1/26/2015 - 21st LETTER FROM DUNCAN

Some Missionary Moms don't focus on the two year countdown.  Instead, they countdown the 24 Fast Sundays of the mission.  Next week will be our 6th!  Here's his letter:

Dear Peeps!

 

Man, this week has been crazy awesome, as usual. not gonna lie, I feel too blessed up here...don't know what I did to deserve such an awesome mission thus far, but I am not going to complain! Quick overview of the week: miracles. Miracles everywhere. One of our investigators was having some serious financial problems, and didn't have enough food for him and his daughter. We were trying to schedule an appointment, but he was too stressed. So we decided to load up some of the spare food we had in our apartment and head over to the rescue. After all, we are representatives of Jesus Christ! We knocked on his door, and when he saw the food we had brought him, he was so relieved. We came in for a little bit and talked with him, helped him out. We committed him to live the word of wisdom, the law of chastity, and the law of tithing. He's so grateful for this church and this gospel, and he's been reading the Book of Mormon. It was a wonderful lesson, and I'm grateful to have been a part of that experience.

We also had the opportunity of heading up to Nanaimo and attending what's called a specialize training session, where the assistants and Sister Burt gave a training on weekly planning and how important it is while President Burt interviewed each of us individually. It was incredible. He's such an inspired man. Truly called of God. 

My testimony has been strengthened in one specific aspect of the work this week. Let me share an incredible miracle with you all: We had a very cool experience this week. As we were walking down the road that we live on, a man drove by and skidded to a halt right after he saw us. Taken aback, we stopped, too, wanting to make sure that he was okay. We walked up to the car, and he rolled down his window, asking us, "Hey! Are you guys Mormon missionaries?!" Automatically, we answered, "Yes! Have you ever talked to some of us before?" He was super excited and said that he'd been wanting to meet with us forever, but couldn't find us. He gave us all of his contact information and set a return appointment for today, January 26th, at 6 pm. We are so excited to visit with him, and for his progression in the gospel. The reason that that happened is because we had prayed just before leaving the house that the Lord would make sure that we would be placed in the path of His children who are prepared to hear His message. And lo and behold, it worked! The gospel is real! I have such a testimony of that.

It was awesome. The work is hastening. The Lord is ever at the helm. We met with Will this week, as well. He's doing great, but he's a little discouraged that he can't get baptized yet. The wait is literally destroying him. It's agonizing to watch, but we're helping him out so much. Patience is a virtue! Every trial that we go through is here for us to learn and to grow. The Lord has a plan. It's in His hands. I need not worry. This week was great. I love the work. It gets better and better each and every day. It's also comforted to know that I am in exactly the right place at exactly the right time right now. This is where the Lord wants me to be. I've prayed about it, and I've received an answer. And THAT is how we know all things. If we have any question, just ask Him. He'll give you the answer liberally, and upbraid not. That is the principle that restored the gospel, and that is the principle that leads souls back to Christ, and back to their heavenly home to live with their Father in Heaven forever. I know that to be true.

You all rock! Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Elder Stock

Me, Elder Hancock, and the hilarious Korean elders in Courtenay

  I made pancakes the way that papa made them. They tasted exactly like his. It was incredible. Best morning I have ever had! 

I would call it a successful week if it's full of miracles and Papa Pancakes! 

1/19/2015 - 20th LETTER FROM DUNCAN

Tomorrow will be the 5 month mark for Elder Stock!  I can't believe it's been that long because it certainly doesn't seem like it. 

Dearest Missionary Blog,

Hello! I hope that everyone's week was fantastic! Mine was incredibly awesome. Like ten thousand gallons of pure awesome sauce. All over the place. If that imagery doesn't grab you like a National Enquirer headline, then I don't know what will. Highlights of this week include: finding a Book of Mormon CD at a random Canadian thrift store (the Lord provides), sniffing an air freshener called "passion" in an elderly member's truck on the way to a new member lesson, having a really weird dream about Disneyland as a missionary, watching "To This End Was I Born" with Norm and Ken and seeing the part where Jesus Christ visits the spirit world between his death and Resurrection, being taught from Preach My Gospel by my two recent converts and a super solid investigator named Will, being super tired everyday (it's only gonna get worse!) yet super happy, hearing the good news that we are getting a new car because our car is over 78,000 kilometers, and teaching a man with "22-caliber faith". 

