Dear Family,
     I had wanted to share with you a letter I had received from Steve a while ago, but I wanted to wait until he gave me permission to do so. It isn't anything earth shaking, but it is a sweet letter from a young man who has developed a stronger love and testimony of the Savior. It touched me, not only because I am his mother, but because it reminds me of the things I always need to be grateful for...my testimony, and my wonderful family! Enjoy! Love, Mom

May 24, 2013

     Dear Mom,
         Things have been very well here in Brighton lately! Today we had 2 new investigators we gained! They are promising individuals,and I can see why the Lord desires them so much; they are incredible men. One is Ali's friend, Sarwar. He likes the love that Christian faith has and I'm sure will come to embrace the Gospel as Ali has. The other man is named Brad, and he is a smart man in his 40s or so. He talked about when he was in the British Army during Bible study. Anyways, he is now in sales for a large company here. In the meantime while we are teaching them we will be visiting the many less-active families in the various areas around here. There is much work to be done here! We will receive many baptisms yet! Already we have arranged lists and made all the preparations for a successful transfer.
         My testimony of this Gospel is stronger than ever. I know the Book of Mormon to be the very word of God. It is the cornerstone of my faith and the only pillar I need, for it testifies of Christ and His Atonement that man will be resurrected and reunited with his God. It teaches pure truth that our Father in Heaven is so mindful of His children, that he speaks to us today and cries for us to listen and come back to Him. I know that this church is led by Him through His son Jesus Christ, and that miracles happen everyday although we may be too blind to see them. The sacrifices that people have made to bring us more of God's word, to withstand the advesary's attacks and hold to their faith, is undeniable proof of this. The fruits of the Gospel are only good and bring joy and light to all who partake of it. It is written by their fruits ye shall know them and men do not "gather figs of thistles." My main focus now is how to live in such a way to always recognize the Spirit's promptings. I know that when I share the good message with others it comes to me in such a way as to almost move me to tears. At other times it floods me with conviction to the work and God's Kingdom. In this world there is so much confusion and skepticism, but the one thing I will not doubt is the Book of Mormon and what it stands for. I will not doubt God's existence and active hand in our lives. I've come to realize I don't need miraculous manifestations or angels from above to prove this to me. That is for those who cannot see in any other way. One thing I recognize is that the forces of evil are so very real and prevalent on the earth, so too is the only shelter from them and that is God. I pray each night to be protected from that, to be guided in my life and to always remember who I really am and what Christ has done for me. It also is written in the Book of Mormon how quick man is to forget their God and do iniquity. I feel that that is so often the case. If we remember God would we even want to sin? Perhaps the challenges I face in my life are less of those which would come to those in poverty and more of those which come to those blessed with wealth. In the developed world it is more of a case of controlling appetities than it is of anything else. Gambling and debt, promiscuity, gluttony, addictions and escapism all have a common trend in satisfying carnal pleasures of greed and pleasure seeking with no regard to others. People hold to pride as a shield of comfort and a driving focus on oneself.  It's funny how when on a mission you are not of the world, but you sure are in it! It makes me want to cling to the ideals of Christ even more. All good things come of God. Anyways, those are some of the things I've learned out here so far. I hope all is going well in El Dorado Hills. How blessed I am to have a family like I have. Even more blessed I was to be raised in the home I was in and the community that surrounded me. Above all, I am eternally grateful for being born into this Gospel. I would be lost without it. I love you Mom.
                                                                                                                                                                                         Love,
                                                                                                                                                                                             Elder Cooper