Mi Familia,
It has been another good week here in Southport. It was really nice weather early in the week and then it became freezing at the end. Those afternoons and evenings can be really long and tough in the cold. I have thought about my motivation and how much it has increased since coming on a mission. Without the Spirit, my set-appart calling, and the power of prayer, I don't think there is anyway I could make it through some days. I have noticed that because of the Spirit I have been able to push through everyday. The Lord is truly with us in this work.
A great experience I had this past week was having dinner with a active member and her less active husband. They are so lovely and some of the most wonderful people I have met on my mission. Their names are Sister Gill and Brother Eddie Hughes. Elder Ericksen and I were deciding on what to share with them. We thought a conference talk would be good. We pulled out the Ensign and I said we should do one on faith. We selected the talk "Faith-the choice is yours."
The day we were to go, we both forgot to review it. Elder Ericksen questioned if we should bring it and I told him boldly that is the message we needed to bring. I don't know why but it was. We then read it together and the Spirit was building up in me as we did. I felt impressed to share with them how I recieved my testimony of the gospel. I shared when I was 14 at EFY, my leader asked us to pray that evening if we hadn't already to know that the gospel was true. I took the challenge and did just that. I remember this so vividly, getting on my knees and asked Heavenly Father if the Book of Mormon was true, if Joseph Smith was a prophet, and if Jesus was the Christ. When I closed my prayer that night 5 and half years ago, I immediately was overwhelmed by the Spirit.
As I shared that with them, I again was overwhelmed with that same Spirit. Tears filled and my eyes and I recieved again that same answer. What an incredible experience it was. I needed that moment. I needed that talk that evening. That is why I needed to share it with them.
I also had thew oppurtunity to have an interview with President this week. I love that man. Unfortuantely, interviews should only be 10 minutes so it is very short. We discussed goals I had for this year and he thought they were good. He also mentioned with me in that interview that he has heard great things about me from leaders in the mission. He said that I had a great work ethic and that my talents and abilities would be used in great ways in the future of this mission.
My title said "ye are the light of the world" in the middle of it. One corner says "You'll Never Walk Alone" which is Liverpool Football Club's motto. I love it because it reminds me that the Savior is always walking with us and we are never alone. Another corner says "I KnowThat My Redeemer Lives" because that is my favorite hymn. Another says "Love the People and they will love back" got that from you Mom. I cant remember what the other one says but I will let you know next week.
Paul kept every commitment we left him... except coming to church yesterday. We are seeing him tonight to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and on Wednesday the Word of Wisdom. Pray that he will have an increase of faith, and a desire to attend church and live the Word of Wisdom.
I am keeping all my letters so no worries. Also transfers are next week. So you wont hear from me until Wednesday or Thursday. I'm anxious to find out if I will be here another 6 weeks (which would be a total of six months in Southport if I am here one more) or if I will leave. I think I know the whole area of Southport better than I knew Mapleton back home and that I have been everywhere here. If you put me anywhere in Southport, I'm pretty sure I could tell you what you were by and how far it is from our flat. Another transfer might be a bit of a struggle.
Thank you very much for your letters and the details you put in them about life back home. It is always great to hear how things are. Thank you for your constant prayers. If there is anything you would like me to pray for let me know.
Love your son,
Cameron
