3/29/16 - 10th LETTER FROM NANAIMO

THIS WEEK ON MISH LYFE: 'NAM-NAIMO...

"But it'll still hurt my eyes...."

The words rang in my head as Leslie Johnny stood in the font after attempting to be baptized twice, but to no avail. He was scared. He has swimming acne and was genuinely terrified of being completely immersed in water. His child-like faith had gotten him so far. But he had reached the point of no return. The fear he felt right now was unlike anything he had experienced.

"It'll be ok." I tried to comfort him. It wasn't going to work. He didn't want to be baptized. Not right then.

"It'll still hurt my eyes...." My companion and I looked at each other. It was time to call it quits. But it seemed unfair. He had come so far...for this?!

This week, Elder Stirland and I had the privilege of being able to help Leslie and Macaira Johnny to come unto Christ through baptism and confirmation by the restored priesthood authority of God. It was terrific. We have been teaching these siblings for a little while, and their mom really wanted them to be baptized, but she wanted it to be their choice. After teaching them, they chose to be baptized to receive a remission of their sins.

We organized a baptismal service on Saturday afternoon for them, and it went wonderfully. Macaira was baptized in one try, and then...it was Leslie's turn. The combination of a crowd of people to witness him and his fear of water proved too much for him. He walked away from his baptismal service that day very disappointed.

As a missionary, that day was so, so stressful. We went back and taught Leslie again, and asked him what he could do to be baptized. He still wanted to be, but he was just not expecting it to be hard for him. Finally, he built up the courage and decided to try again the next day right after church. He practiced a new position in the font where he would squat instead of leaning back in the water.

We had a very private service and he was so excited to try again. He began to walk down the stairs and said to himself, "I can do this!"

As he got into the water, he looked very determined to be baptized this time. The words were spoken and he squatted down all the way under the water. Seeing him fully immersed and feeling the Holy Spirit of Promise confirm the ordinance was such a blessing. All of my stress about the baptism went away,  and I saw this little child of God walk out of the font yelling "That was awesome!"

That's our purpose right there. Let's all reach out and help our brothers and sisters come unto Christ. So that they can feel of His goodness and realize His love for them. It truly is awesome. Leslie, thanks for reminding me of that!

We had our zone conference up here in Nanaimo. It went really well, and we are all pumped to go out and to see miracles. President Burt is such an inspired mission president. I am grateful for him. Truly, I am.

My former companion, Elder Gawrys, and I went on an exchange. While we were tracting someone decided to take a picture of us. And now we're famous on the Internet here in Nanaimo....apparently, we were trying to steal souls.... Well, I don't know about you, but ...I don't even know how to steal one. Just how to save one...

We are having so much fun up here. Missionary work is the greatest joy you can ever feel. And I know that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is with us in this work. He is there with us in our deepest sorrows, in the pouring, freezing rain. And He is there with us in our brightest triumphs, as we witness others come unto Him and become more powerful instruments in His hands. He is there with us always, and will not cease to be with us. His gospel is life-giving and unending.

As Alma said to his son after a bit of fatherly counsel, "Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same in not compelled to come..." (Alma 42:27)

The waters of life are available to all of us. What are you going to do about it? Partake? Or what? I know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior, our Redeemer. Our Friend. He is our advocate with the Father, and will help us to reach our Heavenly Home. The plan of salvation that has been revealed unto us it true, and has been restored by a loving God to a living prophet. I know that we have a prophet today, and am excited to hear the Lord's voice through Him this next weekend. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Sincerely,
Elder Stock

Baptism of Leslie and Macaira Johnny!!!

Polar Bears are on the money here...Canada, man! I love it!

 Someone thought we were up to no good...so they decided to tell the world about it...

 Nanaimo....the city needs me.....

 Ammonite Falls....what a place!

3/21/16 - 9th LETTER FROM NANAIMO

THIS WEEK ON MISH LYFE: 'NAM-NAIMO...

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear....ELDER STOCK!!!!! Happy birthday to you!!!!! Wahoo!" the three elders sang in a slightly discordant unison crowding around the now 20 year old missionary. "All right, all right, get back to work!" said Elder Stock as they headed out the door to find miracles. Thus, the life of a missionary on his birthday.

