No Letter from Mom?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kristen Owens
Date: Mon, Feb 25, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Subject: No letter from mom
To: carolyn owens

Dear Family,

Well I want to say thanks Father for writing me a letter :) It was good to hear from you :) Everyone else, you are all condemned. REPENT! I still love you.

Well, this week was pretty great! We had some great experiences. We set a date with one of our investigators (lil' tommy) for March 16th. His brother is getting baptized a week later. They are a great family. We just love them. We met some great people this week. I learned a lot. We met a man who had been taught previously in a different area from Liberia. His name is Tom and he is super solid. Came to church this past Sunday. He loves it. He is totally getting baptized next month. We decided to let the elders teach him and his family. They will do an excellent job. So our ward in March is going to increase A LOT! Between us, the elders, and the senior couple, we have about 7 baptisms planned I believe. Many people are coming unto Christ and it is the best. I love the blessings that come from the temple and living the gospel. I love the gift of the Holy Ghost. In Sunday School we heard an analogy--The Holy Ghost is like the sun. He's in one place, but His presence is felt everywhere :) That is so sweet!

Well this week was full of miracles. We met some wonderful people. We have 5 new investigators this week--craaaaazy. The elders had a baptism this week of a man who has done a complete 180 in his life. He completely turned his life around. He was living with a former mormon and they were planning on getting married. They went to visit her father and this man recognized something different in him. He asked what it was, the father said in two days you will have two missionaries knock on your door and then you will know. One thing led to another and on Friday this couple got married in the church and Saturday they were baptized members and sunday they were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a year from now, they will be sealed as a family for time and all eternity. It was incredible to witness the change in these two individuals. The Gospel Blesses Families. This I know and testify. That was pretty much the highlight of the week--a wedding, baptism and confirmation. pretty cool.

The more I am on my mission, the more I want to stay. I love the people here. I am so grateful for the lessons the Lord is allowing me to learn on this training for life. I love the gospel!! Although being a missionary is not easy, the blessings and testimony I am gaining is worth it. As I consider my future family, I will be forever grateful for this chance I have had to serve Him and learn how to become a more Christlike person. It's opened my eyes to what goals I want to accomplish, especially in terms of my family. There is no greater calling than being a missionary.....and then a mom :)

I just want to bear my simple testimony that I know this is the true church. I know Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. His message is one of hope and peace and enables us to improve our lives. I know people matter and we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. Of all the names recorded for Diety, He asks us to refer to him as "Father." I know as we apply Christ's Atonement and teachings, our lives are blessed in every way. I know I can be with my family forever :) I know Joseph Smith did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. I know through him, the Book of Mormon was brought forth and translated by the power of God. I know it is scripture and I know it is true. I know through Joseph Smith, Christ called 12 apostles to establish and maintain His church. I know this church is the Lord's kingdom once again upon the earth preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah. There is no other name given whereby we can gain exaltation than through our Savior Jesus Christ. He has descended below us all and we are not greater than He. We have hope, we have peace, and we have joy because of Him. We are never alone :) I love you family, hope all is well. Send me some fun letters and I will forgive you for the drought. You are great. Thanks for your support and love.

Love,
  Sister Owens