished, we presented a short lesson on the restoration, and then had the sister missionaries lead the class in a question and answer. It went so well! There was a pretty good amount of students there, as well as 4 of the Harding students and one member of our church that we invited to come sit in as well. All in all, we have at least 4 times set to meet with various students from the class. We are excited!
Now, it would be wrong of me to not attribute the success to Heavenly Father. Despite the extensive preparations we made, the Lord filled our mouths with exactly what we needed to say. My companion and I couldn't help but grin as we shared this glorious truth with those students. The spirit was so present, and was able to guide us in answering even the most complex and at times aggressive questions.

We took heart in the promise given to the Lord's servants in section 100 of the doctrine and covenants which says:

4 Therefore, I, the Lord, have suffered you to come unto this place; for thus it was expedient in me for the salvation of souls.
5 Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;
6 For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.

Transfer News - Both Elder Webb and I will be staying in Searcy Arkansas for another 6 weeks! Woohoo! By the time this transfer ends, I will have spent 9 months in this area. I love it. But if you think it stops there, just wait! We are going to have another missionary be joining us! My companion and I will be training a new missionary! This is rare, because we are the Zone Leaders, however it was what the mission President felt impressed to do.

He is coming from the MTC and is waiting on a Visa to Bolivia. Until that comes through he will be serving with elder Webb and I. He is coming straight from the training center, so we will have the opportunity of training him as well! We are both very excited.

All in all, it was an amazing week. It had its ups and downs, but as we focus on the good and continually strive to be better, the Lord will bless us! I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who provides us with opportunities to grow and become more like our perfect example, even Jesus Christ.

Hope and pray all is well with you.

Sincerely,

Elder C.R. Anderson

P.S. We didn't really do much on Halloween to celebrate, but we had the best night possible. We ended up having teaching appointments all night with some of the Harding students that either didn't really have anything else to do, or were going to be with friends celebrating later that night!

Hello All!

Monday, October 29, 2018

Hello,

First off, I want to wish a happy birthday to my dad! What a wonderful man he is. I am so thankful that he made and has kept sacred covenants with my mom. Those promises will continue to bless me forever. Something that my dad often taught was the principle of "home grown happiness." That phrase coupled with "happiness is a choice" coming from mom, has really made a profound impact on me and my decisions.

This week itself was a great one! We have a lot planned for this coming week as well. I know that's not a lot, but I don't have much time to email today. So I figured I would get to what's important. Love y'all!

Elder C.R. Anderson

An activity my companion and I made at the trunk or treat for our church

Reflection and Gratitude

Monday, October 22, 2018

Dearest Family,

This week was an amazing time of reflection and gratitude for all that Heavenly Father has given me. He has given me my life, my body, my family, this world, and most importantly His Son. Halloween is a great time of year, but one of my favorites is thanksgiving! I guess I'm just getting ahead of myself.

Shortly after sending my email last week, we headed out to Judsonia, Arkansas to visit a family and to do some Skype meetings at their house. We had a short time before our preparation day ended and the boys said they had to go and run some pigs in which were going to the butcher the next day. We asked for some extra clothes, suited up, then went out and ran in the mud chasing pigs! It was quite a time!

We also had a lesson with the Harding students. 3 of the most genuine of the group were all there, along with brother Howard our ward mission leader. The lesson went really well and we were able to teach the plan or salvation. The lesson is all about the plan that God has for each of us, His children. He wants us all to return to live with him. I am so thankful for a wonderful and perfect plan. It gives meaning and purpose to my life!

I love y'all and think about you often. It is my hope and prayer that each of you can get on or stay on the covenant path. Have an amazing week.

Elder C.R. Anderson

Package from the family! Thank you!
Pigs
Washing a house
Whiteboard after lesson

Fall got skipped

Monday, October 15, 2018

Hello!

The weather here went straight from a week in the 90s to the 50s... looks like we aren't going to get any in between! That is okay though. I prefer the colder weather! It's definitely my favorite!

This week felt like a month! It moved so fast, but it feels like last week was forever and a half ago. Overall i only spent about 2 days in Searcy. The rest was spent on the road, in other areas, or in meetings! I guess that's how it must feel to have a job that requires you to travel a lot! Time at home definitely is nice!

I've enjoyed thinking on the conference talks from a week ago. In fact, every morning while I get ready I listen to them.