I turned 20 on Thursday. So that was fun. It's honestly weird to say that I am 20, so I'll probably never get used to it until I'm long past 20. But oh well, life's too short to worry about logistics. The week's been a blur. I snagged a Native Art necktie with a Thunderbird design on it as a birthday present to myself. It's a good little reminder of Duncan/the Island. I had an awesome week handing out the new Hallelujah initiative pass along cards and sharing them with our members here in Nanaimo. We went on an exchange up to Campbell River and spent the day with some awesome missionaries there. Elder Okamoto and Elder McGaughey. Elder Okamoto and I went tracting and found a family who is deaf! Luckily, I know a little bit of sign language from my Burnaby days, and we were able to set up a return appointment with them and will be seeing them soon! Miracles have truly not ceased!

We had a great time together and talked a lot about what it means to have faith in missionary work. I am so grateful for my mission and for the pure fun that it is each and every day to go out and do the Lord's work. This work is divine!

We are working with some awesome investigators. "G", "L", and "M" are so prepared. I love seeing the change in people as they truly accept the restored gospel. The Book of Mormon DOES in fact increase your faith in Jesus Christ. That is not just a myth or some belief that works for some people. It is fact and spiritual truth that applies to us all. We asked "G" this week what has helped him to quit drinking and move forward toward baptism and further conversion. He paused and pointed at the Book of Mormon. "it was the reading assignments you gave me. That's what has helped," he said. "It's built my faith in Jesus Christ. He's with me, now."

That's why we're here. As missionaries, we are here to invite others to come unto Christ. And we help them get there. By helping them see the iron rod, and helping them continually hold steadfast to it. I have such a testimony of this work. I know that it is Christ's work. And that He is at the helm of it!

We are working with a little boy named "L" who is so excited for his "batman-tism", which is how he says baptism. So...we're excited for Bruce Wayne to show up for the service... It's been fun to work here in Nanaimo. We are seeing miracles every day.

My thoughts of the work are summed up in a scripture this week. As Paul says to his son, Timothy, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord...but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God" (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

There is no need to fear. We share a message with the power to connect people to the Savior, who looses them from the bands of death and sin. We are messengers of this glory, servants of God. Chosen by Him. We need to exercise our faith and works to be what He needs us to be here at this time. And I know that as we do, and as we partake even of the trials that come into our path, that we will recognize His hand in all things and find His support even in our darkest trials...and even in our brightest triumphs. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Catch you next week,
Elder Stock

In case you felt unsafe, Nanaimo is nuclear free. I'm in good hands!

 Me in Campbell River's attic apartment...

 Me, Elder McGaughey, Elder Okamoto, and Elder Stirland!!! What an exchange!

 Now THAT'S a coastline...

 Me and a blizzard...good times...

 Me, Ashwani, and Elder Stirland! Happy Birthday!!!

 My birthday cake from Ashwani...

 What a piece of cake... Ba-dum-ch!!!!!

3/14/16 - 8th LETTER FROM NANAIMO

THIS WEEK ON MISH LYFE: 'NAM-NAIMO...

"The theme for this stake conference is, "Do or Do Not, There is No Try..." announced President Weckesser of the Nanaimo Stake to a crowd of hundreds of people huddled together on a rainy day here in Vancouver Island. The congregation chuckled. Our investigator, "G" laughed. "It's a reference to...a movie...." he added as he continued his opening remarks.

Did I say I love British Columbia?!

This week has been really, really good. Miracles truly have not ceased in the work of the Lord. Elder Stirland and I have seen so many incredible miracles this week in conversion with our investigators. There is NOTHING like having solid, progressing investigators that are working toward baptism. We are helping "G" and "L" to receive the restored gospel.

This week, "L" told us that he wants to be a missionary like us. We told him he had to wait until he was 18, and his mom told him that he can do it when he gets there! He is soaking up the gospel.

"G" is building his faith in Jesus Christ each and every day. It's incredible to see him begin to trust the Lord and lay aside all of his sins to know Him more fully. I know that the Atonement is real. He strengthens us through His grace and we can overcome anything in our lives as we turn to Him and find new life.

