He Can Change Our Natures

It really feels like the zone is starting to come together more, and we are seeing so much happen. There has been a wonderful spirit amongst the missionaries here. They are all developing and demonstrating the faith to baptize, this transfer. There have been many miracles which we have seen this week. This is the best the Carmichael zone has looked since I first got here. I am amazed at these new missionaries. It seems to be that each group that comes in, are better and better. As Zone Leaders we get a chance to work with all of the missionaries in the zone, and the more time we spend around them, the more impressed I am at their testimonies, their gospel knowledge and their faith. This mission is heading in a wonderful direction. I am grateful to be apart of it.

So as we met with Erica this week, we discussed how the changes she is making in her life are preparing her to follow Christ more fully, and that is by being baptized. She is almost finished smoking. She is still making wonderful progress with that. Last night at our lesson she told us how she has anxiety medication that she is supposed to take every day but she has only taken 5 pills in the last 26 days. She says it is because when she reads the Book of Mormon it brings her so much peace that she doesn't have anxiety anymore. I was so amazed to hear that. It was just evidence to me of the power the the Book of Mormon brings in our lives. As we read it, we draw closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

On Saturday we went on exchanges with the Elders in the Northridge ward. I went with Elder Ludlow this time. It was so amazing to see the change that he has made. When I first got to carmichael we went on exchanges and he acted like a very young missionary. He was nervous in talking to others and seemed like he was very unsure of himself. Last transfer he was called to be a trainer and a district leader and I was a little nervous because I thought he was still pretty young and inexperienced. However, during this exchange, he was a totally different person. He was bold and fearless, in all of our conversations with others. He handled many situations very maturely. I was so amazed and impressed by the growth he has made in just 1 transfer. I know that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, he can change our natures. I have witnessed it in my life and in countless others life. It was such a blessing to see it in Elder Ludlow's life as well. I am grateful for all the Lord has done in my life. 

Love,

Elder Hallmark