Dear family,
Another great week. There have been some sad moments, as a few have decided not to continue to learn. But there have also been some exciting miracles, and we have met some really great people who want to learn. I love my mission. I have felt so much joy lately.
On Saturday, I went to Yucca Valley for another exchange with Elder Tingey. It was excellent, as usual. We taught a high school student I'll call Dante. Some back-story:
A few weeks ago we had a powerful stake conference which boldly inspired members to invite their friends to meet with missionaries to learn about the gospel. A young woman felt to invite her friend Dante. So she invited him that week. Dante now loves the gospel. He has since said:
This has filled a hole in my heart that I didn't know was there.
He is on fire. He says he has been feeling more happiness than he's ever felt in his whole life. I felt light and goodness radiate from him as I spoke with him.
The wonderful part about this is that Dante is not the only person that Heavenly Father has been preparing to receive the gospel! There are literally hosts of people around us who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it! It is exciting!
Well, we have been continuing to teach Rory, and like Dante, he is also on fire. A while ago, Rory told us that some other Marines one day gave him grief about reading the Book of Mormon. When they left, one remaining Marine turned to him surprised and said: You're investigating too?
We started teaching his friend shortly after. I'll call him Mark. Mark is awesome. He started learning about Mormons after starting to date a Mormon girl just before she left for her mission. Not knowing anything about the church, he began a sincere search to learn everything he could about it. He's one of the nicest guys on the planet. We have been really trying to help him receive a personal witness that what we teach is true, specifically thru reading and praying about the Book of Mormon.
Last night we met with Mark and Rory again. We had felt a strong impression to read Alma 32 with them. Mark loved it.
Here's the miracle. This morning he texted us and said that his missionary friend emailed him this morning and encouraged him to read Alma 32. Mark hadn't even mentioned to her that he had just read the very chapter.
This is the Lord's work, I know it.
I love you all,
Elder Judd
