Elder Derek Knighton

January 13, 2014

Im staying in Ontario!! :) im so happy!! I figured I would be, because im still being trained, but it still was kinda worrying me for a minute there! im really glad that I got to stay with my companion Elder Boswell, he is the coolest! im excited for the work we can do here in Ontario and im glad we didn't leave because I know there is still more Im supposed to do here!  This week has been great though, we got a new investigator, who we do service for, and is slowly opening up, and each time we go over it gets better and better! we also had one of the less actives we work with come to church this week for the first time since ive been in the area! it was great! we also taught tons of other great people. Today I wanted to talk a little bit about the importance of Church, prayer, and scripture study, and doing the things we are asked to do.  There is no point in going to church if you go to it like a social gathering, of course it is important to go and meet others that have the same values and goals that you do, and will help you to achieve those goals! but that's not the point!  The point is for us to be able to partake of the sacrament, renew our covenants, learn and grow, and worship our savior! And then applying the things that we learn to our lives, like scripture study.  when we are asked to do things from church leaders, it is because they have been inspired to do so.  Fulfilling our duties and magnifying our callings helps us to grow and develop more than we could ever imagine! don't believe me? try it!  The reason most people here in Ontario aren't doing these things, and magnifying there callings, and most of them wont even accept callings, is because they do the things that the church asks AT church, but not in there homes. Think of it as CPR, that's what me and elder boswell call it, Church, Pray, Read. These 3 wonderful things help us in our lives to bear our burdens, and become happy! Brothers and sisters always remember to do these 3 things, they bless our lives so much, and help us to do the things that are required of us.  I know this because missions aren't easy at all, but through relying on our savior and doing the things he asks, we are able to do anything.

I love all of you!! have a fantastic week!!!

-Elder Knighton