We are finding people to teach, as well. It's a joy and a blessing to be able to go out each and every day in faith and find those whom the Lord has prepared to receive this restored gospel.
My thoughts this week were turned to the principle of charity. In the Book of Mormon, we read that, "[The Lord] doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him...all are alike unto God" (2 Nephi 26:33)

I know that that is true. As we come unto Christ, we find that He truly accepts us all. Flaws, inadequacies, imperfections, sins and all. He loves us and lifts us to become better people. It doesn't take away our personal responsibility to repent and exercise our faith in Him by continually covenanting with the Father in Christ's name, but He does indeed help us. I know that all He does, and consequently all that we do as His missionaries, is there to do good among the children of men. In plainness and in truth.

That is true charity. The pure love of Christ that we develop within us as He grants us it day by day leads us to fulfill the first and great commandments. To show our love for God by obeying Him and His commandments, and showing our love for others by helping them receive the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us all continually have charity by being obedient and serving others.

I know that as we follow Jesus Christ, we find new life. #hallelujah for that! followhim.mormon.org  hallelujah chorus

I hope your week is incredible!

Sincerely,
Elder Stock

Us and the Duncan elders. 

In my old stompin' grounds!!!

 Me being ordained by Moroni to protect the record...KIDDING!

Thought it was funny, though :)

3/7/16 - 7th LETTER FROM NANAIMO

THIS WEEK ON MISH LYFE: 'NAM-NAIMO...

"There they are...." Elder Stirland said, staring at the gargantuan ferry gliding into the harbor. The dark evening water swirled in defense.

Missionaries from various areas in the mainland began to walk from the ferry to the terminal across the bridge. Gleaming with fresh faith for their next transfer assignment.

"You know what we have to do now..." said Elder Stock.

"What's that?"

"Put this faith to work..."

Missionary work is like anything in the gospel and in life. You get out of it what you put into it. Having faith in missionary work consists of firstly BELIEVING in the work. That it is divine. That it is the cause of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. That it truly is the lifeblood of the church. That salvation truly does come through it. Secondly, we need to ACT on that belief and truly give of our whole souls in the work. This is the part that gets all of us. I bet you that almost everyone of us that is an active, even halfway faithful member of the Church has a BELIEF in missionary work. But that is sadly only one half of faith.

It's the DOING that is challenging. And even as a full-time, set apart missionary, I can attest that sometimes it is not easy to do what we do. But I was reminded this week of the principle of faith that keeps us all going. And it is that fear, which is the only obstacle we face in this work, is opposed to faith. And that as we have true faith in Christ and His work, that fear will be dispelled and we will find success.

I know that as we truly continue to always be partaking of the fruits of the gospel and continually come unto Christ, that we will have that true faith that dispels all fear. And we will find success. No matter what we do in our lives. As the prophet Jacob said during an incident in his life that was meant to shake his faith, "I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken..." (Jacob 7:5). Let's be more like Jacob this week, and remember the conversion we have. Let's remember, as he did, the countless experiences we have had with the Spirit of God, and hold fast to those. And as we do, we will not be shaken.

This week, our whole zone was basically changed as we started the new transfer with new transfer assignments. And everyone seems to be so excited to start working so hard in their areas. We are truly grateful for everyone's enthusiasm. I myself am grateful to be here. Nanaimo is a blessed place, and I am with an awesome companion. SHOUT OUT TO ELDER STIRLAND!!!! HE IS THE BOMB!!!

I had the incredible opportunity this week to teach a kid named L more of the restored gospel. He is so excited to join the church and continue to learn more about Jesus Christ. We have been using some videos from discover.mormon.org that really help people, especially kids, to learn and understand the gospel.

I am amazed at how simple this gospel really, truly is. We fasted for our investigators and our area, that more would hearken to the Spirit and progress quickly in the gospel. As we did so, one of our investigators, G who has struggled with drinking for his entire life and has been scared to progress to be baptized, called us and told us he wants to stop drinking and be baptized, that he needs to get over his fear. I know that the Lord is in this work.

The joy I feel from living the gospel is so intensely real and enriching. It is true, and it will bless lives forever. I am grateful for everything that we have as members of this restored Church of Jesus Christ. Especially for the Book of Mormon. I know that it is true, and that it is the words of Christ. I know that as I have testified countless times of it throughout my mission, and as I continue to testify of it throughout my life, that it will never cease to be true. I know that as you and I always continue to be partaking of the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that we will not be shaken. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sincerely,
Elder Stock

The elders in the zone for the new transfer. Let's go, Nanaimo!!!

 Planner cover for the new transfer!

 A sick 1970s Book of Mormon with RED pages that I scored in an apartment I cleaned out!

