With Cheerful and Glad Hearts

Hello All,

      Well, this week we had a ‘Mormon Helping Hands’ service project with the church branch.  We built twelve large vegetable beds at an AIDS Rehabilitation Center.  It was so very nice to see everyone coming together and working for the greater cause.

      The most pressing thing on my mind now, however, is what happened on Sunday (which we feel is the result after our and the branches efforts).   We had ten Less Active members show up for church!  Members who had been years without coming or being involved or even in contact with the church!  The branch members didn’t question them when they came, or inquired deeply about their inactivity, but welcomed them with open arms.  It was truly sweet to see, but even sweeter for those individuals, was the feeling of being loved and accepted . . . with cheerful and glad hearts.

      Man Dad, you are a missionary.  I get very excited hearing your missionary experiences each week.  We have a handful of men (young and not so young) who are always willing to come with us to appointments.  It helps tremendously and means so very much, so on behalf of the Elders back home, Thanks :)

      Mom, Thanks for the stories about the talks, and even that snippet from Stake Conference. That was very much inspiring.  As I am six-months out on mission now I’m making a few improvement goals.  One such goal is to have a cheerful light with me wherever I go no matter the day, or the situation (because at times its hard).  Also, I’m going to focus more on the work, the people, and the gospel, and Christ of course.

I love you all, thank you for your prayers!

Love, Elder Gold