Our mornings usually go as follows:

6:00 am up and moving
6:10 am prayer time
6:20 am workout
7:00 am French toast (yes. Every morning)
7:30 am shower and get dressed
8:00 am read some scriptures, clean a little, whatever needs to get done.
8:30 am we start our day with some planning!

That is a little window into my life! Sure is a fun time. The best part though is that through it all I get to listen to the words of a living prophet and hear talks from other church leaders. Defnintpey helps me get my days moving into the right direction!

Love y'all so so much!

Have an amazing week

Elder C.R. Anderson

Not any pictures this week... I'll do better !

General Conference

Monday, October 8, 2018

Good Morning All!

So happy to be able to write y'all. My thoughts and prayers have been with Nana and the recent surgery. Love you.

This week was a lot of work, a little sleep, and countless blessings. I am so thankful for a loving God who is willing and eager to bless us. One highlight from this last week was a lesson we had last Wednesday. We have been teaching a group of Harding students, and a little over a week ago we invited each of them to bring a friend to our next lesson. They all did! In total we had a lesson with 9 students. Each of them came from entirely different family and social backgrounds, however their combined faith in Christ really blew me away. They all want to follow Christ in the best way they know. We taught the plan of salvation, but due to the numerous questions we covered only our pre mortal life. It was a great discussion!

We also were able to watch general conference with a family of 7 that we are teaching! They loved it. The mother of the family and her 11 year old daughter attended the women's session and told us how special the talk given by the prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, was. I too enjoyed the talks and found a lot of wisdom and council in the themes I felt and saw in the conference.

Today we woke up at 4 am and did some grocery shopping before heading to Jacksonville! It was fun to be at Wal-Mart so early again! There was no one there! We have this month's zone pday today and it is going to be great! This last transfer we got 4 additional missionaries in the zone! One of the companionships is a senior couple that are serving on the little rock air force base! They are a delightful couple that really are excited to do the work here.

My prayers are going out to each of you and I look forward to hearing more from y'all about how life is and the wonderful blessings you have received. Talk to you soon.

Love,

Elder C.R. Anderson


- Wal-Mart at 4 am

- A Christian pizza buffet. They let people write scriptures and inspirational quotes on the wall. I chose a favorite of mine :) 3 Nephi 5:13

Fall is my favorite

Monday, October 1, 2018

Hello!

Fall really is my favorite. The heat is on its way out the back door and that's good news! It's been absolutely delightful most of the week. This next week should be pretty warm, but after that it should be over.

I've enjoyed hearing from each of you and love receiving the emails and pictures! Y'all look happy and healthy. This week was a long one full of so many events. We felt like it flew by. Most of the pictures are from today! However some are from earlier events in the week.

One miracle and cool story is that we have been regularly teaching a group of 4 college students. Last Wednesday we had a meeting with them and invited them all to bring a friend! (That's how most of them got there in the first place). They all said they would and as of now we have 8 college students coming to a lesson on Wednesday! They said that they would continue to invite friends. Should be a great night! We will have some members of the ward there as well, as we teach about the plan of salvation. We are excited.

Love y'all so so much! Hope you enjoy the pictures, and I will talk to y'all shortly.

Elder C.R Anderson

We are helping someone build a house. I've learned lots!
Watermelon from a members garden
Our apartment decorated! Thanks mom

Art alley (cool city art project down town)

On the road!

Monday, September 24, 2018

Hello :)

We spent more than 12 hours on the road this week! 8 of those were a day trip to Memphis. We were meeting in Bartlett Tennessee. We went there for a mission leadership council. The stake center that we met in is right behind the temple that is being completely renovated.

Other than that I spent time in various cities throughout eastern Arkansas and western Tennessee. This cities include Searcy, Memphis, Bartlett, Forrest city, lonoke, Beebe, Cabot, and little rock! Map those out and you'll see that we were running around quite a bit!

We got the transfer news this last weekend and both elder Webb and I will be spending another 6 weeks in Searcy! At the end of this transfer, I will have been in Searcy for 7 and 1/2 months. It is so exciting!

Elder Webb and I are working our hardest and the Lord is making miracles happen in our area. It is wonderful.

