It has finally stopped snowing and the weather has become beautiful!! The trees are beginning to get their leaves and the Lord's hand is at work beautifying this area. It has been fun watching the farmers plant corn, soy beans, etc. Planting these crops is really an art form and we have enjoyed watching the progress. We have also noted the complaints of many of the farmers about the crops getting in late, too much rain, not enough sun and on and on. It has given us a great lead-in to discussions about the gospel, etc.

Our mission is much harder than we imagined, not because of the required work load but due to the hurt and pain that we see as we visit the saints. Small branches, not unlike the one in which we serve, have varying degrees of difficulties. They struggle with simple doctrine and administrative issues, which are very common place to the larger units of the church. They sort of "create" their own problems, so to speak. As we visit the less active members, we find that many of them have been deeply offended by someone or something that they perceive that the church has done. Some choose to be offended in order to justify their in-activity, others have been unnecessarily offended, with no current hope of returning. It saddens us too serve these good saints as they remain far from the church and even further from the Atonement. We have been told by President Jergensen that we will be transferred to Nauvoo on May 29th, and he has asked that we close this area for Sr. Couples, as there are just not enough couples to go around. Therefore, the needed time that is required to "right the many wrongs" within the members of the Branch, will not be available. It just breaks my heart. I have read and re-read Elder Bednar's talk; "And nothing shall offend them," several times in the past two weeks. I know that the answers lie within his prophetic words. We will talk to Pres. Jergensen during transfer meeting and seek his counsel. I wish I could give you specific instances, but fear I would be breaking confidentiality's. The "rescue" effort is real and vital and we are saddened by those that continually offend with harmful words or deeds. To rescue the offended it takes love, understanding, listening and helping members overcome their concerns. It also takes "continual effort" and therein lies the core of the problem. It becomes difficult for me to sit back and watch these things occur, knowing full well that we will soon be gone and all things will just go back to what is perceived as normal. So many saints are unnecessarily away from the church and that is a travesty. My wonderful companion is so good at just marching to the cadence of the Lord and therefore, she keeps me on the straight and narrow (probably not a surprise to most).

We are in the process of closing down our apartment and making all of the necessary administrative arrangements for our transfer to Nauvoo. We are very excited to begin the next step of our mission journey! As the church is not allowed to proselyte in Nauvoo, our assignment will be somewhat different than here in Manchester. Of course, if we can get non-members to come to church, then we can share the Lord's messages of happiness and joy. Sister Warner commented, "I cannot bear my testimony of Nauvoo and not be proselyting. I am sure that the Lord will understand!" Of course, she is right! Our main focus will be working with the less active members and part member families. We will also be heavily involved in the community relations aspect of Nauvoo. Contrary to popular belief, the LDS church is not the predominate religion in this area. It is about 75% Catholic, with a sprinkling of other religions, as well. It is interesting to note that when the saints left Nauvoo due to the horrid persecutions, there remained 1100 people. Today, there are still 1100 people in Joseph's City. Yes, the Lord has preserved this beautiful area that we might constantly be reminded of our heritage and history. Our main thrust in Nauvoo will be to help improve the relations between all people and government entities. We can't wait to begin our new journey!!

We have our first baptism coming up next Saturday (5/18). Her name is Vanessa and she is a wonderful person. She has had a difficult life, but is ready to enter the waters of baptism and follow that straight and narrow path back to our Father in Heaven. Her ex-husband was a Pentecostal preacher and his father was, as well. Vanessa's step dad was a Baptist preacher and Vanessa was baptized Catholic. These various combinations caused us to listen carefully and help her overcome her many religious concerns and life's battles. She and Sister Warner have become good friends! Vanessa trusts my companion implicitly and that has made all of the difference.

May the Lord bless each of you and may you find joy in His service.

Read Matthew 22:31-32. Please, please strengthen one another!!

Stand Strong and Be Bold!!

Our love,

Elder and Sister Warner