The work is hastening here in Duncan. The Lord truly is preparing His children for the wonderful, hopeful message of the Restoration. This is His work. Not ours. We just have the privilege of being instruments in His hands and learning from Him. I testify that He is real, and that He loves us. I can't emphasize that enough. This is His church, His gospel. I would exhort you all to read the Book of Mormon, to study it every single day. Pray fervently about it with great faith and sincerity, apply its teachings in your life, and you will not only see the blessings from doing so, but you will know that it is true, and you will have the privilege of building a relationship with your Eternal father in Heaven. What a wonderful gift that is! Have a wonderful week, everybody! 

And finally....A shout out to the Central Ward Young Women! Thank you for writing me! Your faith makes me work harder each day!

Yours truly, 

Elder Stock

Me and Elder Hancock takin' a breather before e-mails. 

 And Burger King's new bacon poutine!

It was nasty...



Imagine that.....Burger King's food was nasty! 

Ah, the food choices of a missionary.

1/15/15 - 19th LETTER FROM DUNCAN

I knew that transfers were happening and I couldn't wait for Colton's letter.  I again messaged Sister Ruttan for some information on my boy.  She was more than happy to let me know that they would keep him in Duncan a little bit more! 

Dear World,

 

This week was....fantastic. One of the best weeks of my mission thus far. It was transfer week! *air horns* So, we usually get transfer calls on Monday night of the transfer week, but this week, we didn't get any call at night, so we thought we dodged the transfer bullet and went to bed slap happy. The next morning, we woke up and while Elder Jacobs was in the shower, the Assistants called us. We quickly regained composure of ourselves after we about fainted of disbelief, and then heard the transfer news. Elder Jacobs went to Terrace to train a greenie. Elder Hansen went to Surrey to be with some other missionary, and I am staying in Duncan! With a new companion! His name's Elder Hancock, and he's a transfer younger than me! I'm pulling rank on him. ;) Just kidding. But seriously...he's been a main-lander his whole mission so far, so it's time to slap that apostasy out of him. Lol.

He's super cool, though, and willing to work. He's from Surprise, AZ, loves movies with a passion, and is a Dr. Pepper fanboy! So much in common already! So far, we've taught a ton of lessons together, and it's been a blast. The work is hastening here in Duncan, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. Our recent converts, Judith and Shawnee, are doing SUPER well. We need to teach them at least 2 times a week to make sure that they are enduring to the end, so it's been going super well. In fact, one of the coolest things ever happened on Thursday. We were teaching Shawnee a lesson, and she told us that she just got a job to start paying for her....MISSION FUND! Yeah, she's determined to serve a mission in a year! Isn't that amazing?! We gave her a Preach My Gospel and she's going out teaching with the sister missionaries all the time. It is so cool. In fact, both Judith and Shawnee are going to start teaching us lessons now, just to make sure they know the doctrine. It's incredible to see how much this gospel transforms people. 

We are teaching, teaching, teaching. And there were so many miracles in our zone this week. Our results were sky high. I love it. We're truly seeking the Lord's direction here. We got a new bishop, as well! Bishop Holt! He looks very similar to dad, just with a Canadian flare. And he used to be the second counselor in the bishopric, too, so...I'm feeling if this truly is the Canadian Tony Stock, then dad: you're gonna be the bishop soon. Have fun! :D We had a super cool cottage meeting at Sister Arnott's home, taught about the power of the Atonement, got to have some stellar hot chocolate, and got to talk with Will. He's doing super well. I love that guy! 

The mission is great, what more can I ask for?! I'm gaining an incredibly strong testimony of the gospel, I'm seeing miracles, I'm learning more and more each day that our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ actually live, and that they are so loving. This gospel is literally here to help us return to live with Him once more. And it's the most incredible message anyone can share. I am honored to be one of the Lord's servants. Read from the scriptures, pray about them, and go to church! As you do these simple things, you will be prepared for eternal life! I know this to be true, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Sincerely,
Elder Stock

The end of the Tri-Force!

(Hansen, Jacobs and Stock)

 Elder Stock & Elder Hansen

 Elder Stock, Elder ?, Elder Jacobs

 Elder Jacobs & Elder Stock

 New Companion!!!

Elder Hancock & (the first time as a Senior Companion) Elder Stock

I thought I would share the meme that Kyler sent to Colton this week.

We're busy putting the finishing touches on a care package tonight.  Tomorrow it will start its journey to Canada and into the hands of Elder Stock.  Can't wait for next Monday to hear more about his adventures.

