October 7th, 2013

 

We loved General Conference and the inviting spirit that prevailed throughout conference weekend. We were able to watch most of it on the "big screen" in the Nauvoo Visitors Center with many other missionaries, which brought great joy. I pray that each of us caught the spirit of member missionary work that was mentioned so many times during the conference. President Monson was very specific when he said, "now is the time for members and missionaries to come together." Isn't time for each of us to go to work in the Lord's vineyard? Elder Ballard asked each of us to invite one family to hear the gospel, by Christmas. Sister Warner and I will take that challenge and pray that each of you will do likewise.

 

Missionary work over the past two weeks has been somewhat frustrating. We now have three investigators that have committed to baptism, but yet still have not felt the confirming spirit of the Holy Ghost. Sister Warner continues to exercise sound judgment and patience, while I simply grind my teeth:) I know it is in the Lord's hands and that He is at the helm, but I cannot resist trying to hurry things along. Something about the continued lack of (P word) that brings me to my knees more often these days.

 

President Condie, the Temple President spoke at a sociable (we call them firesides back home) on Sunday night and it was wonderful. Most of his talk centered around his experiences as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He is a dynamic speaker, with a tremendous sense of humor! It was an enjoyable evening and brought conference weekend to a close with an extra measure of the spirit. How blessed we feel to be doing the Lord's work in Nauvoo!!

 

Sister Warner and I are heading up a committee that will present to our Ward members and to the community at large "The Taste of Old Nauvoo!" This event will take place on October 18Th and will feature an authentic dinner from the mid 1800's, with entertainment to follow. The reenactments will feature what the community did for fun during those days so long ago. There will be square dancing, polka's, cowboy poetry, singing, humorous skits and music. A local wood worker by the name of Lon Simpson will bring his Log Cabin Volunteers to entertain us with music of old. It has been quite an undertaking with everything else we are doing, but we are hopeful that many non-members will enter our church, some for the very first time. Our goal is that they will feel of our love for them. This is not so much a missionary effort, but rather an effort to improve the community relations between the church and the citizens of Nauvoo and the surrounding areas. We look forward to the event with great anticipation!

 

Our best to all! Please do your missionary work... the Lord will bless you.

 

Stand Strong and Be Bold!   

 

We love you,

Elder and Sister Warner