 Photo from Ashwani Kumar Sinha in Nanaimo. 

2/29/16 - 6th LETTER FROM NANAIMO

THIS WEEK ON MISH LYFE: 'NAM-NAIMO....

"What even happened this week?" inquired Elder Stock to his companion as they emailed. "It's just a blur..."

"Yeah, I don't know..." responded the great Elder Stirland.

Well, there's your update! Have a great week!

Kidding. Kind of, it was a blur, but some noteworthy things happened. Our zone received transfer calls. We are staying, but nearly everyone else in the Nanaimo zone got a transfer call... So a lot of fresh faces for this next transfer! We are excited for what is to come.

We had a really good district meeting this week, and talked a lot about how we need to really be committed as missionaries to this great work we are a part of. Commitment is such a powerful concept. As we fully commit ourselves to anything, we will see greater success.

I love being a missionary in the Canada Vancouver Mission!!!!! This place is where it's at!

Elder Stirland and I have really focused on following the Spirit as we go finding so we can find those people whom the Lord has prepared for us to find.

We have seen miracles as we have done so! We are finding families to teach and to baptize. I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord is in this Work, and that He is leading His servants to those whom He has prepared. Let's all get on board. This is the Work of salvation. And it is moving full-steam ahead!!!

Something I have really been trying to help my investigators, my fellow missionaries, and myself really understand is the importance of repentance/improvement in our daily lives. I have learned through reading the Book of Mormon that the pattern and application of repentance will bless us greatly, if we will follow it. We must follow the example of the people of King Benjamin. "And they viewed themselves in their own carnal state...and they all cried...O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ, that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified, for we believe in Jesus Christ: (Mosiah 4:2).

The first step in repenting is viewing ourselves. We as missionaries constantly look for ways to improve, and in doing so, we of course find the flaws. And as we APPLY the Atonement, in its enabling and redemptive power, we will be purified. I know that to be true. I am grateful to be able to teach it and help others to experience the same joy of repentance that I do. I am grateful that we can repent, and love that we can see it for what it really is: a blessing in our lives.

I am grateful for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, it is true. Whenever I teach and testify of it, I feel the Spirit and I know that the Spirit carries it unto the hearts of those I teach. Joseph Smith did see God and Jesus Christ. And because of that, your life is blessed! Think of the blessings, and your fears, doubts, and disbelief will no longer even be relevant.

Let us all remember Him. To always remember Him means always forgetting ourselves. I hope you all have a great week!!!

Sincerely,
THE Elder Stock

A dragon lamp....to light the way...

 Nanaimo South Island District meeting!!!

 The next three photos were taken by Ashwani Kumar Sinha in Colton's area in Nanaimo. Thank you, Ashwani!!!

2/22/16 -5th LETTER FROM NANAIMO

THIS WEEK ON MISH LYFE: 'NAM-NAIMO....

"Whoa!! Did you see that?!" exclaimed Elder Stirland.

"No....What happened...?"

"Two cougars...huge ones...they just flew across the road!"

"Aw, man! I missed it....How close are we, do you think?"

"Probably still about an hour away..."

There was silence in the car, only interrupted by the muffled tune of an EFY song.

"Anything for a baptism..." grinned Elder Stock, as they tore down the scenic highway to the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

This week, my companion and I embarked on an epic adventure that spanned an entire Canadian island, and involved wild cougars, extremely prepared investigators, and an incredibly beautiful tucked-away town called Port Alice... if that's not exciting, I don't know what is!

A few weeks ago, the branch president from North Island (a branch of twenty members up in Port McNeill, Port Hardy and Port Alice) called us and notified us of some children who wanted to be baptized in their branch. We made some calls and were cleared to go and take a trip up there to teach them and start helping them prepare for their baptisms. We drove all the way from Nanaimo to Port McNeill, which is about a 5 hour drive of pure, natural beauty.

My companion and I found that once you pass Campbell River, which is the last major city before it goes into basically pure wilderness, you are in the celestial kingdom on earth. It's a touch of what heaven's postcards look like, I'm pretty sure...

