October 16/17, 2011



Elder Rowe and his very cool companions

Hello my family!

First of all, Happy Anniversary in Hawaii! I expect heaps of pictures next week. OK?

It's been a good one here in Palmerston.

The biggest news of the week was yesterday when Keoni was confirmed a member of the church and received the Holy Ghost. After church he was given the priesthood and ordained a Deacon. I think him getting the Priesthood yesterday was the biggest spiritual highlight of all that we've done with Keoni. I thought about what you said Dad, of how he looks like a future stake president, and just thought how awesome it will be to see where he is in 20 years. And to see how much he has done for others as a member of the church. I hope particularly, for his less-active and non-member family. He is doing great and his mom was so happy on Sunday. He's just kind of sad that he won't be able to pass the sacrament for 2 weeks because next week is Stake Conference. Haha

In other exciting news of the week, I tried an avocado popsicle last Monday. So now I'm just as cool as Robby. We were given them from our Fijian/Filipino family that we're teaching, and I must say it was quite good! I think it was basically just blended milk and avocado frozen together, but it's much better than it sounds.

Also this week we had some really great lessons with the Gibbs. The Gibbs have recently returned from less-activity and now we're working closely with their daughter and her partner Anthony. Anthony is really keen to learn more about the Gospel and after we gave them the Book of Mormon on Friday, they started reading it that night. We planned to teach them about the Book of Mormon and they got all excited when I mentioned Nephi and they told us all they had learned about Nephi and Lehi and the two rebellious brothers. So their doing great and will definitely be setting a baptism date this week with Anthony.

Our other really keen investigator is a guy named Shane who recently got out of jail. He is already making changes to his life by taking different courses like anger management and other things. He really feels the Spirit when we come over and really wants to get baptized and be the best he can.

On Saturday we had a really interesting conversation with a Muslim guy from Somalia in his home. This was the second time we had talked to him. We found out yesterday that he really isn't interested in learning about the Church, but instead hopes to convert us to Islam. So we testified of the Book of Mormon and told him to pray and ask God if it's true and then there would be no need for debate. So I hope he does, because it will bless his life immensely when he comes to learn the truth.

Basically, Elder Stratford and I teach a lot of very different people from such a variety of different backgrounds. But the Church is true! and it's for everyone, no matter their circumstance. So that's why I'm here, and I love every minute of it.

I will be going to Waitara this week for exchanges and will get a good long look at Mount Taranaki. It's even more magnificent than the pictures.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support,

Happy anniversary again. Please eat a shaved ice for me.

Just remember:
"True happiness comes only by making others happy"---David O. McKay
Keep doing what is right, and praying day and night!
Have a wonderful week!
I love you all so very much!

Love,

Elder David John Rowe