One of the highlights of our week was the Missionary transfer meeting in Iowa City! 41 new missionaries arrived (10 visa waiters) and 40% were Sisters! We heard from the entire Mission Presidency, the Stake President and Sister Jergensen. Pure testimony and truth were born. President Jessup talked about the building in which we sat, the Iowa City Stake Center. He said, "This is the very spot that the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies left, during that dreadfully cold winter. Many gave their lives for us as Saints and if nothing else, we owe them a debt of gratitude for their steadfastness and integrity!" He further said, "They trekked on and on for us and the world needs to know why!" They traveled almost due north, along a trail that is now called, Mormon Trek Blvd. The town of Iowa City, although very liberal in their thinking, protects the sanctity of this street because they consider it part of their heritage!! Sister Jergensen talked about unity in Christ and that nothing can be accomplished unless we band together, as did the Saints of old! Pres. Jergensen said that exact obedience is the key to happiness and lack thereof will allow the adversary to chip away, and even melt the armor of God! The cause in which we are engaged is to save mankind and that the Lord expects much from us. This was a great meeting, filled with the spirit!!

 

Mormon Trek Blvd. Iowa City

Iowa City Stake Center

 

 

Last week I had to go to the chiropractor due to that pinched sciatic nerve. We searched Manchester and found the busiest one in town and then, of course, could not get into see him. Sister Warner suggested that we drive down Main Street until we found one that we felt good about. The one she chose did not have a single car in front of the building, but the Dr's name was Johnson, like our Branch President's, so we decided to give him a try. Sister Warner felt strongly that he was the guy that we needed to see. Well, she was right on the mark. We spent a few minutes with the receptionist (Lindsey) and then I went in to visit with Dr. Johnson. We exchanged the usual small talk and then he asked me why I was in Manchester . I told him I was a missionary for the church, that we had been here about a month and that I was from Ramona, Ca. Turns out he had practice in Vista a few years ago and that about a third of his patients were LDS. Said he had a lot of respect for the LDS people, especially their family values. He has read the Book of Mormon, went through the open house at the SD Temple and knows lots of our doctrine. He mentioned that he went through a divorce years ago, he and his ex-wife are good friends and that if they had worked harder at their marriage, they could have made it. He then said, "If we would have only had the sealing power!!" We talked a great length about the church, etc. He is Evangelical and practices his faith, but wants to hear more and invited me to come back and visit him. Now, while I visited with the Dr., that missionary wife of mine had a long conversation with Lindsey, in the front office. She invited her and her husband to Nauvoo for a tour, etc. Turns out that Lindsey has been to Nauvoo and loves that beautiful city. She and Sis. Warner agreed to meet in Nauvoo, in the near future. We are going back to the office today to continue our visit. Dr. Johnson said that I was welcome back any time, as long as he isn't knee deep in customers. This was a great experience and we are certain we were led to this office by the Lord.
 

Yesterday, was Branch Conference and it was wonderful! The Cedar Rapids Stake President is very dynamic and his entire talk centered around missionary work. Sister Warner and I, along with the Elders, were elated that he chose that subject. He said three things needed to happen to hasten the Lord's work; 1) Do your PERSONAL missionary work, 2) Prepare our youth to serve missions and 3) Strong families need to be raised up to thwart the adversary. Great talk!!

The rest of the week was filled with teaching appointments, District Meeting, etc. Sister Warner and I taught 15 lessons this past week, meeting the goal of the mission.

Read the Book of Mormon! It is filled with truth and knowledge that will bring us closer to the Lord!!

Stand Strong and Be Bold!!

Elder and Sister Warner