Heavenly Father is in control

Eric's companion, Elder Towner

March 2011 Mission Council at the Mission Home.

(I don't think Eric is quite as tall as he appears. I think he and Elder Bryce are standing on a taller piece of furniture.)

Hello!!! Hey family, how is everybody!!! It's great to hear from you again this week and to see that everyone's doing good. We also had an excellent week here. Some inactive people came back to church for the first time, and many of those were Melchizedek priesthood holders. Since I first got here, both our assistance (attendance) and priesthood has increased in the ward, which is always nice to see. Our ward has responded very well to the "15 Family List" which is just a list of 15 inactive or less active families that we try to reactivate. What happens is someone from the ward contacts them and asks if the missionaries can pass by. If the person accepts, we pass by and help them come back to church; or they can reject in which case we don't do anything and then we just add another family's name on the list for us to visit and teach and reactivate. It's a great system because both the ward and the missionaries are involved, and it helps the people feel more loved. It's working pretty good out here, although we were hoping to find more part member families doing this, so we could also get some baptisms, but for right now, just a lot of complete families or individuals coming back to church, which is good too.

Regarding your package, yes, I got it! I was told on Thursday that my package arrived at the mission home, but because of complications we couldn't go until Friday, which actually was a blessing because it turns out the elder who told me it was there was mistaken, and the package actually arrived Friday, just a few minutes before we got there! Funny thing is that both packages got there at the same time!!! So I got the Valentine's package you sent through the mail, and then the package you sent with the Kradolfers (kind friends traveling to Argentina) with the shoes! I already know you will, but please tell them thank you from me.

Thanks a lot for the packages, they're awesome. I'm especially excited for my new shoes, even Sonilda is. (the landlady) I'm excited to start wearing them, and expect them to stay in good condition because my area is paved roads. I learned about something very useful to me recently. You and Dad are going to laugh, because I used to think it was just something for old people, but now realize the importance of. It's called a shoe horn, and it's awesome. Elder Towner introduced me to his shoehorn and I love them now.

So I'm just really happy to have nice new shoes and also to have everything else you sent. Tell Dad I also got his book about missionary tools, which is a pretty basic book that teaches many things you already know, but helps you APPLY them better, which is something I need. I haven't read it all, but like what I have, so tell Dad thanks. Of course I also enjoyed his articles on the second coming, which had many fun facts I never knew. So thanks a lot for everything.

Other than that, life's been pretty normal. Japan's recent tragedy has stirred the hearts of many people, and seems to be a hot topic these days. I recently read in the book of Nephi that the Lord doesn't do anything unless it's for the benefit of mankind, for example earthquakes, floods, etc. It's obvious doctrine to a Latter Day Saint, but often overlooked when things happen. People have such a negative attitude towards disasters and deaths, and often curse God for these things! People often lose their faith when things like this happen, BUT others humble themselves, allowing the missionaries to teach them. Since that incident, we've found the people to be much more receptive, and many are accepting and listening to the gospel because of something that happened so far away. Many people listen now that never would have listened before because now they realize how powerful God is. Well, I can't say how exactly, but yes, even this disaster in Japan was for the overall good of mankind. Of course, try to tell that to some Japanese mom who lost her son, it'll be pretty hard, but just know that everything that happens on this earth was planned long ago by an all-knowing and loving Father. In fact, I would be much more concerned if these things WEREN'T happening. God stated in the Bible that in the last days, these days in which we live, that we would see such storms and disasters, thus his prophecy made about 2000 years ago is proof that the Lord IS IN CONTROL!! If storms and disasters weren't happening right now, then you could be concerned that the Lord really doesn't have control over the earth and that the prophecies made by John were nothing more than a hunch; but these things ARE happening and they're happening just like God said they would, showing He is in control of everything.

Well, that's the basic update, today we ate at Subway and are going bowling now. We're with the elders from Las Heras, and are now heading back to our area to bowl. I appreciate all you do and thank you for everything. Thanks for the packages and for writing!

Love,

Eric

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