Fun story for this week! We got pulled over... no worries though we weren't the ones driving. We were in the back seat of a members car in Beebe. The mom was driving in the middle of the road on a country road, when she should have been on the right. So he let her off with a warning. It was pretty cool because as he was about to leave we had a talk with him about what we are doing as missionaries and we shared a copy of the Book of Mormon with him, promising that the message contained inside could change the life of him and his family.

We had the opportunity of meeting with Tad R. Callister, the Sunday School General President. He gave an outstanding lesson to us and about 70 other missionaries on the plan of salvation. Great time spent with him.

We also made it to another devotional that he did later that evening for the general public. We traveled there (little rock) with our elders quorum President and one of the people we are teaching.

Other than that it has been a lot of rain! This last Sunday we were waiting for members to arrive at church. We grabbed umbrellas and helped people from their cars to the church. Because of the nearly horizontal rain, we got soaked. But we were happy to help.

The work is such a pleasure to be a part of. I am amazed daily because of the trust that God has given me and my fellow missionaries. Love y'all and hope to hear good things are happening with each of you!

Love,

Elder C.R Anderson

Pictures:
- Rain over the river
- Pulled over
- In front of Memphis temple
- Bass pro shop pyramid
- Everyone was a little tired

Side Preparation day!

Monday, September 17, 2018

Hello family!

Today we spent the day in Jacksonville for a preparation day with all of the missionaries on the Arkansas side of the mission.

We had to get up super early to get all of our shopping and cleaning done for the day. We woke up at 4:30 and went to Wal-Mart. It's creepy to be there super early because no one else is there, no music is playing, and the shelves are completely full because no one else had gone shopping yet. Well, except on guy. We were going to get some bread, and this one man had cleared out every single type of sliced bread. The bread was stacked so high in his cart it was almost taller than him. Weird but cool. I guess bread freezes well. After our shopping we got a ride to Jacksonville with a member of our congregation who commutes to work in little rock every day. He's a back surgeon there.

Some of the activities we did today include frisbee golf, croquet, kickball, and other fun activities! The weather was definitely in the upper 90s and really humid. Everyone was super sweaty and gross. But it's okay because we were all sweaty together.

This last week was full of miracles. I will focus on one! We were able to meet and teach a family this last week. The father had gone to many churches in the past but never felt that welcome in any of them. He preferred to watch sermons on YouTube on Sunday. One Sunday he was watching a sermon (pretty sure general conference) when an add came on the screen for a free copy of the bible. He filled out his information and also said he would be interested in hearing a message about Jesus Christ when the missionaries came to deliver his bible. We were able to go and deliver the Bible and we talked with them about the gospel contained in it. We invited them (and their family of 7) to read from it as well as the book of Mormon, to pray every day, and to come to church. We took them on a tour of our building a few days later and they decided that they want to be baptized. They also came to church this Sunday which was so good to be with them there. There are so many other things like this happening and it's definitely the work of the Lord. He is truly hastening His work.

That's about all I've got this week but there will be more to come. This Saturday I will find out if I will stay in Searcy any longer! Most likely I will, but I hope I do!

Love Y'all so much!

Elder C.R. Anderson

1. Elder Giles and I (he was my first companion)
2. Playing croquet (I think that's how you spell it)
3. Wal-Mart @ 5 am.

Church History

Monday, September 10, 2018

Hello Family and friends,

I'd like to just start off and say how much I love and appreciate each of you. So many of you have had such a profound and lasting impact on me and my life. One person in particular is my sister Chloe. She had a birthday this last week so I thought it would be fitting to recognize her. Chloe is so kind. I have always admired her ability to love and be loved by others. Thanks for being such a kind and thoughtful sister and friend. Love you Chloe!

Life is much clearer when we look at it backwards. When I was in elementary school I read a mystery novel, in which a character found a note that was written backwards. By that I mean, the note could only be read by holding it up in the mirror. I remember that as a kid I found this to be fun and exciting; copying words down backwards on a paper, then rushing to the bathroom mirror to examine if I got it right.

I find myself doing the same thing with my mission now. I will give it my all, and then afterwards find myself reflecting on and examining my efforts. That time of self inspection and evaluation helps me to find the errors or changes that I will need to make to do better in the future. As I pray to God, He helps me to find the errors, but also the solutions to any of my shortcomings. What I am trying to say, is that life becomes clearer when we look back and truly reflect upon our actions.

