Peter's Epistle Excerpts

Dear Family,

Whew time flies! The work continues to go well here in Riga and we're continually blessed with Heavenly Father's Help.

I mentioned that we've been struggling with helping investigators have the strong desire to apply the gospel and change. Throughout conference I especially paid attention to learn what I could do to help. And the answer came not as one concrete revelation but more as a reminder of something we ask our investigators to do every day- pray! I love that the same scripture and promise that sparked the restoration of the gospel is the same challenge we all have to find the
answers to our questions and solutions to our problems; ask God! And it's been clear in the miracles this last week that God provides for our righteous desires.

In my studies this week I read in Jacob 4:3 where Jacob talks about fulfilling the commandment Nephi has given him to engraven their teaching in the golden plates. He mentions how they labored diligently and it brought them joy. There is a direct connection between being diligent and receiving joy in all that we do. There is so much joy and peace to be found in our Father's great plan!

I think that is all for this week-- I love you all so much. Thanks for your support!

Love Elder Barnes

Sager FHE

Leaf Rake Soup

It's kind of like a Sager Secret Supper - bring of can of something and we'll dump it all into a big pot of soup! Really - it's fun!!!

See you at LR and jNae's, Monday night the 20th, 5:30 with your can of ????

Spiritual Feast Week!

Another interesting experience happened on Sunday. I contacted a man on the back of a bus last Tuesday, his name is Artur ... We gave him a book of mormon, had him read the introduction, and told him to pray and read before our next meeting. ... it was a testimony to me that people's hearts are changed when they recognize and want to learn truth.

I've never really appreciated conference like I did last week-end. It was amazing!! The general authorities teach with such power. I love how they unfold pure doctrines and inspire us to do better. ... I'll just highlight some of the favorite things I got out of it.

--Elder Lawrence Corbridge's talk on the Savior was just powerful. Many missionaries called it a "throw-down"--because about 75% of his talk was scripture and he spoke with a lot of umph and authority. He talked about how Christ is the Way. And "any other way, every other way, whatever other way is madness." The talk was on Saturday afternoon and I'd recommend going back to watch it if you missed it. ... He just explains very clearly that through the Savior and his Atonement is the only way back to heavenly father and true happiness, which are one in the same.

But the most cherished things I learned at conference were things that only Heavenly Father could teach me by the spirit. I know that whenever we have any questions, studying by the Spirit words spoken or written with a prayer in our hearts is the best ticket to personal revelation.

Is it weird to anyone else that October is halfway over?

Love!, Elder Barnes

"Hey!" from Elder Barnes

It is getting harder and harder to select an excerpt from Peter's lessons. He shares his testimony so beautifully throughout the entire letter. Contact Kathy and ask to be put on her forward list if you want to read his letters. Here's a bit from this week...

The gospel is true and it's exciting to find those that are prepared to listen!

The other family ...... are very humble, and I was touched when the mother talked about receiving answers to prayers in her life. I know that God does know us each individually and that he listens to all of his children that pray sincerely.

In my studies I read the scriptures in 2nd Nephi 1:26-27 when Lehi explains to his sons why Nephi has had to speak so boldy to them. It explains that because Nephi was so in tune with the Spirit, he couldn't help but tell them exactly what God wanted them to hear. As I've been working with Elder Glauser, I've learned a lot about the power and importance of being a bold missionary. I've seen that when you really love someone, you will expect the best for them, no matter how hard it may be for them to hear. It reminded me of Dad, and the long, long saturdays we would spend doing yard work on Brookside Drive. I used to hate that. But I know that he only made us do that because he loved us. It's become very clear that the easy way is almost never the best. And then I thought about the love of our Heavenly Father. God is very bold. He's always told us exactly what we need to do, knowing full well that if we do it, we will be happy.

I love you all!
Love, Elder Barnes

Peter sends a Bunny Bunny Rabbit

...After having only a little experience as a missionary, I love recognizing the one-line promises that happen every day. One of them goes something along the lines of "as you live righteously, you will be led to people who are prepared to hear the Gospel, or the Lord will lead them to you."

We are also all very excited for General Conference!!! There's so many ways to receive personal revelation but prayerfully going into conference with questions/concerns/desires to learn is definitely one of the best. I just love that the Church is so true.

Love, Elder Barnes
P.S. Go Cougs!!! O.S.U.?