Where did January go?

Dear Families and Friends of the FJM, 

We are still here!  We are thriving and growing!  I looked back in my picture file hoping to find some wonderful pictures to share with you of our activities of the past month...there was nothing.  Unless you would like the see a plethora of pictures of our newest grandson, Wesley Graf, born 25 January but I'm afraid that won't be too interesting for all y'all.  But I'm fixin' here to take a bunch of pictures in February.  (Add a southern accent to the last few sentences to get the full effect).  We have a large transfer next week and zone conferences the week after.  You will see your missionary sometime in February.

We ended the year of 2012 having baptized 532 prepared children of our Hevenly Father.  We are thrilled to welcome them into His kingdom.  The wonderful part of this miracle is that our retention rate for 2012 was 71%!!!  That is a direct result of the powerful teachings and guidance of your missionaries combined with the love and fellowship of the wonderful members in this area!  We are working hard in the FJM to keep our Father's children focused on Jesus Christ and His restored Gospel. 

 

This month a feeling of 'settling in' and working hard covered the mission.  After the New Year we felt our goals were just what the Lord wanted us to accomplish.  Our main goal is for each companionship to focus on the Ward Baptism Goals in the ward in which they serve.  We are working with the members to accomplish this goal.  We are also following the prophets directive to go to the "Rescue".  We are working to find and bring back the less-active members.  This is proving to bring lots of baptisms because less-actives are married to non-members or have non-member children.  They also have a lot of non-member friends.  It's a thrill to see a less-active member find the joy of repentance and re-activation.  It truly is inspired. 

 

We love you all and hope that the blessings of the Lord are flooding your hearts and your families.