1/5/15 - 18th LETTER FROM DUNCAN

Transfers are this week!  Duncan or a new area?!?  We will know next week....unless Sister Ruttan will tell me before then ;-)  Kyler is into making memes for Colton......maybe next week he can have a different photo.



Dear Humanity,

 

I feel like I haven't written you all since, like, last year! *Crickets chirp* 2015 is truly the one year of my life, where I will have the opportunity of serving the Lord the entire time. I am pumped! My New Year's resolution? To become a better missionary! Pretty vague, but I have a lot of goals written down, like repenting daily, accounting to the Lord, etc. It's gonna be epic!
This past week has been great...as usual... Duncan is fantastic. Great weather, and beautiful scenery. I never knew trees could gets so tall until I came up here. I actually didn't really know that trees could grow at all until I came up here. I still love Arizona scenery, though! So, last week we went to a creepy thrift shop in downtown Duncan. I was sifting through the creep-fest ensuing before my eyes, and found...nothing good...except for a really disturbing doll with half of its face ripped off. Thrift shoppin' in Canada! Sweet! We made some Missourian food in honor of Elder Jacobs, as well. Jambalaya and wassun (I think that's how you spell it...){I think he's talking about wassail}, that one drink that's like orange juice, apple juice, cinnamon, and cloves had a baby. It's pretty good! Also, with our new Nerf guns, Elder Hansen accidentally shot Elder Jacobs' point blank straight in the eye. It was hilarious. Well, except for when Elder Jacobs couldn't see for a couple of days... Don't worry, the eye doctor said he's fine. And he can see now. We think... 

We visited N and K again, and N revealed the stunning truth: he doesn't like the new Planet of the Apes reboot movies. If I wasn't a missionary, I would have left. Kidding, kidding! It was super funny, though. They're doing great. 

We visited our new investigator, M, and he is awesome! He is seriously so prepared! The Lord is truly, actively involved in His work. We are just tools. We are the ground troops, but He is the commander. He sees all, and He knows all. That's why it's so important that we keep our inner vessel clean. that we are truly conduits for His spirit. Otherwise, He cannot work through us, and then no work will be done. because then, it will be man's work. 

We also got to meet with one of our investigators, R. His sons S and A love a certain movie that I was able to connect with...you guessed it.. PAC RIM! It was hilarious. They weren't really paying attention and then I found out they liked the movie, so I started geekin' out with them, and then after that, they were totally engrossed in the lesson. The plan of salvation is awesome.
We also saw a pretty neat miracle. We went to Boston Pizza, and ordered a pretty good amount of food to start our fast. After we were finished, the waitress told us that someone had picked up our bill. We looked over and this older gentleman was leaving with his wife. She pointed at him and said, "It was him." We thanked him and he left abruptly. But it was super cool to see that Christ-like love. Something so simple as paying for someone's meal. It made a difference to me. By small and simple things, great things come to pass. 

We got to visit a man named S. He is another testimony of how much the Lord prepares His children for His message. He's been through a lot of rough times, but because of this, he knows that there is a God that loves him. And that's all that matters. Everything else comes after that. Being with him at church yesterday was sacred. He truly felt the Spirit there. You could see it in his eyes. And it was wonderful. I love this mission. I have never known before, with such certainty as I do now, that Heavenly Father is real, that He loves us so much. That the priesthood is real. That His church, His truths, His pathway back to Him, are back on the earth once more. Right at our fingertips. All we need to do is hold on. We already know the result of this war between us and the adversary. God will not let us down. To play in this game, we don't need to be huge, starting linemen. We don't need to be star wide receivers. We just need to put on a jersey and run. That's all that He requires. To run. To strive. To improve. Joseph Smith himself said that our progression in this gospel is much like climbing a ladder: what matters isn't that we reach the top, but that we are continually taking the next step. That's all that matters. not perfection just yet, but improvement each and every day. I can promise all of you that as we look within ourselves, ask the penetrating question that President Uchtdorf so eloquently committed us to do: "Lord, is it I?", that we will receive light into our lives. We will know what he wants of us, and we will know exactly how to repent. How to become better. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

Sincerely,

Elder Stock

 HE SHOT HIS EYE OUT!!!

Thankfully, he's OK!

 Until next week, when we find out about transfers.

