Ilumina el Mundo

Hello  Everyone!

It was a pretty low-key week. Nothing super exciting happened so this letter might be short and I’ll do my best to make it interesting, so bare with me. A couple good things to start with; first is the weather. It has been 60-65 degrees this week, which is definitely not typical for Iowa but we are not complaining. And as long as there is snow on the ground by Christmas, I’ll be okay.

Next, the Branch that we are serving in is so close to becoming a ward. Because they are so close, Pres. Ortega has really pushed us into doing some less active work whenever we can. And it’s been paying off! Yesterday was the most people I have seen come to church since I’ve been here. Almost a full house! As we’ve been trying to visit some families, I’ve seen how awesome it is how just a little visit can mean and do so much. Pres. Badger called it “the power of reminding”. It’s been so fun to see these people who haven’t been to church for years realize that the Branch hasn’t forgotten about them and are waiting for them with open arms to welcome them back.

One of these families is the Sanchez family. Jorge, Martha and Eduardo haven’t been able to come to church for seven years now. Jorge and Martha are always working on Sundays. When we stopped by the other night, they recognized us as the Elders, and they were so excited to see us. Jorge said that he hasn't seen missionaries or anyone from the Branch for over five years now. Just being there and chatting with him made him remember all the amazing things about the church. Eduardo is their 13 year-old son. After talking with them for some time we found out that Eduardo hasn’t been baptized yet. Once we talked to him about the possibility of being baptized, Jorge went off on how that would be so great, good for him and the family. They realized it would be a good reason for Jorge and Martha to switch their work schedules so they can all attend church together as a family. The best part about it…they’re having us over for dinner on Friday! The power of reminding just got us dinner. Let’s gooooo!

I hope you all are trying to “Ilumina el Mundo” this Christmas season. You don't have to be a missionary to invite and share the Light of Christ with others around you. As John 8:12 says, “I am the Light of the World, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Invite others into that light! Even if they realize it or not, you will start that little spark in their life that can only grow from there.

Love you all.

Deficil es bueno!

Elder Christensen

Breaking of the Fast Latino Style

Sea Salt Carmel pancakes with bananas and crushed candy cane on top. You can say I'm a chef.

Early morning ball with the boyz!