Looking back at the last year and more of my missionary service, I have seen so many ways in which I could improve. For a long time, and still now, I struggle with feeling like my past efforts were inadequate or I could have done more. However, I have a loving God that wants me to succeed. He often reminds me that my efforts were not everything that I could give, but they there are enough! That is the beauty of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Our efforts alone will always be incomplete and insufficient. However that does not mean we should stop trying all together. Christ walks with us and makes up the rest.

As you can see, it is difficult for me to put into words the feelings of my heart. Plainly spoken they are:

- I love Jesus Christ
- I know that He lives
- I know that there is a Plan for us
- I know that through Christ, I can do all things.

Love you all so much! Sorry for not many details about the week. It was a good one! More info will come in the next few weeks.

Elder C.R Anderson

PS - The branch for the small city of Beebe meets in the building here in Searcy. However they are in the process of renovating the second floor of a bank in Beebe! We got to help with that a little today! Here's some cool pictures. I thought it would be funny to look out of the window during class and see Sonic!

Another week in paradise!

Monday, September 3, 2018

Hey Family and Friends,

So good to be able to communicate with all of you each week. The technology we have to facilitate this communication is amazing. God has put amazing tools in each of our hands. I think he has done so to further his work, and to hasten it as well! Whether the work is happening in our own lives, or the lives of others, technology helps us to become better followers of Jesus Christ.

This last week we had 3 baptisms in the zone we are in! One of them was for an amazing person named Kathy. She and her daughter, Harlie, moved to Beebe where they were able to meet with the missionaries and learn about the amazing gospel! Kathy was baptised this last Saturday, and her daughter will be baptised this coming Saturday! So exciting!

Kathy's Baptism was unique because she is usually confined to a wheelchair. Elder Webb, Elder Cluff, Elder Riley and myself all participated in the baptism. The ordinance was only performed by one person of course, but we were there to lift her down the stairs and to help her go all the way under the water then back up. Really special experience!

We have an exciting event coming up! Elder Tad Callister, an emeritus Seventy and the General Sunday School President, will be visiting and meeting with a small group of missionaries. I really look forward to hearing from him. He has said he plans to speak for 3 hours about the power of the Book of Mormon. I look forward to the amazing instruction!

We are all so blessed to be living in the age we are. The blessings God has giving us are both grand and unique. I'm thankful for this restored gospel of Jesus Christ which has not only shaped my life, but changed my life.

Love y'all! Talk to you soon!

Elder C.R. Anderson

Hello!

Monday, August 28, 2018

Hey Family and friends!

Sorry for the short email today. We had a Zone Preparation Day! All the missionaries in Searcy and the surrounding area met in Jacksonville for a day of fun and sports. Everyone from the zone was able to make it and it turned out being a pretty good time.

That last week was a whirlwind of talking to people, working hard, and seeing the gospel in action. This truly is a living church. In that I mean that God is actively guiding and directing his saints. The future is exciting! We are so privileged to help prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

It is my hope and prayer that when He comes we will be ready to meet him. Whether it is in this life or the next, it doesn't matter me.

The words in Jacob 6 sum up my feelings very well.

11 O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life.

12 O be wise; what can I say more?

13 Finally, I bid you farewell, until I shall meet you before the pleasing bar of God, which bar striketh the wicked with awful dread and fear. Amen.

With those powerful words, let's be wise! We should all be choosing to align our lives with the only perfect life. The life of Jesus Christ.

Love you all!

Elder C.R. Anderson

Sorry for not many pictures. Everyone's a little tired after a fun day!

Service

Monday, August 21, 2018

Hello everyone!

I am amazed that when we serve others, we in turn receive the love of God. There is true joy that comes from serving those around us. The scriptures lay out clearly why service is so important:

Mathew 25:40 (Bible)

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Mosiah 2:17 (Book of Mormon)

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

These scriptures both tech the same thing. They teach us to love God and our fellow man. We had the opportunity to do service for a couple in our ward this last week. We worked along side them trimming bushes, moving dirt, and lifting railroad ties. It started to pour, but all of us continued working happily! There is something about the spirit of service (along with a little mud) that makes me so so happy.

I'm thankful for all of you and invite you to serve one another. As you do, you will feel God's love for that person, as well as in your own life. Love y'all and talk to you soon!

