April 24, 2017

Hey Everybody-

     It's so great to hear from my family! They're always so uplifting and positive.

This week, we got to hike the Dragonsberg with the Ladysmith district (that's why I'm later today) it was so amazing to be up there with President Thompson and to see how truly beautiful this world is. My mom always use to talk about how blessed we are that God created such beauty all around us, that's so true! While we were at the top we were able to share messages about the miracles in each one of our areas. It really is amazing to see how much God loves each of us, and even if they're small he blesses us EACH day. It reminded me of the Mormon message of the gold rush. The guy is so upset because he can't find any huge pieces of gold, like those around him. Finally one of the guys around him comes up to him, to show him his "huge" pouch of gold and it is only filled with tiny flecks.

     As for the rest of the week, one of our less active members we have been working on plays soccer and we went to one of their practices! It was cool to play around a little bit, and we really think that we'll also be able to reach out to the coach and other members of the soccer team to bring them back to the fold. We had our biggest attendance in Dundee since I've been here and we really have been able to reach out to those less-actives in this area. (We even met a guy with no hand) It's sad to see that it all starts with the little things... then eventually leads to them not coming to church for years.

      Keep praying.  Keep reading the Book of Mormon.  Keep taking the sacrament and going to church.  As we do these things we give our bodies the spiritual strength we need to persevere. Have a good week.

     Love –

     Elder Thompson