Week Seven - Fastest week of Mission - 10/27

Here is the quick email that he sent!

I am so sorry, but this week I am going to have to write my mom the
group email in a letter. There is just not enough time for emailing!!
Haha. For now I will just leave y'all with my testimony.

God know's each and every one of you as an individual. He loves you.
Because of this He gives us commandments, so that we can return to
live with Him in Everlasting Joy and Eternal Happiness. (Mosiah 2:41).
I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. If we follow Him,
we can be blessed beyond anything we can comprehend. I know that to be
true with all my heart. Although it is not always easy, it is worth
it. Keep your heads up. God is the king, and we have the right to
obtain His kingdom if we do all that he asks.

I love y'all, and hopefully my mommy will get my letter in the next few days.

Love - Elder Shawn Michael Murray

Here is the physical letter that he sent!

October 27, 2014 

Dear Family and Friends -

This week was probably not only the fastest week of my life, but especially of my mission.  I had some wild adventures though.  So here it goes.  Tuesday I was in a whole-new-world!  I was on another exchange, this time with Elder Backus’ Companion.  I went to Roswell, New Mexico.  It’s way different from the Res.  Instead of driving huge distances, we actually biked.  My companion and I weren't the only white people around.  Instead of rumors of Bigfoot (Mescalero) it was of Aliens (Roswell).  Instead of eating indian tacos on fry bread with a member, we ate steaks (12 ounces) with a member.  That was for sure an interesting experience being there.   

Then Wednesday was a solid day.  On the Res, everyone… and I mean EVERYONE is related.  Now this does tie in.  The last few weeks we have been trying to strengthen the branch by doing family movie night, but it has kind of failed.  So this week we decided to try family history night.  It was a hit.  Everyone loved it and it was all because I piped up.  I guess sometimes I do have good ideas.  We’ve been told that next week (this week is our halloween party) there’ll be around 40-50 of us!  That’s insane!

Thursday we served.  To start off we are helping an investigator named Jerry build up his dirt driveway for winter.  Jerry is a former minister/preacher who is looking for the truth.  He is literate in Hebrew, and has started three Hebrew Temples, but “feels like there should be more out there.”  He loves the Book of Mormon, and is getting baptized on the 8th of November.  He is awesome!  We also taught Everett of Thursday.  He loves to read, and is halfway through the Book of Mormon after just two weeks.  He is trying to not drink, and his girlfriend left him, but he said he is happier than ever with Jesus Christ in his life. 

Friday was the fastest day ever.  I don’t remember anything except for teaching Hilda.  Hilda is Rebecca’s Aunt (Rebecca is the best resent convert-missionary in the whole world.  Like in Bednar’s Talk [this last conference] she has found something good, and is sharing it with everyone).  Hilda loves the Book of Mormon, love Christ, but has a horrible home setting.  She lives with her boyfriend (hopefully soon to be husband), and their four sons, who drink like its the end of the world.  All in all, she’s solid though. 

Saturday we contacted a lot of new people, but the best lesson was Rebecca’s Mom Jaqline (I probably butchered that name… spell check?) Jacqueline (that’s how its spelled) is a rock solid lady.  She lives to be a Grandma and cook for her family.  She absolutely loves the missionaries and the church, but just has one fall back.  She LOVES to gamble, and she LOVES the casino.  She has agree not to gamble anymore, but is having a really hard time. 

Sunday was grand too, but it went by all too fast.  We visited a lot of members, like Michaeline, who is amazing.  She’s like a Mom to us.  She checks up on us all of the time, makes sure we eat, she goes to lessons with us, and she is all around amazing. 

I love this gospel (Alma 26:12) I know that “pure Christ-like love can change the world” - Jeffery R. Holland.  Do not judge another.  I know that no one is perfect, and if we love like Christ did, we can change everything.  Pray for each other.  I love y’all. 

I know that I am in your prayers.  Thank you for that.  I can feel your love, and I am grateful for that. 

I am so blessed.  I am thankful for all that I have.  Count your blessings, and thank God for them.  He loves ya’ll.

Love -

Elder Shawn Murray

shawn.murray@myldsmail.net