GOLDEN WEEK!

Dear Family

 This week has been lot of fun I spent the first 3 days with the Zone leaders Elder Smith and Elder T. Johnson. They were a blast and we got to smash there area. But we also drove heaps on Wednesday when I picked up my companion we drove literally like all day. and The Nambor got white washed and Sisters were put in and Sister Gale First time in Australia got to drive Was super scary and funny I have never seen someone get honked at more then she did in my life. I felt so bad for her I just wanted to drive the car back for her, but it was a obstacle that she had to overcome. It was funny every turn she would turn on the windshield wipers. But they made it safe. I got my New Companion Elder Leach He is from Adelaide, Mt. Barker He Is my First Australian companion and is easy to get along with. He is a great missionary excited to do the work and he has a lot of the same weaknesses as me when I came out. It's great cause I can relate to him pretty well and help him to overcome and face many of those challenges. He has good memory which is something that I don't so He learns super quick. Their also as been alot of picking up in the Lords vineyard here. We had a miracle this Sunday We had only expected 2 of our investigators to come to church. But we had 10 non members come and 6 of which were our investigators I couldn't believe it the lord has helped us so much we set up appointments with many for a return appointment! The Lord is preparing his Area and we have been able to get in contact with many which have been hard to see. Blessing are coming. I believe it's because of the Faith of the Members we have been trying to see many of the members encouraging them to keep the commandment found in Alma 6:6 Which is to pray for Those you don't know God. Over the past 2 weeks things have just been picking up and I know it's because the Lord is starting to trust us and the members with these Elect souls. But we did have bummer to this Our investigators Les and Jana came to Church which was awesome. But he later gave us a call and expressed his desire to not join a church he feels he can't associate with an organization. Only if he truly understood what the role of the church is. If anything it accelerates our growth and brings us closer to god. But this man thinks very Highly of us and told us that we are great boys! It's hard to see him reject what we know will help him. But we have come to be good friends and in his phone call to me he said if you and your Wife ever need a place to stay just come and we will go and vacation and you can have the house to yourself for 3 day, 3 weeks, or even 3 months. This guy is super loving and it's just so hard to see him push away that which he needs. I know the Church is True It's the vehicle that we must follow in order to return back to our Heavenly Father. Because with in it are the saving ordinance of Salvation which must be preformed by the Priesthood! God Lives and Love each of us! 

         Love,

               Elder S. Johnson

Picture Me and Elder Leach at the Library

From Rockhampton

Golden!

Dear, Family

 This week has been really good we have seen wonderful miracles. We are teaching this guy named Les who was in the military but due to some crazy experiences he has had he developed post traumatic stress disorder and left the military he has had a hard life no family. and has spent much of his life in trying to truly find god and has intensively investigated many different faiths. But has come the conclusion that we shouldn't put ourselves in an organization cause they restrict us. But he had us over for Lunch and he made some really good Cambodian food. But after we had a really good lesson and we invited him to church. during that night he called and was just thanking us for all we have done and told me I made the best decision to serve a mission and he thanked me for being me. He said I was a good Kid. And said " I would be the last person in the world to go to a Mormon church on a Sunday and you Got me" Was really cool If you just knew him to hear that was a miracle. He never did show up that Sunday. But to have that kind of progress was just wonderful. But this week We had transfers and I'm staying in my area and I'm getting a Golden or a "Greenie" I'm a bit excited and really nervous. But it' will be great!! The Church is True Christ lives. And Charity is the Greatest of all Gifts! I still need to grow in Charity. But I've just really have pondered it. If we can't learn to be kind do you think we will qualify for heaven. I Love you all have a wonderful Week!!!

                   Love,

                         Elder S. Johnson

Interviews

Dear, Family

 This week has been very blessed. We had the wonderful opportunity to go down to Burpengary to have Zone Conference and Interviews. This was very powerful and has taught me so much. My testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith as grown so much I know that he is a prophet!!! Did you know that the book of Mormon in the total space of 60 day that the book of Mormon was translated. Thats about 10 pages a day! The evidence that prove that he is a prophet of God is just so great. I know that there are many falsehood spread about the prophet. but that this evidence that Moroni is a prophet He said that Good and evil would be said about him. But I know that he is good! I also had a very tender mercies from our Heavenly Father. I the morning of Interviews had the question come to mind that I've had for nearly 21 months. Why was I called to each of my Areas I just didn't know. I was thinking and getting frustrated. But as we went in for interviews. President Henderson and I knelt down he offered the prayer and in it he expressed his love and asked that I would be blessed. As we sat down he just kind of out of nowhere Said " You have been used on the mission like a weapon. To help the companions you have been with to be the best they can be.... You don't know the fruits of you labors but they are great" I was a bit taken back and just so grateful for Heavenly Father Answering my Question. But I have just been filled with clarity and understanding because of that. I know that God Answers our prayers We must develop the attribute of Patience and longsuffering. We must learn to accept the will of God and Continue in Faith! I know God lives and his love for us is pure and perfect. No matter what we have done he is our Father!!! He is Just but he is O so merciful!

                      Love, 

                             Elder S. Johnson

Photo: Elder S. Johnson and Elder T. Johnso

Blessing From Heaven

Dear Family 

 Sorry don't have heaps of time this week. But this week was really good we have had 5 new investigators. Robin and Catherine, Estalita, Robert, and Daniel. This has been a much needed delayed blessing we will be unable to see 3 of for a few weeks time but it will be good to start to hopefully teach them. We have also set a baptismal date with Jake our investigator for July 2nd I do worry about his progress toward that date thought because he struggles with schizophrenia. But all of these blessing have come with the Storm. Which wasn't that bad but it make the wave go crazy got some video. was really cool!!! but not much has happened but I do know the lord blesses his children even if blessing are delayed. but with patience and continued faith the blessing will come!!! Keep faithful and all things will work for your good. I know that our heavenly father loves each and every single one of us. Also I don't think I got to tell you last week but I had the mission office call to talk to me about my return flight!!! I was just What?!?!  But my fight is for September 13th so don't get excited and don't think about it :D I love you all!!! have a blessed Week!