August 19, 2013

This week was a great one, even though we've had problems with our baptismal date. I guess we must show more love and concern for her, I'm not sure. I'll write about it more in a letter. We've met with 2 new investigators this week who are fantastic! One is a man who wants to "come back into the fold" so to speak, because he had his name removed over ten years ago. He's sincere! He's come to church now and met with bishop, and wants to get his wife to church as well. The other we taught (over dinner at a returning less active's home) a first lesson and will meet again this week over dinner. The mission itself is awakening! Not to mention growing to capacity! 30 more missionaries will come by October, making half the mission 6 months or younger. 

   Reading is preparing for a rock festival (with over 80,000 coming from all over) over 3 days. It starts on Friday, so I've been joking with Elder Poulino that they're doing it to celebrate my birthday. You can see some of the tents already being set up in the background of the photo I'll send! I hope you're collecting these! 

   So glad you got the letter I sent! I got the birthday card Sister Beigler sent. Tell her thanks so much!! As for the packages, I'll see if the Zone Leaders got them from the office yet. 

    Yesterday was one of the most powerful sacrament meetings I've attended. The youth came back from EFY and were on a spiritual high. They transformed! All of the priests and laurels bore their testimony and most ended in tears. Some of the priests said they felt angels there, that it prepared them to stand alone in the world. One told a story of a nonmember boy who went who said that "I want to become a member and serve a mission". They appreciated Christ and His atonement. They valued why they were members in this church. One of the laurels who went who was a bit rebellious before said that she knew now that the church was the right place to be, the right way to follow. These were teenagers! They don't mince words! Some might say it's spiritual brainwashing, I say that it's simply taking the time and effort to evaluate what is most important. That's what a mission does as well! 

   I have many other stories I will write in my letter (I'm working so hard to keep up on my journal already!). Yesterday we also gave another blessing. The church in action!

   Love you mom! I'll set some 19 year old resolutions haha. Tell Heather that her letters take us to hospital! 

Love your (almost 19) missionary son

Elder Cooper jr jr jr