Elder Colton Anderson: Teaching with the President!

Monday, June 11, 2018

Good Afternoon!

I want to wish a happy father's day to dad and a happy birthday to my brother! These two men are the most inspiring examples in my life. I want to be like them when I grow up. I'm not just saying that to be silly, but rather I aspire to be even a fraction of the righteous men and father's that they are. Love you both.

This week was a great one. We held our district meeting on Tuesday morning. President Hansen was able to be in attendance. It was super to have him there. Afterwards we had our I interviews with him then we went straight out teaching with him. I'll attach a part of the letter that he sends out weekly to the whole mission. He tells a little about what we did!

The missionaries he talks about in the next section are Elder Ogaard and Myself:

Exchange – Went with two STL’s to teach one of their investigating families. We were able to commit the husband to live the Word of Wisdom and to solve some concerns that they had. I was very impressed with how, both of the Sisters were able to apply the lessons just learned from District Meeting, a couple of hours earlier, and resolve concerns by reading from the Book of Mormon. Also, was able to do exchanges with the Searcy Zone Leaders for a couple of hours. We taught one restoration lesson, gave away three Books of Mormon and got two new investigators. Both Zone Leaders are great examples of being passionate about the work and are powerful leaders that lead by example.

Tell a Story - Had a miracle, finding a family of three, while tracting with two missionaries. It was amazing how they were the last house we knocked on and had we gotten there any earlier, we would have missed the dad. He pulled up just as we were setting up a return appointment with his wife. We introduced ourselves and ask him if he would be interested. He said that he might be, but first wanted to ask me to tell him what it was that makes our Church different from any other Church. I was taken back, just a bit, and then the spirit speaks to me with great clarity that it is our belief in the Godhead, living prophets and in additional scripture. He looks at be me and said, “that is perfect, we are interested”. The missionaries are supposed to go back and teach them next week. It was interesting to note that the Lord will not leave us stranded, if we truly are doing our best to represent Him. It was interesting to note that the Lord will indeed tell us, in the “very moment,” the things that we need to say. We just have to have the faith to go out and do the work with enthusiasm and passion.

As you can tell it was a powerful experience to spend time with him and enjoy teaching with him. He is a very powerful missionary and a gifted leader. Also afterwards he took us to Chile's for dinner! That was an added bonus :)

Apart from that we also had a visit from a general authority, elder Perkins of the seventy. He was a pleasure to learn from and to be able to study with. I walked away feeling strengthened and edified.

Overall a great week! On top of all of it, we were sad to have to trade in the Nissan frontier. The mission sells it After it reaches a certain amount of miles. We are now driving a Nissan rogue and it's a really really nice car. Definitely a blessing to be able to drive!

We have been continuing to work with Eric Aguilar and his family. Eric's son (Eric Jr.) Is going to get baptised in the next few months. It is so much fun to teach him and his little sister betsie. They are both so sweet and willing to learn.

Love you family! So thankful for your support and all that you do for me.

Elder C.R. Anderson

"We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society."

1. How can we be accountable to God for our actions?

2. In what ways can we strengthen and promote the family in todays world?