My dear Ward Missionaries. I hope so much that this past week was wonderful for you and your family. I hope that you have felt the love of Jesus Christ increase in your heart and in your homes.

Our dinner last night turned out pretty good. Saw a few of our less active friends there. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Sister Wall our Stake Relief Society president talked to us and shared her powerful testimony. I think everyone came away being filled with the spirit and food.

Thanks so much to those of you who were able to help with preparations for this dinner. I know if was a no win situation for many of you not having some sort of babysitting available. We will get better !!!

I’m trying to include the picture of a tree that over time, overcame the strength and hardness of a rock to eventually break through and flourish. It has such a wonderful message for each of us. That is what this life is all about. Planting seeds, it is our decision if we are planting good or bad, God like seeds or evil seeds throughout our lives.

Of course, as we focus a little on missionary work, it is those friendships, those moments of acquaintance, the taking of a plate of cookies, helping with a project. Watching another’s kids, so many ways to plant seeds just a wave, a smile, saying hello.  Simple, simple things to do to plant the Lords Garden in this ward.

You might or might not be around long enough to see the fruit of these plantings. But I’m pretty sure that the day will come when those who eventually accepted the gospel will greet you with untold gratitude. What a glorious reunion that will be!!

Pray for miracles, pray for charity, pray for discernment, pray for wisdom. Most of all pray to develop that true conversion to Jesus Christ.

I’m grateful for each of you and your willingness to try to develop these friendships. Only 30 minutes a week and great are the rewards. Plant those seeds. As you plant in others, the Lord will plant new seeds in you also. God bless each of you. 

“Though a man should say but a few words, and his sentences and words be ever so ungrammatical, if he speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost, he will do good.”

Brigham Young  |  Discourses of Brigham Young, 31

Please let me either personally, by individual text or email or phone call know how you are doing. In my Bi Weekly meetings with the full time missionaries they always ask about our “Huddles”. These are when we report our efforts, people we have met, had contact with maybe just a simple wave to an individual or one of our assigned families. Most wards have their missionaries stay for 5 minutes after church to (Huddle). I have tried to keep it simple for you by asking this information from you via these text messages. If you would prefer to meet for 5 minutes after the block of meetings please let me know your preference. But, it is important to report.

I really appreciate those of you who have communicated with me.  It is very helpful in letting the bishop know of the flock he has stewardship over. If there is there anything I can do to help you or your families with, please do not hesitate to let me know. 

The Lord is your ultimate companion and I testify that as you go about His work, He will be with you.

Love each of you

Steve Larsen

801-380-8307