We arrived in Port McNeill this Tuesday, and were greeted by the incredible President and Sister Terry from the branch. They had a place for us to stay and everything. We enjoyed a meal with them and got the bearings on the area. We decided to go out and work, and to see if we could find some new investigators in the area. We realized very quickly that the town was INCREDIBLY small. Like, we're talking SMALL... We started prayerfully tracting and were able to meet a lot of incredible people...that all knew the missionaries from the past when the area was still open VERY well. We found an investigator named B and were able to teach her with President Terry. We visited some of the members in the branch and helped strengthen them. It was a blessed trip.

The highlight of it all, though, was being able to go to Port Alice (which is GORGEOUS) and teach the Rydalch children who want to be baptized really bad. We met with them and taught a very simple lesson on the Restoration, and helped them understand why it matters to them, and how much God loves them. We watched these nifty little cartoons on beta.mormon.org that explained to them VERY well who God is and the concept of the apostasy and the restoration. We can't go up to Port Alice all the time, so we are face timing them until their baptism in March. They are doing so well, and it's been incredible to start to teach them!

I am learning each and every day just how much Heavenly Father loves me and loves all of us, and just how patient He is. Whatever we face, no matter how challenging life may get, we are never alone. What a glorious message we all have to share to the world! That God has not abandoned us, but that He speaks today! Truth is restored, people. Let's share it!

After our trip to Port McNeill, we traveled back to Nanaimo and finished our week strong. We have found some really cool families to teach, and are just being continually blessed from the Lord. He is at the helm of this Church and this great and marvelous Work. I know that to be true with every fiber of my being!

We went on a hike this preparation day to the top of a mountain near Westwood lake. The view from up there looks out on all of Nanaimo and you can even see the tip of Vancouver (on the mainland) if you look across the Georgia Strait. It was a tremendous view. It's the city I am called to serve in. It's where God has placed me at this time. For a wise purpose in Him. And I am enthralled to be here.

My sentiments of the work are echoed in the allegory of the olive tree. "And thus they labored, with all diligence., according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard...and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal...[and] the Lord of the vineyard...called up his servants, and said unto them.... behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard" (Jacob 5:74-75). I know that as we labor with all of our diligence, that He will direct us in this work, and we will be able to bring forth fruit, or success. And joy comes from successful missionary work.

I am grateful to be here in British Columbia and to be serving the Lord as His missionary. Let us all press on, in the work of the Lord. And let us all do whatever lies in our power cheerfully. I know as we open our mouths and share the light of the gospel, that the Lord will direct us to those whom He has prepared to receive this restored gospel. And I hope that I will be able to continue to serve Him until the very end of my life. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sincerely,
Elder Stock

The long road from Nanaimo...to PORT MCNEILL!!!

 The view of the ocean on a blustery day....

 The Rydalch kids!

 President and Sister Terry from North Island branch!

 THE place to be!

 The road back...

 Face time lesson with the Rydalch kids!

 BEAUTIFUL BC!

 Stock Frog...

 Stock and Stirland. Dream Team!

 Dream Team and the city they are called to preach repentance unto!!!

 Elder Stirland's flight through the woods...

I don't want to forget to mention that Elder Stock hit his 18 MONTH MARK two days ago!!!!!!! I was thinking of him all day and was so happy to receive an email from Sister (and Elder) Wilson. They are a missionary couple serving in his mission and helped him and Elder Stirland move to a different apartment on Saturday. She took these photos and sent it to me. Best present for a missionary mom.....EVER!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Sister Wilson!!!

