Week 15

Dear all who read this-my Beloved brethren and sistren ;),

I am excited about this next transfer. Elder Anderson is getting transfered to Syracuse, it will be his first walk area. (he has been out for about 14 months.) I am staying here in Hudson/Claverack, my new companion I meet tomorrow- Elder McBride. I don't know much about him other than he is a little quieter than Elder Anderson(Who isn't very loud) and about my height with blond hair, and he is an awesome-or as Elder Anderson said: "solid"- missionary. I am loving being here in Hudson, when we first got here, the missionaries before us probably hadn't been as diligent as they could have been, and so the area was suffering, we didn't have much to work from, so we have done a lot of finding by ourselves, and really trying to get the trust of the members, and their excitement about missionary work up. There is a big difference from when we first started, there is an excitement in the air, a different feeling/spirit here now. I went on exchange to an area that was less diligent than ours, and when I came back I could just feel a re-newing, a greater zeal for the work, a love and power. It was indescribable, but things are doing awesome here. We saw a lot of miracles happen this past week. There were some people we ran into who were spiritually dying/dead, and because they allowed us to come in and teach them, we saw the spirit work in their lives and touch their hearts. (John and Stephanie-who have 3 kids a 4 year old daughter, a 2 year old daughter and an 18 monthish old son-) One of the things that I think we often don't understand or focus on is faith. Faith being a principle of power. Faith isn't just a belief in Christ. When we have True faith we are able to do things otherwise impossible. Faith is the way by which we overcome. All things-sin, physical barriers, emotional challenges, percieved barriers for the work, all these can be overcome with faith. Something from a general authority that I really liked from the 1975 october conference- You mean you are going to convert the world!? Yes. But that is impossible! Perhaps, but we will do it anyway.

You are going to find people to teach and baptise in New York, in a "hard area"? Yup. But that is impossible! Perhaps, but we will do it anyway. In God's own way and time, we will do it. That is the message that I share with you. Do it. Find those opportunites for Missionary work. We are out to preach the Gospel to the World. There is always something to be done, and a way prepared to do it. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Love, Elder Owens

Week 14

Some of the things that Elder Anderson really appreciates are good sunsets and Music. So we stop and take a few pictures during dinner of the sunset sometimes. These two I thought turned out the best.

I liked the silohette of him taking the picture, and then the other one was another day, it doesn't really capture the effect unless you are there, but it was amazing. I love how everything can point to Christ. Sometimes it is fun to make connections. How does a rock point to Christ? Well, moses getting water from the rock-water being life giving substance- had to smote it. So too did people smite Christ, and He brought forth the Living waters. How do trees point to Christ? The tree of life is the love of God, Christ is the olive tree which we are branches of, etc. Everything can point to Christ, sometimes we just don't immediately see how. I love music and the spirit that it brings. I bought a hymn book in the mtc(a mini one) and since Mom sent me mine, I was able to loan mine to an investigator who wasn't progressing(So we don't see her regularly-Barbra-) but needs comfort, and I am so glad that music is available to bring comfort to our soul when there is no one else around. Thats about all I think.- my E-mail account still wouldn't upgrade, so this e-mail address is still fine until further notice.
Have a great Vallentines day!
~Elder Owens

Week 13

Here is a news update from Trezor. Trezor is in the city Claverick. It seems somewhat rual compared to Albany He goes to the Library to email which is the size of a house, and they don't charge late fees for books. He says it has been mild weather the last two weeks and he hasn't needed gloves or a coat on a few of the days.

He and his companion where with the Branch Pres. I think, The Buhler's They went over some misssionary tools and goals. such as share a pass a long card with someone, have a gospel conversation, but really the key is to listen, love, and build a relationship. You can testify of things that will make them happier. Have you set any missionary related goals? Would you like suggestions? Preach My Gospel Pg 167.