"There is an equation for miracles". This is what were were taught while learning how to become a missionary in the MTC. They were right.
This week we had the Jones family commit to baptism. It will be the first baptismal service that Elder Peine and I will participate in and the first baptism in our area. The greatest thing about this story is that it was a conversion that took 30+ years to happen.
The Jones family is a couple about in their 60's. They are both from Virginia. They got married and raised a family. Mr. Jones had a friend throughout his life who was Mormon and they talked a little about it but not much. The Jones had a son who joined the church when he went to SVU. They admired the church but never thought much about it. Their children grew up and moved away and they moved down to a small town called Troutville in Virginia in 2007. About two weeks ago they met 2 young Elders in Kroger while they were buying groceries. They introduced themselves and the Elders came over and invited them to church. They came. They made friends.They are now being taught the gospel and Mr. Jones friend is coming down to do the baptism.
They are scheduled to be baptized on the 27th of April.
This is the greatest news around these parts. We have some service this week. We are painting another investigators house. We also will be moving some piles of wood for the Jones family. Virginia is incredible in springtime. I love Michigan but the Application Mountains are awe inspiring. Beautiful sunsets every night. This past transfer is going so quickly Elder Peine is doing great as well.
Sincerely,
Elder Kochenderfer
p.s. The majority of the Civil War was fought in Virginia. A lot of people down here members included have relatives that fought in the Civil War and are proud of their ancestors, as they should be. One thing to keep in mind when you're down here. Be careful how you talk about Abraham Lincoln, a lot of people don't really like him. :) They call the Civil War the "War of Northern Agression". I being from Michigan am playfully nicknamed the "The Yankee Missionary". Elder Peine is "The Texan Missionary". Fun fun fun!!
P.P.S
Its great to be a Mormon.
This week we had the Jones family commit to baptism. It will be the first baptismal service that Elder Peine and I will participate in and the first baptism in our area. The greatest thing about this story is that it was a conversion that took 30+ years to happen.
The Jones family is a couple about in their 60's. They are both from Virginia. They got married and raised a family. Mr. Jones had a friend throughout his life who was Mormon and they talked a little about it but not much. The Jones had a son who joined the church when he went to SVU. They admired the church but never thought much about it. Their children grew up and moved away and they moved down to a small town called Troutville in Virginia in 2007. About two weeks ago they met 2 young Elders in Kroger while they were buying groceries. They introduced themselves and the Elders came over and invited them to church. They came. They made friends.They are now being taught the gospel and Mr. Jones friend is coming down to do the baptism.
They are scheduled to be baptized on the 27th of April.
This is the greatest news around these parts. We have some service this week. We are painting another investigators house. We also will be moving some piles of wood for the Jones family. Virginia is incredible in springtime. I love Michigan but the Application Mountains are awe inspiring. Beautiful sunsets every night. This past transfer is going so quickly Elder Peine is doing great as well.
Sincerely,
Elder Kochenderfer
p.s. The majority of the Civil War was fought in Virginia. A lot of people down here members included have relatives that fought in the Civil War and are proud of their ancestors, as they should be. One thing to keep in mind when you're down here. Be careful how you talk about Abraham Lincoln, a lot of people don't really like him. :) They call the Civil War the "War of Northern Agression". I being from Michigan am playfully nicknamed the "The Yankee Missionary". Elder Peine is "The Texan Missionary". Fun fun fun!!
P.P.S
Its great to be a Mormon.