Thursday, September 27, 2012

September 21, 2012


Hello Family,

My heart is extremely full today.  I just want to start off by saying the Gospel is TRUE!  I know for a fact that they Spirit is real and it is true and that there is no other way to feel it then for yourself.  I taught my first investigator today which was fun.  We taught him about eternal families and the first lesson by Spirit.  The message you teach can go so many directions.  We taught him about the apostasy and restoration and the first vision.  We even got him to commit to read the book of Mormon and pray about it.  Get this, we extended an invitation to get baptized and prepare him and his family to be baptized by October 8th, the day before we leave.  He said he would pray to know if it was true and if it was what God wanted him to do, he would do it.  We will check up next Monday with him. I will tell you a lot more on my PDay which is next Wednesday!!!

I write in pieces because I don’t have time to write all at once so this won’t get to you until next week which is fine.  I don’t know if you have written to me or not but I have only gotten two letters.  The BSU, BYU press report and the letter from mom and McCall.
Oh, by the time you get this it will be over, be we are going to the Brigham Temple Dedication tomorrow.

Recap of who I have seen:  Elder Reynolds (from school/jr. seminary), Elder Preece, Elder Laub, Elder Schuck, Elder Wheeler, Elder Short and I think that’s it.

I want you guys to know my purpose as to what I am doing . . . My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring until the end.  I know that I cam out here with lots of joy and happiness, but I also know that I knew nothing of what I was getting into.  That’s why I am so grateful for such great teachers.  Because in just a matter of 5 days I know exactly why I am out here and the teaching is going so well.  The spirit is real --  He can guide us.  Right now I want to challenge Grant & M’Kay (mom & dad, please follow up) to study the purpose of a missionary and the lesson in chapter 3.  Now is the time to prepare.  It will help so, so much.  Nor for mom & dad, I want you tow to make sure they do it together and report to me every Sunday.  Those lesson are the Doctrine of Christ, this is our foundation and our only way to return unto Christ.  It is our job to facilitate these fundamentals with non members and let the spirit do the rest.  It is not until we have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end that we can live with our Father in Heaven.  Also, STRICT OBEDIENCE to the T is how we receive all this. 

If you don’t mind me asking J I am in need of some things.  I need to send my suit pants home because the button is about to fall off and the pocket is ripping out.  Oh, and there might be some syrup on them!  J (sorry)  I would also like so Dr. Pepper.  I need something other than water at night!  Haha.  And maybe a few snacks because I want to save my money on my MTC card to wash my clothes.  Oh, I just remembered, Thursday I weighed 176 with my gym clothes on.  I weighed today (Saturday) and I was 183, so already I’ve put on like 7 pounds!  J   If you get this before Wednesday, I do laundry on that day starting at 12:30 so stay close to the computer.  Also, on Sunday mornings there is only cold cereal and the lines are really long, so yall should send me a bag of cereal  so my companion and district doesn’t have to wait. . . if you want - - not a big deal. 

I love yall so very much!  The work is real, the gospel is true and the field is white and ready to harvest.  Always stay worthy.

I love you!

Hoorah for Israel!

Elder Spencer Salinas

PS I saw Elder Whiting on my way from the temple this afternoon.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

1st Letter

Dear Mom,

So I just got into my room.  I met my district, AWESOME!!!  And my companion is really cool too.  His name is Elder Craven.  Then we went to the "Greeny" devotional, it was really good.  Then we had dinner which was alright and now we are setting up our room.  My comp and I are the only ones in here.  Ha!  I have seen Elders Tony Schuck, Jace Laub, Kyle Reynolds, Casey Short and Tanner Preece.  Brandon already found my room and left a note, so I will see him tonight.  I already love it here!  I love you guys.  Be safe and pray for me and my companion and district.

Love,

Elder Salinas

Thursday, September 20, 2012

He's off . . .


Elder Spencer Salinas was so happy and so ready to get to work!  No tears and long drawn out hugs for this boy - - he just wanted to get going.  He is going to be such an amazing missionary and we are so proud of him and his desire to serve!  Good Luck Spencer!  We love you!