Highs and Lows

Hello family,

This week has had some highs and it has some lows. Our investigator from England (the one who had those amazing dreams, remember?) Well, we haven't been getting a hold of him for a long time and finally, yesterday we got a hold of him. He is in the hospital for his clinical depression and he told us that he is an atheist now because he doesn't believe that God could be this cruel to someone. It was so devastating!! I cried right after that phone call. He was so ready to be baptized and then now he doesn't want to learn anymore. It was definitely a hard blow, but I know it was the depression talking and in time he will come around. I don't know when, but he will! I have faith in Christ and I know that He can help us especially if we put our trust in Him. I know that I can't get discouraged because discouragement will weaken my faith. Here is a quote that Richard G. Scott said, "Just when all seems to be going right challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polishes you for your everlasting benefit." I feel that this is happening to me. We have had so many miracles last transfer and we had that whole family from England be baptized and now the Lord is helping me grow. I really think this is helping me to know the urgency of our message! This is the time for men to prepare to meet God and when all is said and done, we have to look within ourselves and see if we have been true and faithful to the teachings. We do need to help people to come to know of this truth as best we can, but it does all boil down to how much you are converted! I know that God will take care of His own no matter where they are in life, even if they turn to atheism. It is a hard thing to have one of your investigators drop you, or have a loved one fall away from the church, or anything like that, but we know that God is there to help all of His children. I keep coming back to that scripture that says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid," (John 14:27) and I think of how that is one of His commandments also. Jeffery R. Holland said that when we are worried or afraid about things that we're not trusting enough in God! I have really had to learn that these passed few days. 

I hope you can learn something from this letter and I'm sorry it's mostly about sad things, but here's something happy! I got to see my Aunt Doreen and Uncle Steve and Jason or rather Elder Blanding in the Beehive House! It was really cool and I gave them a tour. 

Anyway, you all have a great week and Be Happy because this Gospel is all about good news!! 

Love you all!  

                    Sister Stolp