Elder C.R. Anderson

P.S. I have a new companion, Elder Webb! He's 6'6" from Rexburg Idaho

Staying in Searcy!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Hello Everybody

Just got some exciting news! I'll be staying in Searcy for another 6 weeks. At the end of this 6 weeks I'll have been here for 6 months!! That's a long time! Good news is that I'll probably be able to stay a little longer than that.

My current companion, Elder Ogaard, is going back to Idaho this week. I'm for sure going to miss him. Elder Webb is going to be coming to Searcy with me though! He was on the same plane to Arkansas that I was. So we have both been on the mission for about the same amount of time. He seems way nice, and like a great guy. Haven't had a ton of interactions with him before now but I already love him. He seems way cool. He is actually a little bit taller than me, so we will stand out from the crowd.

I'm so thankful for this opportunity to serve as a missionary. It is a marvelous time. The amount of time (all the time) that I get to devote myself to Jesus Christ is, will be, and has been, life changing. I know that this church is true. I believe in all its organizations, doctrines, and practices. Why? Because I believe in Jesus Christ, and this is his church. It is not a replica of his former church, or a reformed church. This is the restored Church of Jesus Christ in every sense.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints is lead by Jesus Christ. If you don't believe that or know it yet, then lean on me and try my word. But more importantly try the word of Christ. Read the Book of Mormon and the Bible and find the truth.

To all that read this, I love you. I may not know each of you personally, but God does. I know that you are my brothers and my sisters. Please email me with any questions that have been weighing on your mind. I am here to listen.

Talk to you all soon!

Elder C.R. Anderson

Family

Monday, August 6, 2018

Hello and happy Monday!

The importance of family has been my topic of thought throughout this week. The love that can be felt in a Christ-centered home, is unparalleled by any worldly standard. I am so thankful for my loving family and that they continue to love me unconditionally.

This past week was the baptism of Eric Jr. (8 years old). This baptism was a very spiritual experience for all who were present. His dad was the man that was baptized about 3 months ago. It was amazing to see the whole family there to support them, and to see Eric baptize his son, Eric Jr.. Something that the spirit testified to me while we were there is that families are meant to be forever, and that likewise, we are meant to progress forever. This family saw that there are still things they can do to ensure happiness in this life, and in the next.

So how can we apply this? I would suggest that it is by adopting the truth that progression is eternal. That we are not yet perfect, and therefore "fall short of the glory of God." However, through Christ we can be clean, and eventually perfected. This is a comforting thought. I am so thankful for my family. I love you and I miss you! However, there is no other that I could possibly be doing.

I love you all and cherish my relationship with each and every one of you. I pray that God and His angels watch over you, and I know that they do.

Love,

Elder C.R. Anderson

1. Future Missionary

Almost August!

Monday, July 30, 2018

Hello Everyone

Miracles have continued to happen here in Searcy!!

There's little to no time to email today, however it's all for good reasons! We were shopping, cleaning, and then we were at an escape room with some other missionaries today. An escape room is a room they put you in and then you have to solve a bunch of small puzzles in order to "get out". Really good time! We ended up staying afterwards and all 8 of us missionaries were able to talk to the guy that worked there and we are planning on meeting with him at the Church tonight to teach him some more! Really cool!

Recently we have been confronted a lot with really hard questions, that frankly are very difficult to answer. Often times the people we teach will have questions that are too hard to explain or reason through... at least for me. I feel so young in the gospel and it's because I am! My scriptural knowledge is very small, however I have a great testimony of this gospel. Time and time again, I point people to read the Book of Mormon and pray on the message it contains. It is true. It's as simple as that. If you don't believe me, try it. If you do believe the Book of Mormon is true, then try it again and receive another witness. This gospel is not one that I can reason through or simply convince to other people. Rather, it is a gospel that requires faith and the influence of the Holy Ghost to help us know the truth of all things (Moroni 10:3-5 especially verse 5).

I love you all so much and apologize that I won't be able to write any of you personally due to lack of time. I'll get you next week though! Love you all so much.

Elder C.R. Anderson

1. Some of the people we are teaching that came to a ward party
2. Stare down with a dog. We stayed like this for about 5 minutes.

The Perfect Love of Jesus Christ

Monday, July 23, 2018

I have gone back and forth wondering if I should share this event that transpired last Friday. However, I feel like the message in it is so much more important than the story itself. I hope you all can read it and feel the power of Christ's love for you personally.

