We have had a wonderful week in Manchester, Iowa. We had received assignments to visit a number of part member families; some less-active, some needing ordinances and some just needing some loving reminders. Of the four less-active members that we visited, two of them have come to church. One sister in particular is a wonderful story: After talking to this good sister, we found out that she was baptized in the Julian Branch and moved here from Alpine, Ca. She loves horses and get this, her first name is Laura! Well, she and Sister Warner have become friends! She told us that she felt the Lord sent us to her and that our being here was not a coincidence. We all know that there are no coincidences! We also know that the spirit touched this good sister's heart, the conversion has begun. Her husband is a non-member, but is supportive of his wife. He has no particular religious affiliation and so I am having some fun with that possibility! We are working with a brother that needs the Mel. Priesthood. He is a convert of about six months and just a short time ago, he baptized his 9 year old daughter.  His wife is supportive, but claims she has no real interest in religion. I am working with this good brother on receiving the priesthood and Sister Warner will work with his wife. We have been assigned to teach the daughter the follow-up lessons and it is our hope that the wife might listen to what her daughter is being taught.

We also have been teaching with our Elders. They have several progressing investigators and it has been wonderful to attend those lessons and listen to them teach. Sister Warner and I have been assigned to teach with the Elders in Manchester and now also, with the Elders in the Fayette, Iowa Branch. They are part of our District, about 45 miles from us. Last Wednesday, we taught a sister is Arlington, Iowa. At one time she was married to a Pentecostal preacher, her Dad was a Baptist minister and she was baptized Catholic. All three religions preach the Trinity and we felt that our task would be difficult. She has been to our church on 2-3 occasions and has enjoyed her time with the saints. We decided that we might as well get right to it and teach about the Restoration. Well, the spirit had other ideas and we just listened (for two hours). She talked about how all of those religious influences lacked one thing; they all talked the talk, but none of they walked the walk. Well, she opened the flood gates and we were able to teach her of the First Vision and the God Head. She readily accepted that miraculous vision and the prophet Joseph! She will be baptized on May 18Th. We testify that the spirit is the great testifier and the converting influence in all of our lives. There are 3-4 other investigators that are very close to baptism.

General Conference was wonderful! We can't wait for the Ensign to arrive so that we can review all of the wonderful talks!!

Read Alma 13:24 and D&C 84:88. Angels are indeed preparing those that we will teach and will go before us to bear us up!!

Stand strong and be bold!

Elder and Sister Warner