2/15/16 - 4th LETTER FROM NANAIMO

THIS WEEK ON MISH LYFE: 'NAM-NAIMO: Valentine's Day Special <3

"Come on, Elder Stirland...I know it sounds like a dumb idea, but...think of the ramifications if it succeeds. We could find a new investigator. Someone to BAPTIZE!"
"I don't know, man...it's just..."
"What? Weird? Unorthodox? I feel like it's what we should do. Would you be down to go with me and we try it and if it doesn't work, then we high-tail it out of there?"
Elder Stirland sighed, realizing that his companion was super weird, but that they were unified, so they would go in together. "Let's do it..." he said, finally.
The car doors closed and Elder Stock slipped on his MEC shoulder bag equipped with the words of Christ and a camera. Elder Stirland followed suit, and they started walking down the long street in downtown Nanaimo. Lights were flashing and people were blasting loud music in contemporary restaurants.
"Man. This is going to be...legit!" exclaimed Elder Stock, obviously nerding out at the prospect of what was going to go down.
They walked past stores and herds of people in small alleyways partaking of some BC grown herbs...Finally, they came to a small building consisting of one room on the side of downtown Nanaimo. Paintings of Jesus Christ and the three wise men covered the grimy windows. People with e-cigs crowded the doors.
"Is this place a church?" inquired Elder Stirland.
"No. It's a gathering site for people to bear their testimonies. Now let's go 'Dan Jones' it!" (had to look up Dan Jones.....He was a very influential missionary in the early days of the church)
The two representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ walked into the building. People were crowded onto tables, listening to the latest person brave enough to walk up and start reading poetry about Jesus. They were singing songs and drinking cranberry juice and "worshipping" as best as they knew how. But we had something that would help all of them know more about the Savior than they could ever imagine.
"Would you like to say something?" one of the regulars at the gathering sneered at Elder Stock.
"Oh, would I." He grabbed the microphone and stared down the barrel at about thirty people. Elder Stirland stood beside him. Companions go together.
"Tonight we would love to share the message of the Restoration, which we have come to know to be true. It is centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, for it is only through Him that we may be saved. He is God's Son, and came here to save us from our sins. I know that to be true. Everything we teach is motivated out of God's love for us. He is our Heavenly Father, and we are His literal children. He loves us, and wants us to be happy and successful in this life. To teach us how, He calls men as prophets to help us understand His plan for us, the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has always chosen to work through this pattern, calling prophets to guide us throughout time. These prophets have always pointed to Christ, whose earthly ministry changed the world. He taught His gospel, and established a church so that we could all learn of it. He called twelve men to be His Apostles to help lead this Church. Sadly, even He and His Apostles, like the prophets of old, were rejected and killed. The truth that they taught and the church that they established was destroyed. Corrupted. Changed. Altered. The authority that they held to lead it was taken from the earth, and there were no prophets of God upon the earth. But our Heavenly Father loves us. And in the year 1820, chose again to reach out to us in love by calling another prophet to restore His plan and Church. His name was Joseph Smith--"
"Get out of here, you cult!"
"Hey! Go away!"
"You can't talk about him! Only Jesus!"
"I think they're Mormons!!!"

And just like that, Elder Stock's "great idea" was exposed for the weird, ham-fisted concept that it was. He and Elder Stirland were kicked out of the gathering. But as soon as they were, the Lord seemed to show His approval of their testifying and blessed them to be placed in the path of a man who just moved to Nanaimo and has been looking for a church to join. His name is W, and we'll be meeting with him soon.

I thought I'd share that story with you all. Just to illustrate that we may not know all of the reasons why we are doing certain things in our lives, but the Lord is leading us. Don't every lose sight of that.

Similarly, later on this last week, Elder Stirland and I were prompted to go to a street and knock on some doors there. We had never been over to this part of Nanaimo, but we decided to go and follow the Spirit. On the third door there, we met a man named L.

Fifteen minutes before we showed up, he was praying and thinking about his life. He had been a member for about 30 years, but ever since he moved to Nanaimo, he stopped going to church. He was thinking about becoming a Jehovah's Witness, because he thought they were nice people and they had come to his house more than his home teachers and missionaries combined. So he finally decided to throw in the towel. He called his mom, and told her that she and him were going to go to a Kingdom Hall this Sunday. Flash forward to us. Heavenly Father loves all of His children. So He called His two representatives in Nanaimo through the Spirit. We showed up at L's house, and he immediately recognized it as an assignment from God. He was so grateful that we came, and we went back and taught him and his mom, who is a nonmember. She is interested in learning more. God will not leave us abandoned. He will help us, even in our times of despair.

And if Les's home teachers had been more on the ball, who knows...maybe he would have never had to go through this. So do you home teaching!!!

We have been privileged to see so many miracles this week. I am grateful to be in Nanaimo. I am actually in Courtenay - kind of north Vancouver Island area - with another missionary, Elder Persson right now for a fun exchange. We have had a blast and got to play capture the flag with a member family this preparation day. But I know this week more than ever that we are on the Lord's errand, and that this Work is His Work. I know He lives, and I know that we are all children of God with divine potential.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sincerely,
Elder Stock

Capture the Flag in Courtenay with the DeMarco family!!!

Great p-day!

A recent convert named Akshay...Great guy!

 Godzilla gingerale...it was pretty awful....but the bottle wins the prize!!