"they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ"

Hey Family,

Every Wednesday night we have a ward missionary work night, and this week I went to see Uilisone. Uilisone is one of my favorite people. In the past, he would occasionally answer, only to speak to us through the screen door. but his heart has softened, and we were able to come inside and share a message. We talked about prayer. we asked him if he believed God listened to his prayers.

I was surprised by how sincerely he responded. He spoke about how he's prayed for his family to be provided for, and how he's relied on prayer when his family has struggled--like when he has had children pass away, or when he cannot find work. He does believe God is mindful of him.

Lea and Jordan are doing awesome. They live in Redlands, so we usually help them to find a ride for church. But right before church on Sunday,  Lea called us and told us that they were going to bike to a Redlands ward. As soon as we finished talking with her, we contacted the Assistants to the President to contact the missionaries in that ward so those missionaries would be looking for Lea and Jordan. We also prayed that they would have a good experience and that the members in Redlands would warmly welcome them and notice them. 

After church, we got a surprise call from the missionaries in Redlands. Lea and Jordan had an awesome experience. Many members noticed Lea and Jordan and smiled and greeted them. one family even invited them for dinner that day. They also had a great discussion in Sunday school.

They will probably begin meeting with the Redlands missionaries this week. It is awesome because we have been praying for a way to get them in contact with the ward out there. they will benefit so much more from a ward that speaks their language. Last week after church, Lea told us she needed Rosetta Stone. They are funny.

During Sacrament meeting yesterday, a family that I love sang a children's hymn. It was a mother and her 3 grown sons and some little cousins. The father of this family passed away years ago. The words of the song are simple and true, and I could feel it clearly as they sang.

For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I've learned this truth:
A family is forever.

I love you, family!

Elder Judd

Me and Elder Thompson, a really funny missionary that was in my zone last transfer.

Pictures from the doctor trip in the Desert.

Did you know the original Cozy Cone is in my area? The Wigwam Motel. 

"And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit."

Hey family!

Today we drove out to a doctor appointment for Elder Holcomb in the desert. It was a long drive, but interesting because I've never been out past Yucaipa, which is the gateway to the desert. And we drove through Palm Springs, which is the place with hundreds of windmills. I forgot my camera, but I'll send pictures next week.

On Monday we taught Sai. He has been doing really well. He has started reading the Book of Mormon again, and has come to church a couple times too. He is visibly much happier compared to a few months ago. He is huge into music and he told us about a song that he used to know long ago called "Happy Inside". He's been thinking a lot about how happy he is. He wants to do things that will make him and his family happy inside, which are the things that Heavenly Father has asked.

On Tuesday we had district meeting. It was Elder Maynes last district meeting on his mission. He was an awesome missionary.

Also on Tuesday we felt to stop by a family in our ward. the dad is a king of an island back in Samoa and not a member of the church. We talked with him about his king name because we knew someone else with that name. And after a few minutes he invited us in! The family fed us briefly, and we were able to share a scripture from the Book of Mormon. It was awesome, especially because we have never been able to meet with this family before.

Heavenly Father answers prayers. Saturday night we taught Charles. He is atheist, but has been reading passages from the Book of Mormon that we give him. However, he has said he will not pray--he doesn't believe in prayer anymore.
All day leading up to his appointment, we prayed that God would soften his heart enough that he would be willing to pray. Then we met with him. We focused on him. We learned his mom had died of cancer 2 years ago, and it was the worst experience he's ever had. We listened, then testified of the resurrection. At the end of the lesson, we again invited him to pray. He said he would give prayer another try--that night! I was happy inside. I couldn't stop smiling all night.

Many miracles this week. The gospel is true! I know that Jesus is the Son of God! 

Love,

Elder Judd