Lindsey: Letter 61

Hello my sweet family!
How is everything going? Does anyone know If Lances Baptism went through last week? I've been praying that it would. I wish I heard from him a little more. Don't tell him that because I know that he is busy but maybe you could send a couple of his past letters. I just don't feel very updated as far as my brother goes. Ryan sounds like he's doing amazing! 6-5 with a beard huh? Wow. That wouldn't surprise me a bit. A lot can happen in a year and a half. I bet he's just an amazing football player. It will be fun to make it to one of his games. Will he still be playing for the next little bit? Mom! That's so exciting that you had the sisters over to your house! How are the missionaries in your area? They sound like they are doing amazing. Are you helping them find the elect? Did you give them referrals? Did they ask? Where are they from? Thank you for having them over. I can't wait to meet them.
Hermana Casaday and I are still doing great! I just love her more than I can say. I'm sad that we're not going home at the same time but Houston needs her testimony and her darling personality. She will bless many people as she continues to seek out those that are ready to hear the message of the restored gospel, whether they be members or not. There are so many that are lost and need to be found. Oh boy, how they need to be found. We're finding them, we'll continue to do so as long as we are living. The lord will put them in our path because he trusts us to carry his message. The message of hope and salvation to a world that is void of light and true happiness. They have no clue what true happiness is. That is not all true. They have their families and they know that they love them. They know that they are happy when they are with them but they couldn't tell you why.... They don't know that they knew them before and that those relationships that they form here can continue throughout the eternities. They don't know that they will see their loved ones again. They have no clue that they can be free of burdens that they've been carrying around for a long time. They don't know that they have a father in heaven who knows them personally and loves them beyond anything that they are capable of imaging. They don't know that threes a reason for their sufferings and trials. They have no idea about the purpose of life. They don't know that we're representatives of the living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. They might hear the words from our mouths but they don't get it. It doesn't sink in. They don't know what they're rejecting and refusing to listen to. They need to see and witness others live it. Yes, we can invite people all day but unless they see the blessings of the gospel in someones life they're not going to get it. Yes, the lord has prepared many people with hearts to feel and ears to hear the message of the restoration of the gospel from missionaries on the street. But I know and testify that it is through the members that this work is going to spread through the world. It is a team effort. The missionaries should be finding but it shouldn't be through knocking doors. Their finding should be through the members and when the members are there to support and answer question that the investigator may have things take off. People are baptized and lives are changed.
What an amazing work we are involved in. We are blessed to be a part of it. What a blessing to see the miracle of the atonement work in someones life, to feel the love that our heavenly father has for his children. I'm so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for my Savior and for his love and tender mercy. For his capacity to continue to bless me even amongst all the weaknesses that so often get in the way. He doesn't care where we've been. He's takes us from where we are now and as long as we have that desire and are pointed in the right direction he can lead us safely along and heal us.
You're all so wonderful! Thank you for your love and encouragement and your prayers. They are needed. Xiomara will be baptized this Saturday and Mina will follow on the 8th of September. We are working with many amazing people and I know that everything will click really soon and when it does they will wonder what they ever did without it. I love you! Have an amazing week!