Elder D Letter 2.4.13 "Elders Daw and Hogan"

Dear Friends and Family,

We did a lot of tracting, blitz the Zone Leaders area, got a hair cut, and received personal revelation. I got dad's letter with the Pres. Pederson story with it. I have read it but reading it again has made me realize that I need to fast more to become a better missionary. I think that it should really help.

I love to get letters and read about what's new from home. Please send me more and I shall respond as soon as possible.

I love my position right now.  Tricompanionship, 2 areas to cover, 1 baptism already and one on date for the 9th.  Please keep him in your prayers.  I am with Elder Daw and Elder Hogan.  They are both from Utah.  Elder Hogan came out with me from the MTC.  Elder Hogan is very musical. Elder Daw hates music.  It's an odd bunch but we're been able to work it out.  We have alot of fun tracting together.  We quote movies and scriptures all the time as we tract. Elder Daw was in the army reserves before his mission as a weapons of mass destruction expert.  I say this because he's a very "to the letter" kind of guy.  But he's not a nazi.  He's really awesome.  Elder Hogan used to be less active but has no problem talking to total strangers sometimes, I'm working on that.  I follow their example everyday.  I know why the Lord has placed me with these fine missionaries.  I thank him everyday because of this.  We are covering the Xenia and the Beavercreek areas.  We have 24 more missionaries coming out than are going home, on this next transfer that will be next week.  So come Wednesday I may not be here. 

We are living in the Xenia apartment because it is much nicer and cleaner than the Beavercreek apartment.  The only downside to it is that it is smaller than the other apartment, but we are making the best of it.  It's a real challenge working in two area.  I'm just happy I am still serving in Beavercreek.  I pretty much take the lead when we work in that area. 

I'm almost finished with reading the Book of Mormon all the way for  the first time.  Jared and his brother has just died and the kingdoms are turning into junk.  I am not confused when i read it.  I learn more and more everyday as I read the words of the Nephites.  I invite you, Dallin and Landon, to read the Book of Mormon all the way, cover to cover, before April.  You will be happy that you did. 

I can see myself becoming more and more like Eph Hanks- whom I'm named after. He was a super bold man.  I'm so happy to see the direction that I'm going in now.  I have invited the spirit many times through my testimony and my blessings.  My companions and I have grown very close to each other.  They are helping me with my speech problems and because of this, I have seen myself grow in leaps and bounds.  I have also learned that with exact obedience comes the blessings of heaven.  I have seen these as well. 

As I write this letter, I'm in the beginning of a 3 day rainstorm and by the end of the week, the weather will have dropped back to the 20 degrees.  And we will be out finding in it. 

I haven't had any crazy tracking experiences lately.  Just some good times with my mandatory best friends.  We're all just a hoot when we go out and work.  We have so much fun. There's never a dull moment when we come around to member's homes.  Our last Pday we played games that were really fun for a few hours. 

Landon I love your pictures and so do my companions.  Keep sending me more.  Dallin-I'm so proud of you finishing your Eagle Scout project.  It may have been a nail bitter but mine was too.  Poor Mom.  Landon don't do that to her okay. 

I love you all, continue to send me updates from home.  I want to know how Derek's doing and I would like his address.  I have grown so much recently and I wish to share it with him.

I would really like to hear from each of you on your testimony, your favorite scripture, or something you are grateful for and why. 

Is the saying "keep on keepin on" a Brown family saying?  Uncle Paul sent me an email out and he said the same thing as you do mom.  I was wondering where it came from in our family. 

I am so grateful that Butch and Maggie are well. (our dogs- Butch was hit by a car before Christmas and had some serious cuts).  I miss them all the time but I know that our watching after them.  I'm almost afraid that Maggie, when I come home, is going to knock me over because of how big she's gotten. I only saw her head in the picture you sent of her peaking out of the blanket but she is bigger.  My little baby's going to be all grown up when I get home. 

I love you all and pray for you all each day.  Pray for missionary experience everyday.  Any chance you get, tell some one about the restored gospel.  Invite them to read the Book of Mormon and to pray for the truth God wants to help you.  All you need to do is prove Him.  Prove to Heavenly Father that you're willing to aid the missionaries and to help your friends. 

I testify that Jesus Christ is God's son. That he came to earth to die for us & to give us eternal life through His Resurrection.  God has a plan for you.  All you need to do is listen to the Holy Ghost and act upon it.  Do not let Satan get hold of your hearts.  He wants to have you.  Let God help you.  I love you so very much.  The Holy Ghost has confirmed to me that God is holding Satan back from you.  Do not procrastinate any moment.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Go forth with confidence in the Lord.  Fear not doubt not, for the Lord they God is with thee.  Give my love to Butch and Maggie. 
Love

Elder Ephraim Kade DeCoursey

Sister D letter 2.4.13 "Georgia Jensen and daughter"

Dear Home,

We were able to teach some really good people and set a baptism date with one of our investigators. Her name is Georgia Jensen she is in her late 60's and is going through chemo right now for cancer. She can't wait to feel better so that she can come to church and once her rounds of chemo are done she is going to be baptized along with her adult daughter. One of her daughters that lives in California is already a member. She has such amazing faith that has helped her through this time. She is probably my favorite person we are teaching. She is from PA and has the cutest accent. Sister Fisher says I sound just like her which of course I was thrilled about because she sounds so sassy and down to earth. Anyways, this week we are starting a Book of Mormon book club with her and some of the members that are in her apartment building. Each week, we are going to meet and read a story from the Book of Mormon and study it together. I'm pretty excited about it. I always wanted to be in a book club and now I can with all of these sweet women who consider me their granddaughter. It's pretty awesome.

We weren't able to meet this week with Kristina because our car wouldn't start.. it was pretty lame. Next week, we will have a member of the bishopric there with us who is very knowledgeable of the scriptures so I'm excited about that. She is such an awesome person. I'm both intimidated and fascinated by her. She is not afraid to get to the bottom of a doctrine and is just searching for truth. We have had some really great Bible and Book of Mormon discussion about how the two books truly do work together and both testify of Christ. It has been a great learning experience for me and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have my testimony grow.

Thanks to Gma and Gpa Brown for the care package and letters! I will want to see a picture of the puppy you get! I have enjoyed getting the postcards from the family. I got letters from Josi, Dad, and the boys. So thanks for those. Be looking for replies soon!

Hope all is well.

Love from the frozen,

Sister D