12/29/14 - 17th LETTER FROM DUNCAN

We had 40 minutes to Skype with Elder Stock on Christmas Day and it was heaven!!!!!!  He was even able to talk to Brianna Baxter, Emily Codling, Laura Jones and Jeremy Call!  How could he call home and NOT see friends?!?  His Mamita and Aunt Jacquelen were here to chat with him as well.  It was a great visit and it was fun to see him and his companions.  Happy day!!!!!!!  The best part....we only had to wait 4 days until his letter!

Laura Jones, Emily Codling and Brianna Baxter (l to r)

 The Stock's

Anthony, Nicole, Colton, Asher, Kyler, Roscoe and Cocolette Amelie Genevieve Fifi Peney

Dear Everyone,

Well....you just saw me face to face on Thursday, so...you've probably had enough of me, but here I am! Like any good missionary, I ain't leaving you alone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas...because mine was fantastic!
So...this week was super hectic and crazy and jam-packed with awesomeness, so as I look back now on my journal to accurately depict the happenings of my week, I am struck by just how much happened...because it seems like this week was a lot longer than a week...but in a good way. Doesn't make sense, but hey...that's how missions work. Basically, there were three holidays this week: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (they both have very different feels to them. Throughout my life, this has been true...), and Boxing Day (Canada exclusive holiday!). It was awesome. On Monday and Tuesday, the Duncan ward had their annual Christmas pageant, and it was awesome! 

I got to participate by lurking in the church's gym, waiting for the guests of the pageant to come in for hot chocolate. I pounced on those people like a lioness going after a gazelle at a watering hole. But in a gospel sharing sense, of course. I got to talk to a lot of cool people, as usual. 

I got some incredible Christmas packages this year, as well. SHOUT OUT to the Baxter Family! Your package was awesome! You better believe those Godzilla plates are up in my cupboard. And the Christmas card is stellar. That RC helicopter is incredible, too! I almost gave my companion an accidental haircut, but...that's alright. ;) Thanks so much! You all rock and Merry Christmas!

SHOUT OUT to my family (The Stock Family): you guys are pretty okay, too, I guess. ;) Just kidding: I love you all! Your package rocked as well. The traditional slinky was heartwarming. And those pajamas are super comfortable. The sweater's super nice, and the candy is awesome. 

SHOUT OUT to Emily Codling and Laura Jones! All I have to say is...Pacific Rim and Joseph Smith are a match made in heaven. Thanks a ton! :D

Yeah, Christmas rocked. Skyping the fam was great. Don't worry, mom! I'm wearing my retainer! :,( It was nice to see my companions' families as well. We had dinner at the Smith's home in our ward, and it was awesome! I got to tap maple trees in their backyard! I'm pretty much a full-fledged Canadian now... We talked to a lot of people this week, and taught some good lessons. I actually got called to teach the gospel principles class literally the night before by the teacher. I had to teach the last lesson in the book: exaltation. Yikes! It wasn't exactly the most basic of doctrine...but it turned out okay. Lol. No testimonies were shattered...I don't think, at least. So, I have these Nerf guns from Elder Jacobs' dad that shoot up to 90 FEET! And they are deadly. we have Nerf wars a lot, now...and to test out the gun's strength, I held up a Lay's potato chip and Elder Hansen shot it. The chip exploded into, like, a thousand pieces! AH! It's too powerful!
Man, I love the mission. Christmas was great. I know this church is true, and that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He loves us and helps us each day as we come unto Him, follow Him, and walk with Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sincerely,

Elder Colton Anthony Stock

 Package from the Baxter's!!!

 Elder Hansen!

 Elder Jacobs!

 Elder Stock!

 Spiritual Gangsta!

 w.o.w......just wow

 He's so lucky to be there!!!

 The tri-force Christmas morning

 Nerf Wars!

 YUM!

 Colton also said: 

"Looking forward to 2015?! I know I am! It's the one year of my life that I will do nothing but serve the Lord."

 Here's to a great year!

12/22/14 - 16th LETTER FROM DUNCAN

Today couldn't have been better once we heard the news that our Christmas phone call had been upgraded to Skype!!!!  We're so thankful to the Ruttan's for opening their home (once again) to my boy and letting him use their computer.  Can't wait for Thursday!!!!!  Kyler doesn't like to write long letters to his brother.  He decided to make his own meme's and send that to Colton.  Here's what he sent him today.



I expect we'll see plenty more of these over the next 20 months!  Now for the letter.

