Fwd: 6 weeks = 6 months

Due to some unforeseen circumstances, Elder Ivins isn't getting a Christmas package. He'd love a Christmas email from you!!! jarod.ivins@myldsmail.net

Hello!!

What an amazing week. Lots of suspense, scare, and amazing experiences.

I received transfer news this week, and I will be staying for another transfer! I'm very excited. I was super bummed, thinking I was going to be leaving right before Christmas, but the Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to stay! super hyped!!

This week was really good though. We paintballed, still have bruises....

But we had lots of service opportunities which were really good. I love the Christmas time of year, everyone is on holiday, so we are able to meet a lot more people than otherwise. It is so fun to see the sacrifices people make to see family. I love my family, and am so grateful we live close, and see each other.. not just see each other, but ski together, bike, boat, work, love and laugh. I have been thinking about how amazing of a blessing it is to have an eternal family. 

It is devastating when someone says they don't want our message, because they are missing out on more than they know. IT is ALL TRUE!!

As I am thinking about this upcoming week. It will be my last Christmas as a missionary in South Africa. A year ago, I read a similar email from Alec. And now that kid is home, and killing it. This has been the fastest year of my life, and the best by FAR! I love the gospel so much, and sharing it this year has brought me the most happiness of all. 

As we all commemorate the birth of our Savior, I hope we will all emulate his life as we Light the World for the last week, and for our lives! I love our Savior Jesus Christ and his all encompassing Atonement.

People from all religions, and all backgrounds, still come together this one day a year, and recognize Christ's birth! How amazing is that!!

Keep sending hard. Pray for Snow, and pray for Rain. (and progressing investigators). 

We have lots of great people we are teaching, and can always use more. Love you all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Elder Ivins

Fwd: LIGHT THE WORLD

Hello wonderful people!

This week was amazing! Took the opportunity to celebrate my beautiful companions birthday, have a bomb exchange with elder Stevens, see amazing people, preach the truth, EAT a lot, and most importantly having a share of our part in LIGHTING THE WORLD.

Elder Dove turned 22. My little boy is growing up in this big and scary world. We had a huge braii, and the next day went to get our favorite burgers: rocomamas

The next day on exchanges, while it was 41 C, elder Stevens and I had the awful idea of hot curry, and again burgers for dinner. Its the fattest time of the year. I mean fastest ;)

The gospel is moving too. Lots of people have the idea that in December the work slows down. But, we met a couple people this week, Sisanda, and Mama. (i don't know her actual name) We shared with them the blessings of the book of mormon and what it is, and committed both to church. BOTH CAME!!! It was amazing to see them come. I love giving talks at church... It is a great way to pressure... hmmm invite people to come to church! They both loved it, had great questions, and we are very excited for them to learn more, and to advance in the gospel. Funny enough.. Mama is Yonda's mom! lose one, find another!

It was very fun to Light the World this week with our ward. We made this Christmas packages for these people who live in an old age home. It was really fun! then on Sat we gave them all out, and sung Christmas Carols, and had an amazing day. The unity with our ward, and us is getting much stronger, and we are receiving more referrals. 

That was the main focus of my talk. Member missionary work! it is the way to go! Please pray and look for ways that YOU can share the gospel with friends, family, and everyone who needs uplifting this season. I love being able to talk to everyone about our Saviour Jesus Christ. He truly is the Light of the World. As we share the Light of Christ that is in us, others will be drawn to Him. I love being a missionary. I love the gospel. ITS ALL TRUE.

stay blessed, and be the best

All my love, ELDER IVINS