The Power Of Jesus Christ In Our Lives

Hello Everyone,

I had another busy and great week here in the MIM. I hope each of you have had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend and have spent time with your families. 

Brother and Sister Hastings from the ward visited with Kara's parents this week. The meeting actually ended up going very well. Kara's dad was very standoffish at the beginning and it was a little touch and go there, but he finally opened up his heart a little and the conversation went really well after that. They are happy about the introduction and there's a possibility of the Hasting's son, Logan, proposing to Kara soon so it was good for the families to meet. Kara is still very much interested in learning about the gospel of Jesus Christ and we will continue to teach her. 

Jordyn is really moving forward in her desire to be baptized. Earlier in the week I told her I was singing a musical number in sacrament meeting and would she attend. She responded YES and she came with her boyfriend who is a member and just received his mission call and will be leaving soon. Our sacrament meeting was focused on Jesus Christ and one of the speakers, Sister Dickson, shared her conversion story and explained how she is the ONLY member of the church in her entire family. She talked about how she has desperately wanted more family members to join but they haven't yet. She said her focus is now on all of the "family" she has done work for in the temple and knows that they will have eternity to enjoy one another. Then a youth speaker talked about Christ and His miracles, and then I sang "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul". The final speaker talked about the importance of being yoked with Christ throughout our lives. Jordyn really was moved by our sacrament meeting. She is very close to being on date for baptism. I was so grateful for our ward and how they have made sacrament meeting a great place for us to bring investigators. 

This week we met again with Mickey and she invited us to dinner. We placed a Book of Mormon with her and she really loves talking about Jesus. Her philosophy is that "the world is going to crap and we all need Jesus". We have built a great relationship with her over the past few weeks and she asks us a lot of questions about the gospel of Jesus Christ which we are so happy to answer. 

We met Zach this week and placed a Book of Mormon with him. He's back at home for the summer from college and while we were talking with him, his dad, Brian, came to the door and became very interested in hearing our message and we placed a Book of Mormon with him too.They are less active Catholics. We will go back for another lesson this week. 

We spent time back at the same ward member's home digging a hole in the ground for his hot tub. We also had to spend time leveling the ground. I'll just leave that here. 

The Marr family from Higginsville came to my area and took me and Elder Thompson out for sushi this week. It was so great to see all of them. I have missed them after spending over 6 months in Higginsville. They caught me up on what is happening in the branch and how many new animals they've got on their property now. I love that family and it was a good evening. 

We continue to attend two wards every Sunday as Elder Thompson is the ASL interpreter for a deaf sister in another ward. It makes for a very long Sabbath day but it's good to serve others. 

Tonight our ward is having a Memorial Day activity at a members buffalo farm. We are riding with the Hasting's to the event. We've invited both Kara and Jordyn to attend and both will be coming. I've never eaten buffalo so this will be interesting, but I'm up for it. 

This week my favorite personal study was on the April 2017 General Conference talk by President Nelson, "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives". The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with His power, which is available to everyone. I learned that having faith causes us to do things we wouldn't normally do. And having faith in Jesus Christ helps me keep my Father's commandments. Leaning on Jesus Christ helps me know He has faith in me. I can look to Jesus Christ in every thought. Jesus Christ is my power. I can learn more about Jesus Christ. I can repent daily and I can work hard to allow Jesus to stretch me spiritually. President Nelson taught us that "true disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world. They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous. Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel."

Elder Mortensen

Pictures this week:

Elder Thompson fell asleep during comp studies

Me enjoying my pday taking a few pictures

The Marr family

Delorean, vintage, for my Uncle Jeff

Picture of my favorite personal study this week on the Power of Christ in our Lives

Hanging out in the car in between two teaching appointments