Dear Mission Blog,

Guess what week it is?! Christmas! I'm more excited for Christmas on my mission than I ever have been. Well, when I was a little Stock-meister I got pretty amped for the holiday. But I am super excited for Christmas this year, not just for the Christmas Skype call that I get to be apart of, but because of the miracles that I know will happen on Christmas as I go out and talk to our Father in heaven's awesome children! I have the utmost faith that we will see miracles this Christmas. So I am preparing for them now. I have been privileged and fortunate enough so far to see miracles on my mission, and I can't wait to see them continue. Especially during this week. 

This week has been pretty cool, not gonna lie. I got to watch a crazy early 80's church video called "Morality for Youth" with N and K this Tuesday. Holy heck it was hilarious. We kind of accidentally selected the video on the DVD, and then we kind of just let the video play. Lots of white water rafting euphemisms and just blatant chastity counsel that was pretty intense. But luckily it went over N and K's heads like a rogue airplane high-tailing it out of Berlin. After that experience, we went to downtown Duncan to do some street contacting. We were on exchange with one of my zone leaders (Elder Huni--he rocks) and we saw so many miracles that day! So many people were in downtown and willing and ready to talk with us. We had some great conversations with them. I got to meet a pastafarian in real life, and they're even crazier than I imagined! ;) Basically atheism but with a little bit more sarcasm and bitterness towards the concept of faith. Interesting conversations, but it was fun nonetheless. We met some people who were actually receptive and super cool, as well, so it wasn't a loss at all. We met with one of our investigators, and he's doing awesome! and we also got to have a big Christmas party with our gospel principles class at the Cyphers' home. It was sweet! Homemade pizzas are where it's at! 

I told one of my investigators in some "How to Begin Teaching" from PMG that I'm just an 18 year old kid who has little to no life experience, but Jesus Christ knows how to help you with anything that happens in your life. He was like, "You're only 18?! I thought you guys were way older! How do you have all of this wisdom?!" And then he gained a lot of respect for the church/missionary effort. It was hilarious and cool. 

So I had a crazy awesome dinner appointment with some members in our ward, and they made actually good Mexican food! Yeah, all the Mexican I've had up here has been pretty bland, but they did it right! (I might also just be desensitized to what Mexican food tastes like by now, as well...) It was awesome. I was so full after it, though, that I barely wrote in my journal...it was too much effort. ;) Oh, missionary life! I traded Elder Durfee (who'll be home in Gilbert soon) my purple tie for his awesome red and white one. It was sick! I'll send a picture! 

Pretty sad news, though...our awesome bishop in this ward suddenly moved up to the North... He got a new job, and the moving trucks were unexpectedly ready, etc. So he left yesterday...he was awesome! We got to go to his farewell party at some other ward members' house, and it was great. I got some packages this week. 

SHOUT OUT TO: My parents, Grandpa & Grandma and Austin & Reagan Mulleneaux! Thanks for the packages. They rocked. I'm gaining back my greenie weight loss, though...so that's not good. ;) Just kidding, I'll shave it off over time. Lots of walking in this mission. It rained super hard on Saturday. 

We had a Christmas cantata in the Duncan ward yesterday, and it was great. I love this time of year that we have to focus on the Savior even more in our lives. It was a good week. I am looking forward to tonight. We have the famous Duncan Ward Christmas pageant that garners about 750 people each year. We have that tonight and tomorrow night, and it should be an excellent opportunity for us to find more people that the Lord has prepared. I'm so pumped for this week, and for Skyping on Thursday! I love you all, and stay safe for the holidays. Focus on Christ this Christmas. Watch "He is the Gift" until your eyes melt, and have a wonderful time. This truly is the best time of the year.

Your Truly,

Elder Stock

 

 Gilbert Boys!
Elder Stock and Elder Durfee
Elder Durfee will be home next month and I can't wait to have him and his family over for dinner!

 Straight Outta the Shower
(I guess he wears a white shirt ALL THE TIME!?!)

 Elder Hansen

 Elder Jacobs

Saying Goodbye to Bishop Coleman

 The Thinker.....Mormon style!

Can't wait to Skype with this boy on Thursday!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

 

Watch He is the Gift Here

12/15/14 - 15th LETTER FROM DUNCAN

Christmas is coming!!!!  And that means a call from my boy!  The time is decided and he gave me his phone number.  Do you understand the restraint I have to use to NOT use this phone number except on the day and time agreed upon?!?!????!!!!!!!  Ten more days to go! 

