Elder Jaron Larson: Elder Holland!!!

Hey everyone, Nej nyob li cas (how are you doing in Hmong). Another amazing week! First thing, I got my new companion Elder Knowlton. He's from New Hampshire and he's been out for about 20 months. He is honestly so funny! We both love sports so that's nice! It was funny though because my first impression... "crap, this kid is a nerd." Sorry! I know we aren't supposed to judge but things were awkward at first. He's actually way chill and we get along just fine! I also forgot to mention last week that this area turned into a CAR AREA!!!! woot woot! Count your many blessings! I'm also the designated driver so this should be fun haha. At least we won't have anymore bike problems... maybe car problems but so far so good.

First day of the new transfer, we saw the Bettencourts outside of Wal-Mart.

Most of the week we just had meetings. Lots of them! But we did get 2 of our investigators to come to church yesterday which was awesome because it's been awhile since we've had investigators come to church. The best part about it was they both got rides from members so now they have a friend! One of them is Leila and we've been meeting with her for awhile. She was able to go to a baptism that the 2nd ward sisters had which went really well. The spirit was so strong. The other one that went to church is this sweet Filipino lady, (Not the one that gave us money) but her name is Shirley. She has been taught everything but has 2 jobs and works like 18 hour shifts... so we basically just need her to come to church more. But she is hilarious. As far as the Owens... we are working to get brother Owens the Aaronic priesthood so he can baptize Willow and Cora.

Now I'm sure you are all wondering about the subject line... I kinda forgot to say last email (I know I forgot a lot) that Elder Holland was coming for a Mission-wide conference! So I got to shake his hand and when I looked him in the eye and smiled, I swear he saw right through me. He saw every mistake I've ever made.... but then I was like... nah D&C 58:42 "behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more." I'm sure if the Lord forgot all of the sins I've repented of... and they are as clean as snow Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Then I'm sure Elder Holland would forget them too.

But about the actual conference with him? In preparation for the conference, I read a talk by him called abide in me. The translation of abide in Spanish is permanecer. As you can kind of see, the base is permanent. When he says abide in me, it's not just for 3 hours on Sunday, or for the 20 minutes you read your scriptures at night or in the morning. He wants us to dwell with him permanently. Now what he actually talked about was being converted forever. Now he was speaking to missionaries but it applies to us all. When you are baptized, you are "signing" to be a follower of Christ forever. That is a big commitment. But the blessings are countless, and so worth it.

He took us to chapters 3 and 4 of John. In John 3, Jesus is talking to Nicodemus. Which is a very... powerful leader to say the least. And he explains how the gospel IS for him. Then in John 4, Jesus is talking to a poor women from Samaria, basically a Samaritan who Jesus should not be talking to. Jesus explains how the Gospel IS for her. If the gospel is for the high of the high and the low of the low, then the gospel is for everyone. I love the example in that. The Gospel truly is for EVERYONE. God doesn't want to just save half of his children. He's already lost a third of them. So taking those 2 different things and applying them to your life.... I want you all to be converted to Christ forever. Not just for a little while. And also love everyone, be nice to everyone, and share the gospel with everyone. They all deserve to return back to our loving Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for all of you and the love I feel from you. You're all in my prayers. I love the Gospel. It's the only true path to happiness. I hope you have an amazing week.

Love Elder Larson