"There is a pretty busy road that runs straight through the heart of Searcy. Right off of the road there are some pretty run down apartments. Every day for 5 days I had noticed a man sitting on curbside by the apartments. Every single day when we would drive by it the spirit would nearly say to me "look at that man." I never felt no other prompting accept to simply notice that he was there."

"Then on the 6th day, we were driving back to our apartment after an appointment and I noticed the man again. The spirit whispered to me to turn around and go talk to him. So I did just that, and I flipped around as soon as I could. We pulled into the apartment parking lot with a sense of urgency. Right as we pulled into a parking space the man got up and started to walk towards the road (he was obviously intoxicated). I called after him but he kept walking. He walked straight through the busy road as cars braked and swerved around him to avoid hitting him. Just as he had passed the road, he threw himself back into the road in an attempt to get hit by a passing car. He only glanced the back of it, however, and miraculously got up. The man walked off the road to a near by store. We got in our car and bolted across the road in pursuit. I pulled in next to the building, somewhat blocking off his pathway back towards the road. He sat on some stairs outside the shop and buried his face in his hands. I got out and started to talk to him. I asked him who he was, and what his name was. I got nothing but vulgar language and threats in return. I handed the phone to my companion and told him to walk a ways away and call the police."

"As I was alone with this man, I did the only thing I could think of to help his troubled soul. Because of how medicated he was, I am unsure how much of my testimony he heard. I testified of Jesus Christ, that his atonement was powerful and real. I told the man that I knew who he was, and that I had seen him daily and said a prayer for him in my heart every time I did. The man remained sitting and would refuse to look at me. Whether out of bravery or stupidity I approached him. I opened the Book of Mormon to the page that depicts the savior, then I layed the Book at his feet. I expressed my love for him as well as our savior. The police arrived shortly after and told us we could leave. The rest of that night my heart was filled in humble prayer, asking my Father in heaven to send His angels to minister to my brother. I do not know his name or the life he has lived, but I do know that he is a son of God and of infinite worth. I'm thankful that even for a moment I was able to see him in the way Christ sees us. I'm thankful for my Redeemer and my Savior. He comforts troubled hearts and fixes broken men."

I know that God is very real. He is not an abstract being of spirit, rather is a physical God with infinite power and love. He sent us His son, to physically and spiritually save us. I'm so thankful that Christ suffered for my sins, and that he knows me so personally. It is my hope that you all have the chance to reflect on this great gift. Have a blessed day

Love you all,

Elder C.R. Anderson

(Picture is of a demonstration we did for missionaries in the area of how to teach in every situation)

1 Nephi 19

7 For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

8 And behold he cometh, according to the words of the angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem.

9 And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

Miracles are happening!

Monday, July 16, 2018

Hello Everyone!

Miracles are happening. For this week's letter I'll just share 2. The first is with brother King and this happened last night. He's someone we are teaching now:

Brother King rolled up (He's in a wheelchair) and knocked on our door at 10:20pm. We were a little scared because I couldn't see anyone through the hole but we opened up and there he was so we talked to him. He asked us if he could borrow some scissors... so we said yes and gave him some scissors. He rolled off and we were a little confused. My companion suggested that we give him a book of Mormon when (or if) he came back with our scissors. I thought it was a great idea. He came back a few minutes later and we gave him a book of Mormon. He was telling us that he had just gotten married about a month ago. We explained how the gospel blesses families, individuals, as well as married couples. He was super excited! We gave him the temple marriage and family pamphlet because I wanted to give him a family proclamation pamphlet but couldn't find any. We invited him to read it and he said that he was going to go home and read it that very night. We are planning on seeing him tomorrow.

The next miracle is that of Sister Massey:

We were visiting a lady that is a little crazy. She has referred herself to the missionaries (requested that we visit her) a ton of times but each time we attempt to meet with her she won't keep any commitments. We met with her this last week and asked who she knew that could use the message that we had shared with her. She said her sister was in a rehab facility because she had fallen and they were worried that she was now paralyzed from the waist down. We went the next day and stopped in to see how She was doing. She was sad but we shared a message about our purpose on earth and how God gives us trials so that we can grow. She lit up. She was so comforted and expressed her feelings of peace and joy. We set up a time to see her after she got out of rehab in the next few days. We went by and she was just telling us how She knows the Church is true and that Christ is at the center of it. She has a humble spirit and desires to be taught more. In the message we invited her to read the book of Mormon, pray about our message, come to church, and be baptised! She agreed to all of them. She is truly prepared by God and an amazing person that wants to do the right thing.

