January 9, 2017

This week has been amazing and I have truly come to love serving here
in daybreak!

Elder Cárdenas and I were able to Learn a great deal about the
Atonement of Jesus Christ. It has been the focus of many of our
lessons that we have had especially with  less actives In the ward.
Christ truly suffered so that we don't have to and He can take any
amount of suffering away as long as we come unto Him and repent. Our
testimony of Jesus Christ has truly grown and we try to share it as
often as we can. During fast Sunday (yesterday) many of the members
talked about how much they like us in the ward. That's when I knew
that we were being successful as missionaries. I hope that they will
continue to build their faith and trust in us and that they will bring
people for us to teach.

The ward is doing amazingly. There have been a lot of changes in the
attitude of the members towards the missionaries. Before I came, the
missionaries were split between 9 different wards so the Spanish ward
didn't get to see them too much. Now that we're in the Spanish ward
alone, the members get to be around for us much more now. The Bishop
is really excited about the missionary work in the ward and Is making
some amazing goals. Even the Ward Mission Leader is starting to get
involved! We're really excited with everything that is happening.

Recently Elder Cárdenas and I have been reading the Book of Mormon
with an emphasis on the love, mercy, and justice of Jesus Christ. I
have learned a great deal reading over the life of Nephi again. A
scripture that I think demonstrates an invitation applicable for all
of us is 1 Nephi 10:17. At this time, Nephi had just returned from
bringing Ishmael and his family back from Jerusalem and Lehi had just
finished prophesy information the vision of the tree of life. Nephi is
telling us how he was able to gain an understanding of the words of
his father and invites us by saying that the Holy Ghost comes to all
men. I truly believe that God loves us enough that if there is
something that we want to understand like the Love of God for His
children or the Atonement, we too can seek the Holy Ghost in order for
us to hear, see, and know of the doctrine and principles for
ourselves. It has helped me understand the Atonement better and come
to Love Jesus Christ that much more.

I hope everyone has a great week and is able to stay healthy at this
time of year.

Elder Kallin James Austin
Utah SLC South Mission