Well my companion is talking to his family right now, so I've got a second to write a few emails. We had 7 people attend church with us so that was great. We are visiting a family where the mom is an inactive member and she has her husband and 3 kids that are not members. We are going to work hard to reactivate her and baptize her family! It is the Lenny`s family if you want to pray for them. :)
Well I just wanted to write a little Christmas thought and testimony for everyone. I guess that is the least I can do since I can`t send anything. This Christmas has been good to try and think of ways to serve people. I was especially encouraged when you guys sent me the white stocking to fill with our acts of service. We have been trying to look for a lot more service opportunities. I think the best thing I did for this holiday was make cookies for everyone. I just finished making all of the cookies, wrapping them up in a little gift wrap, and we printed some gift tags that say "merry Christmas from the missionaries." I guess that is a tradition from the U.S. because I always loved getting cookies and treats from the neighbors and friends during the holidays. It is different here I think because the majority of the people don`t have money for gifts but just look forward to maybe a bigger meal on Christmas than usual.
I know Christ Lives and that he did so much for us! I have been studying the Ensign of this month and I liked a couple of the messages. The message from Pres. Eyring emphasizes that to demonstrate that we are disciples of Christ we need to share his message with our friends and family. We can also do the temple work for our family. The last paragraph and summary of the message is this:
Christmastime turns our hearts to the Savior and to the joy His gospel has brought us. We show our gratitude to Him best as we offer that happiness to others. Gratitude is turned to joy as we offer names to missionaries and as we take the names of our ancestors to the temple. That evidence of our gratitude can make friends and families that endure forever.
I know that what he says is true, and I am so glad to be able to share the message of Christ with all the people here in Colombia. I know that my mission hasn`t been one of a lot of baptisms, but I still feel success as I try to be obedient and just focus all I can on my mission.
The other message I like of the Ensign was one by Elder Robert Hales. He talked a lot about the life of Christ and says that in order to fully understand the true meaning of Christmas, we need to better understand the life, teachings, and atonement of Christ. I have been trying to do this in my mission, andI know that as everyone better studies Christ through the scriptures and teaching of Prophets we will all become more like him as we apply the teachings. I am so excited to talk to everyone, and I love you all so much! I know that this is Christ`s church and I know that Jesus atoned for our sins and if we follow his gospel and keep our covenants, we are going to be able to live with our families and with Christ again. This is my testimony for everyone, and I hope you all have a very merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad!
Love,
Elder Armstrong
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