Month: February 2006


  • Dear Family/Xangans,


    Another transfer- this is my 5th. Of course that means that last week I celebrated my 6th month mark with the ritual tie burning. We also celebrated it with real Chicago pizza.


    Yesterday I got a new companion. His name is Elder Roberts, he's from American Fork. It is hard for me because I was really good friends with Elder Whittier who I was with for 12 weeks- probably the fastest 12 weeks of my mission. I am still in Sunland, which is a great area right now for this work.


    Sorry this update is so mundane. There were some very spiritual things that happened last week, but I don't feel it necessary to post them here at this time. Just know that my faith in this work has been renued as I have watched it bring someone happiness. One of our investigators is just changing so much- it is a remarkable testament of the power of Jesus Christ manefest through the Book of Mormon, which she has now read twice in the 5 weeks we have taught her.


    Thursday-Sunday Elder Whittier and I were somewhat housebound because of an injury he sustained. How he got the injury is an extremely funny story, but must be told to individuals (so it can be censored as appropriate). So, if you want a really big laugh and great story, you will have to write me and request the details:


    California Arcadia Mission 170 W. Duarte Rd. Arcadia, CA 91007


    Thanks. I look forward to hearing from all of you,


    Elder Embree

  • Dear Family, Friends, and Xangans,

    All is well in Sunland. Yesterday was a particularly great day. A couple that is now in their 4th week free from smoking came to Church for the first time in probably years. It looks like they will be coming back for good. Seeing them in Church put me on cloud nine.

    Our investigator continues to progress towards baptism. Though she has not made that decision yet, I can see how our lessons and how Church changes her life. She comes from a world of discord, chaos, and darkness. When she comes to Church or to lessons, I can see it in her. I watch her through the lessons and through the meetings though, and I see that darkness leave her. She is finding the peace she so desperately needs. In two days she read the entire Book of Mormon in english. Now she is reading it again, this time in her native Armenian. She continues to pray, searching for the answer. She has now had the first 3 lessons. We have only been meeting with her for 3 weeks, but I can visualize her in white entering the steps to the baptismal font. I can visualize her future, a future in which she escapes the darkness and contention of her past home life and starts for herself and new family and the peaceful life she craves.

    Saturday we baptized a little girl named Hilary. She is only 8 years old, so she is not a convert baptism, but we have been teaching her because her family is not active in Church. My companion got to confirm her. It was wonderful to see her and her mom in Church yesterday and I pray that this baptism will be the push their family needs.

    I want to bear witness to the world that God lives. He lives! And as I see Him work miracles in the lives of perishing souls I come closer to knowing Him and to realizing His Salvation. He is intimately involved in our lives, and if we will hear and answer His constant call for us we can find that peace that each of us so desperately seek.

    Sincerely,
    Elder Embree