Elder Shurtz: And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

Hey Everyone!

This week has been one of the trying ones for me. My new companion, Elder McCleve, is awesome. He is willing to work hard. He is a little more mellow than Elder Call, but he is bold when talking with people.

Sister Stevens went home on Thursday, and Sister Livermore is now training Sister Woodmansee on the other half of Syracuse.

I feel a little flustered trying to take over the area after only one transfer; trying to remember everyone, figuring out the best people to see as well as the most effective travel plans on bikes so we don't waist time nor energy. But, with the help on my companion, we are slowly getting better at it.

It is intersting/frusterating to see Satan's influnece, expecially with those we are helping prepare for baptism. We have been reciently been helping someone quit smoking. But, he has been so discuraged that he is wanting to quit meeting with us and prepairing for his baptismal date. Also another investigator with a baptismal date, moved, and we have not been able to contact him for the past two weeks.

We hope to continue working with these people. A little at a time, I try to focus on who they truely are: Childen of our Heavenly Father. We have all the potental to become like Him. We have the power to overcome Satan through our courage, determination, faith, humilty, and acceptance of Jesus Christ and the Atonement.

But, like the Lord always does, when you pray and ask with sincerity for peace, he will send it. I love the scripture in 2 Kings 6:16 (subject title) which we went over in Sunday school yesterday. It is true. If you are on the Lord's side, there is no reason to fear. President Bulloch also sent some encouraging words, about how this is for our reifenment.

Friday, we went to go visit someone that I thought was an inactive member. It turns out Donna was not a member, but someone the missionaries met on the streets about 10 years ago! She is awesome. She has really felt the spirit in her life guiding her, and from what she has been sharing, God's hand directing her towards us. I hope she continues to learn and to progress.

I hope everything is going great for everyone! I love reading your letters/emails. Expecially about the kids, and how much they are growing. No wonder the Lord said to be like little children. They are the ones who learn the most, trusting (most of the time) in their parents. I love you all!

Love,

Elder Shurtz