The Book of Mormon

Hey folks!

I apologize but I do not have time to write much of an email this week. We did have a really good week though. The best part was a lesson with an investigator named Kim. She's a longtime friend of a couple of members here in the ward. They have been talking to her about the gospel for years, and she has expressed only mild interest at best, but a few years ago her father passed away, and this past summer her son did as well. Now she is asking some very sincere questions about eternal families and what happens after this life, and she finally agreed to meet with us. When we taught her about the plan of salvation it was clear she felt the Spirit testifying to her of the simple truths, and when we asked her what it would mean to her to be with her family forever, she told us "it would mean more than anything else to me. I would give anything to have that."

It was a sweet experience and I am grateful for it. Kim is wonderful and sincere. And her friends have been awesome to her. They have been true friends to her for so long and she trusts them so much, and their diligence in sharing the gospel with their friend has finally begun to show its fruits.

Melton Lake is a miracle area. We have so many ridiculously golden investigators that have just fallen into our laps.

Another highlight this week was going on exchanges with Elder Merrill, my old trainer. It's been a blessing to serve around him for his last two transfers as a missionary, and this week I got to spend one last day with him. It was cool how it has come full circle - we served together when I first came out, and now again as he is going home. I love him a lot and I'm going to miss having him around. He goes home in 9 days.

And of course, general conference was this week! It was awesome, of course. I hope you all were able to watch at least part of it. I learned so much from the talks, and from the Spirit helping me to apply the messages that were given. One thing that stood out to me was an emphasis on the Book of Mormon. If we will take time every day to study and apply the words of the Book of Mormon, our faith in Christ will grow strong, and we will be able to stand strong in the turbulence of the last days. I have come to love the words of the Book of Mormon as a missionary. They are true and powerful. They testify plainly of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, and of the restoration of His gospel in our day. Please, take time every day to feast upon its words. You will not go astray if you will sincerely and faithfully study and apply the words of the Book of Mormon every day.

I love you all!

Elder Alex Swindler

Picture:

1) The selfie that my mom requested.