Sent April 8, 2013

Dear Momther,
It's that time again! I'll need my meds by the end of the week. I heard you hiked down to dusty lake and back twice! How has Ethan been? I heard that you guys are getting pounded pretty hard by some freak storms. Hail, tornadoes, etc. How's Herckie doing? Has he been spending quality time in my bedroom, or has he pulled my covers off and made a nest yet? It's been a while since he's done that. Well if I stay here in Columbia City for another transfer, then I'm going to be transferred into the new Ohio Cincinatti Mission. Two stakes in Indiana are being integrated in. We now have four assistants as well, so that when President Collins Goes on the 1st of July, then thre will be one trained Assistant to the President that will be sent over to the new mission. Have you been having daily family prayer and scripture study? Have you been studying Preach My Gospel? Have you been praying for and acting upon missionary opportunities? There was a major focus this Conference on missionary work. D&C 18:10, 15-17 puts it clearly that (I am paraphrasing as well) the worth of Souls is great in the sight of God, and if you should try with all your might to bring someone who has been 'lost in darkness' back into the light how great shall you joy be with that soul? When we bring others unto Christ we have performed a sevice for them in which they will be eternally grateful. Verse 17 packs the punch though. "You have My Gospel before you." We have the truth. The law of testimony is that we must share it. Imagine standing before God at Judgement, and hearing him list all of he opportunities that we have missed to share the gospel to the Elect of God. He might say; 'Your co-worker had been struggling with the death of a friend or relative. Why didn't you share your testimony of the Plan of Salvation that I have written so all may find peace?' How will you respond? Maybe it will be a co-worker, or a friend, or even another member, active or not. How will you respond? This letter is not just directed to you. Share this section with the rest of the family, with Chad, Ethan, Meagan, Chuck, Grandma and Grampa, with the ward as well. Prayerfully seek these opportunities to share the Gospel that has been laid before us. Never forget that some of us still walk in darkness, and wander down forbidden paths. As members of the Church of Christ, we have the sacred responsibility to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things and in all places. Be the hand that pulls that soul out of the darkness. Be the light that will guide them back to the Fold of God. KNOW THAT THIS WORK IS NOT DONE ONLY BY THOSE WEARING A NAMETAG! IT IS DONE BY EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, AND THAT IS WHEN IT IS MOST SUCCESSFUL! The Lord is Hastening his work. Labor in the Vineyard now, because "It is getting late."
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.