And We ARE NOW the Lord's missionaries - We'll Bring the World His Truth....

We had our first glimpse of snow yesterday!  it only snowed for about 13 seconds, but they were  definitely snowflakes and not rain.  Mother Nature has gotten into a habit of blowing a nice, brisk wind upon us here in Kitchener.   It has been fun.  I almost got blown away the other day (quite literally - which is really impressive, because I am not a small person....).  We enjoyed it.

It has been a good week.  God led us to 7 new people who wanted to learn about the Gospel.  I was very happy about that.  That is the highest one-week total of my mission.  The Lord's work is progressing  here, and we now have people that are willing to listen to the Message of the Restoration.  It is magnificent to be a part of this work.

So here it is - November.  Christmas is coming, and I have something I would like each of you to do for Christmas.  As the season draws nigh, take the opportunity to share with someone the incredible message of Jesus Christ and the Restored Gospel.  And when you do that, write me a letter and tell me about it, and the Testimony of the Gospel that you have.  Invite someone to be taught by the missionaries, write your testimony in a Book Of Mormon and give it to somebody, give away a Church DVD, invite someone to come to ward activities - The method is up to you - use your wonderfully creative minds that God has given you (If you need ideas, Use Preach My Gospel or ask the missionaries).

Christ was the greatest gift ever given.  "For God so loved the World that He gave His only Begotten son...."  And as we commemorate the Savior and His atonement as the greatest Gift that HE could give, let us share with others the greatest gift WE can give.

President Eyring tells us, "at some moment in the world to come, everyone you will ever meet will know what you know now....And they will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you.... we have been given the privilege and the obligation to offer the truth and the choices which lead to those blessings to our Heavenly Father’s children, who are our brothers and our sisters."  I echo the Words of President Eyring.  We have a sacred privilege.  In the First Presidency Message in Preach My Gospel, we are promised that "more happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His Children."  Sharing the Gospel Brings Joy, both to you and the people you share it with.  It is the only source of True Happiness.  Only the Gospel can bring us that.  Jesus Christ is the Savior, Lord, and Redeemer of all mankind.  He has restored His truth again to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  The Book of Mormon is the Word of God - I Sign my name with Elder Holland's in bearing witness of that.  This is the Lord's Work, and He will help us do it.

I love you All!

Your Obedient Servant,
Elder Austin James Ashcraft