20-Mar-2019

Elders,

It’s hard to believe that it is already mid-week. I hope that you are all enjoying the good weather. Officially today is the first day of spring, so we are right on track. I’m sure we still have a storm or two to go, but we are on our way to warmer weather.

We had the sister missionaries over for dinner tonight. It was fun to see them in more casual clothes. You have a picture of what a missionary looks like and they did not fit the mold that I was expecting. While from their dress they were less formal, their spirit, and enthusiasm were contagious. We loved having them over. They talked about their missions, their mission calls, and their families. My kids might not admit it, but I think they really enjoyed having them over too. We almost didn’t eat either. We had a time mixup, dead car batteries, late meetings, and the kids didn’t start the rice… Only a last minute run to Pollo Loco saved the day. We ate, shared stories, and enjoyed their company.

The missionaries are just wonderful. They carry that missionary mantle – you can feel their love for you and for the Savior. They were impressed to share a message and challenge around prayer. It was just what our family needed. Just this morning I was having a discussion with one of my children about the efficacy of prayer. My child was talking about how prayers aren’t answered and that God doesn’t care to help. The example was brought up about studying for a test, praying, and still failing. The sister missionaries talked about prayer and how some prayers take time and patience, but that God hears all our prayers. I don’t know how well the message was received but I feel that it was inspired.

On Friday, we have the opportunity to go and do proxy sealings at the Jordan River Temple. If you have not signed up for the 6:30pm session and are able to attend, could you call or SMS Bro Waddoups (385) 630-5521 and let him know that you are coming? He is coordinating and making sure that we have room to occupy all that are interested in coming. Please bring your family names and we’ll try to get through as many as we can on Friday.

This Sunday we will be taught by David Oka. He will lead us in a discussion of Elder Bowen’s talk “The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion” https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/10/the-role-of-the-book-of-mormon-in-conversion?lang=eng I am excited to learn from Bro Oka and each one of you. I appreciate all of the comments and participation in quorum. We have a great group of men.

Tuesday 3/26, we are having an Elder’s outing. We will be going to Axe Arena (6212 State St, Murray, UT 84107) at 7:00pm to try our hand at throwing axes into bulls-eye targets. The cost is $15/person. We will have a signup sheet go around on Sunday to gauge about how many people to plan on. It should be a ton of fun. If you have doubts, just ask the Haws’ family. Bring a son or a daughter, or even *Gasp* your neighbor.

On March 31, we’ll have a combined 2nd hour meeting with the Relief Society and we’ll be discussing a talk by Lawrence Corbridge titled “Stand Forever”. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/lawrence-corbridge_stand-for-ever/ Elder Corbridge was assigned to read through a large swath of material on the internet that was antagonistic to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He talks about what he learned and what we can do to prepare ourselves to Stand Forever. He talks about knowledge and deception, methods for learning, and the importance of asking questions. It is a wonderful talk and message. It will be great to get your input on this as well.

In my last email I mistakenly announced Sunday Snacks for 3/31. That day is fast Sunday so we’ll move it to April 28th. Sorry for not thinking.

Enjoy the rest of the week. You are all great men and I’m grateful to know you.

Best wishes,

President Oldroyd
801-573-6828