WEEK #20 - Colorado Springs Fountain Stake

WEEK #20

Hello everyone!
On Monday, we went and played ultimate frisbee at a park with a bunch of other Elders and Sisters. The weather in Colorado has been gorgeous lately! It reminds me of California winters, just without the snow. But yeah! We had our lesson with Mitch and he is so excited for his baptism.
On Tuesday, we went to the library to create the baptism program for Mitch. It was nice to get everything laid out and in order. We had our 2 lessons cancel on us, which was dumb, because we were left with nothing to do and it was already dark out. Our dinner was with the Williams, where we had some good chicken soup.
On Wednesday, we had our Zone Conference with the Fountain stake, Colorado Springs stake, and East stake. We showed up and had to line all of the vehicles up for inspection and a rating. We got a rating of great on the interior and good on the exterior. We all piled in the chapel and got to hear from President Rehm and a couple of other missionaries. Then we moved into the gym for lunch and pictures, when the vehicle coordinator came in dressed all up like Santa and made us sing Christmas songs haha. So all of the cool kids went and got a picture with Santa too.

 We got to hear from Sister Rehm, the Assistants to the President, and all of the departing missionaries. It is really cool to hear the testimonies of those who have served The Lord for the past 2 years or 18 months. I still have quite a while to go:) the overall theme of Zone Conference was to be a shining example to those around you. Also, to remember Jesus Christ our savior and his birth and what that means for us. After zone conference, we went to dinner at the Robins house and they invited Mitch over as well! We Had really good ham and potatoes. That night, we had coordination and volleyball. Elder Stark and Elder Villaneda came to play as well.

On Thursday, the Zone Leaders called, asking for a ride after they dropped off their vehicle for repairs, so we met them at the mission office and got to do that. At 2:30, Mitch came for his baptismal interview with the Zone Leaders. We showed him the program and pointed out that I had made a typo!! Good thing we caught that. We filled out all the paperwork with him and then Elder Smith took him in for the interview. It took an hour for them to do the interview! But Mitch came out just grinning and excited for the baptism:) We had our dinner cancel on us, so we called the Keyes family and they told us to come over for some pizza. We had another lesson with Kitana and taught her about obedience. It was a really good lesson, but we still need to set a baptismal date with her. She is progressing well though.
On Friday, we had district meeting and I taught the lesson on utilizing the gift of the Holy Ghost as we teach others to come unto Christ. We then went to the library to fix the baptism program for Mitch. We were going to have a lesson with Sister King, but she has just not been doing well. We are keeping her in our prayers and hope to see her next week. After dinner, we were going to meet with a less active member, but guess what, he cancelled on us too. So we went and printed a bunch of copies of Mitch's baptism program off. We met with the Choate family too and taught them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The youngest, named Helaman, gave Elder Hawkins and I some sweet Christmas ornaments that he made in school. They are all so excited to get baptized and I can't wait for them either. :)
On Saturday, we woke up at 5:45 and drove to the church to fill up the font for Mitch's baptism. After 2 1/2 hours of watching it fill, we ran home, grabbed breakfast, and came back to the church to get everything set up. Mitch arrived at about 9:30 and he seemed pretty nervous and excited:) we were planning on having everyone in the baptismal room, but so many people showed up to support Mitch that we had to go into the chapel. I thought that was pretty awesome. The beginning hymn was "How Great Thou Art" and then I gave the opening prayer. Then, Mark McConkie, son to Bruce McConkie and former Stake President, gave a talk on Baptism for Mitch. Then we went ahead with the ordinance and Elder Hawkins and I stood as witnesses. It was so good to see Mitch get baptized and the spirit was there, touching each of our hearts. Afterwards, former stake president Richard Savio, gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. It was a wonderful time:) 

Later in the afternoon, our Ward Christmas party started at 3 and went until 5. We had turkey sandwiches and pie and then there was a video presentation done in remembrance of Christ's birth. We had a lot of less active members show up and they all seemed to have a good time. We are working with them all and hope they feel our love for them.

On Sunday, we began by slipping and sliding all over the freshly powdered roads to church and then sitting in on our Ward council meetings. While we were waiting for the meeting to start, a lady walked in and said that her church was closed due to the weather and so she decided to walk across the street to our church! She had a great time at sacrament meeting and also went to Releif Society meeting. There is a potential investigator that simply fell into our laps. What a blessing. In church, we were able to stand in for the Confirmation of the Holy Ghost to Mitch:) He seems so ready and we are so happy for him. It was such a good day and such a good week. Love hearing from all of you and thanks for everything!

Elder Kyler LaRose

Kyler.larose@myldsmail.net

CURRENT ADDRESS:

2605 Serendipity Circle E APT #251

Colorado Springs, CO

80917

MISSION OFFICE ADDRESS:

4090 Center Park Drive Ste 4

Colorado Springs, CO 80916