Letter #64 (February 16, 2010)

I got a new companion last week. His name is Elder Stewart. He's from Walnut Creek, California (close to San Francisco). He's been on his mission for 9 months. I am grateful to have such an amazing companion as Elder Stewart. He has been all that I've wanted in a companion. He's teaching me something everyday. He's diligent and dedicated to serving the Lord. We're going to do a great and marvelous work in Raleigh.

We had the privilege of being instructed by Elder Gonzalez of the Presidency of the Seventy. There were around 40 of us missionaries who were instructed by him. He taught us a lot of great things. It was a great experience. He taught us the importance of using the Book of Mormon while finding and teaching. The Book of Mormon is the powerful evidence that Joseph Smith was called of God to restore His Church. It also draws us nearer to God. The Book of Mormon has made me a better man and missionary.

We've been working a lot with members. Our mission president introduced the "Faith to Invite Plan". We're inviting families to invite their friends receive the gospel. If we could get our investigators into member's home, that would really help move this work forward. Elder Stewart and I set a goal to have an appointment with an investigators at a member's home every night. We are working towards that goal and we hope that it will be met soon.

All is well down here in Raleigh. This is the Lord's work. The Church is true.

Love, Elder Olaya