I love being a missionary. God has blessed me with a love for these people that I can't describe. Miracles happen every day. I know that as we are obedient to Gods command and work diligently, that He will bless us.

Moroni 7:35-37 (However I'd encourage y'all to read the whole chapter)

35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?

36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?

37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

Elder C.R. Anderson

1. Pet Racoon - it was super nice
2. A stray cat kept trying to sneak into the Church. These are a few pictures from the multiple attempts.

God is good

Monday, July 9, 2018

Hello Family!

Missionary work is going well and the Lord is working so many miracles in this area. I love the blessing I have to be a part of it and to work hard in bringing my brothers and sisters to Christ.

This last week though was a good one and pretty eventful! We worked hard and ran around quite a bit helping people with service, teaching lessons, and going to meetings!

The 4th of July was a great one! Didn't get to see very many fireworks but plenty of people were having get togethers and just celebrating! We got to make our way out to the Galloway family and have a dinner with them as well as the sister missionaries. Not sure if I've mentioned it before but there is a companionship of sister missionaries that work in the same area/ward as us as well. They are super great and do amazing work! They just got a third companion this week so now there are 5 of us all serving in Searcy!

I was down in Beebe this last week as well on exchanges. We ran into another modified truck (see pictures). It is very similar to the one I found in Little Rock! You'll have to go back a ways to find that picture.

Missionary work is such a Joy. I've never felt so much happiness and contentment with how I am living. When we live the commandments and strive to follow Jesus Christ, our lives can be filled with peace and blessings. I'm so thankful for parents that taught me this as a young boy. Now I'm just a big boy and still working on getting better every day!

Love y'all and will talk to you soon!

Elder C.R. Anderson

1-2.We visited some people, they weren't home but from what we counted there were 20 or more puppies on their property.
3. Modified Truck "Runs great and is a heck of a lot cheaper than a Silverado."

Searcy Arkansas! Woohoo!

Monday, July 2, 2018

Hello!

We just got our transfer news last night and I get to stay in Searcy at least another 3 months!! That's because my companion and I are both staying in Searcy this next 6 weeks, and then elder ogaard goes home. And usually that means that I will stay to "train" the next missionary that comes to Searcy! Even the idea of spending more time here gets me excited though. I love this place. Well really I just love the people that live here, but the place is pretty great too!

This last week my companion and I were anywhere but Searcy! We did carwashes in Cabot, service on a air force military base in Jacksonville, exchnages in Beebe, and some crazy work in lonoke!

It was extremely hot and humid this last week. The temperature was around 102 for most of the week, ocassionaly dipping down into the upper 90s. The heat index on the worst day had us at 120 degrees! Rumor has it that it's going to be a hot hot summer in Arkansas. But I have learned to love the heat.

Something that is harder to get over is the bugs! Haven't has anything too bad, but definitely got a little torn up by some chiggers. We did service for someone in lonoke, and they told me to bring shorts and a t shirt. When we arrived the lady gasped and said "you're not planning on doing service in that are you?!" We were confused and asked what it was that we were going to be doing. She explained that we would be cutting down some very very tall weeds and grass in her backyard. It was hot work and lots of thorns but we got it done! That night when we got back, I and the other elder took turns taking a "bleach bath" as recommended by the mission nurse. It worked! Most of the bugs died and there hasn't been that bad of a lasting result! Chiggers can be a nasty thing if you don't catch them early!

President came through Searcy again this last week and we were able to teach with him again. He is a powerful teacher and knows his scriptures really well. I'm working on getting there!

A young couple, the Galloway family, moved into our ward this last week! He is the youngest master engraver in the world! He was accepted by the firearms guild. He is one of around 40 master engravers in the world! Super cool!

We also got Voss water from someone today and turned it into Sharkleberryfin flavored kool-aid today. Turns out artisan water from Norway makes great kool-aid!

I love this work I am doing. I know the gospel has been restored and because of that I am able to share this amazing message with the world! The south, Arkansas, and the heat are amazing. I am so grateful for how much God has given me.

Love y'all so so much!

Elder C.R. Anderson