Best place to send packages (in case he gets transferred)
Mission Office
Elder Andrew McCarty
Canada Edmonton Mission
8925 51st Ave. suite 305
Edmonton AB T6E 5J3
CANADA

E-mail: A.a.mccarty@myldsmail.net

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Time comes at a price! 12-17-08‏

Today I have returned to my previous method of writing. I'll today begin with my newsletter so I have more time to write all the miracles that are happening. The trouble is, as a result I may not be able to respond to as many personally as I would like. Let me know if this is a good exchange or not!Julius Tago is a new investegator this past week. He was referred to us by a man named Patrick Keys. He's not in our ward but is a member in southern edmonton. Julius was eager to meet with us and told us in the first 5 minutes "since speaking with Patrick I've begun to understand why some people change religion." Now I know it took some superhuman perception but for me that was a small hint to how ready and prepared Julius tago is.As we began with prayer and started into the lesson Julius looked intensely at the Book of Mormon we presented him with. The look in his eyes was full with gratitude and praise and he was clearly listening to every word we spoke. After teaching him about the Godhead and that God is his loving Heavenly Father, Julius stopped us. He said " my brothers, I want to learn about the basic principles but I have only five minutes left tonight. I want to know what I need to DO."Here once again my superhuman radar went off saying, Julius has been prepared by God. We showed him Moroni 10:3-5, a scripture based on how "by the power of the Holy Ghost [we] may know the truth of all things." He drank in the concept and loved it.Next we told him that in order to show real intent which is one of the requirements in verse 4 of Moroni chapter 10 we wanted him to set a baptismal date! He was eager and willing. December 27, 2008 is the day he has set. Julius said he would not be able to come to church the following day because he wanted to bid farewell to the baptist congregation he had been attending. We explained that he must be to church 2 times before baptism so he would either have to come for sacrament meeting or postpone his baptism. "I will be there" was his simple and dedicated reply. Sure enough he was at church.I am SO excited about the miracles that God has and is blessing us with.Johan Fernando is from Sri Lanka. I've mentioned him in the past. His family has applied for visas and are waiting a reply from the Canadian embassy. We've fasted with Johan for his family and we are excited to meet them. We're keeping as much faith as we can that they will be here for Christmas. Johan still plans for baptism on December 27th also.Zephaniah and Tapiwa with their daughter Sharon have postponed their baptism. They're not yet prepared to come to church and experience those blessings. We'll be meeting with them on Sunday.Marina is a 17 year old young woman. She came to the missionaries two weeks before I was in Edmonton again and said "I'm ready to be baptized." Elder Kipp and Elder smith said "ok." ha ha (That's usually our response to remarks like this one.) She is eating up all she can of the pamphlets her friend in the church has given her. Finally her father (who opposes the church) gave her permission to be taught and baptized.There is the run down on the 7 baptismal dates that are set in Londonderry. MIRACLES I tell you.I love the Lord. I am learning more fully how I can submit myself to Christ. In submission we are empowered. The only way to understand this concept is to experience it. Do you have the faith? It only takes a mustard seed. Pray mightily, work mightily, live by the spirit, have faith, and give the glory to Him who deserves it. THIS is the formula we've been given to submit to Christ. I promise you in the spirit of my calling as a humble servant of Jesus Christ, submission to Him is where happiness eternally lies."Prove me now herewith." (Malachi 3:10)I love you all! Smile and feel the spirit of Christ in this season.Elder McCarty(Canadian one)

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