Dear Spectators to My Life of Spiritual Awesomeness,

 

Hello, everyone! This week has been awesome! As usual....I don't think I will ever say that a week has been bad throughout my entire mission...but, then again, you chose to make each week a good week or not. "Attitude is everything...pick a good one." -That One Plaque in My Room.....

This week, I got to eat some Japanese curry at some ward member's house when we joined them for family home evening. Not a big curry fan. I know, I know, sue me... But we did have some incredible scout popcorn with them...that stuff redeemed the curry. They're a super nice family. Crazy with three little boys (no idea how my mom does it), but we were still able to have a great time with them and watch the most spectacular video this Christmas season called "He is the Gift". That video literally has a guaranteed spirit associated with it. As we share it on our social media outlets, we will be able to literally share Christ's love with everyone who comes in contact with it. We're using it as an incredible proselyting tool here. 

We made some homemade tacos (perks of being in a tri) and got to have an amazing lesson on faith with Judith! I absolutely love helping people understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is super rewarding. The highlight of my week was Wednesday. We headed up to Nanaimo first thing in the morning and attended a zone conference there. We'd heard a lot of rumors about this zone meeting, and how it was going to be very Christmas-themed. We weren't sure what to expect. The night before, my zone leaders called and told me I was giving a training on an article we received about Christmas by Elder Holland. So...that was a little nerve-wracking! We showed up and as a zone watched "He is the Gift" two times. What an incredible spirit we all felt! What a miracle it is for us as missionaries and as members to share this gospel. We also watched a short movie called "Christmas Mission" with the guy from the Saratov Approach! it was a really good movie all about the importance of the individuals we meet in our ministries here. I gave my training on the article, and it was super cool. Because of my crazy preparation, the Spirit was able to take over and testify to my companions in the zone. 

I related the story of my favorite Christmas. Me and my brothers were saving up all year for a Nintendo Wii. In a penny jar, we had amassed perhaps maybe $50 between the three of us (I guess Kyler only counted as a half, as he wasn't exactly pulling in major income at this time in our lives...), and that was far from the amount of money it would cost to buy a Wii. Let alone all of the controllers and the games needed to play it. But, we kept saving up with the hopes that would get there. Then, Christmas came. We had a ton of fun opening our stockings, etc. But then my parents pulled out a special gift for us. We opened it, and to our utter surprise, it was a Nintendo Wii! Controllers and games and all! this moment in our lives was captured with a photo. Our faces were the embodiment of pure joy. I'll never forget that incredible act of kindness. 

(Christmas 2007 with the Wii!)

To relate this back to the gospel, what we want more than anything is to return to live with our Heavenly Father, to enjoy all of the blessings that He enjoys, and to feel of His love for us. To have eternal life. We try everyday to make the choices we need to make to return back to Him. We have faith, we repent, we keep our covenants, and we endure to the end, but in the long run, we're going to come short. We'll be lucky if we even get one fifth of the way there! But our Heavenly Father gave us a gift. Jesus Christ. He is the gift. And through Him, we can return to live with our Father. We can become what He knows we can be, and it doesn't matter how many mistakes we make, because as long as we embrace the gift of Jesus Christ in our lives, we will rise above those mistakes, those shortcomings. Our Heavenly Father has provided us with the way, and all He asks us to do is to follow that example, to follow that gift. And He has promised us that if we do this, we will receive eternal life. 

Right after that, we had an amazing Christmas dinner for lunch. Santa even showed up to the Nanaimo zone meeting! 

Elder Hansen got, like, nine packages! Elder Jacobs and I got one. Lol! Shout out to my Uncle Jason, his wife Jennifer, and their kids Savannah, Autumn, and Cannon, and Brynn! Your package was awesome! Those almond roccas are divine! Thank you so much for sending it, and I hope you all have a blast at my homeland this Christmas! It'll be nice and warm... ;) 

Anyways, it's been a wonderful week up here in Canada! I love this gospel, and I love the joy it brings into our lives. It truly is the greatest gift that we can give to our brothers and sisters out there. I am excited for this next week and for Christmas being the week afterwards! It's perfect time to get out there and teach people about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know that this church is true, and that that Book of Mormon is the word of God. Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, and He is real, and loves us, and lifts us up each day. We are so blessed. 

#ShareTheGift

-Elder Stock

Santa and Elder Stock!

My mission brother, Elder Lee

 (Elder Orr trained both of us)

 Their Zone and Santa