1 Nephi 10:17 - March 6, 2017

Karen Darre with me

17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all thewords of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of theHoly Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

Eric and his daughter Laura (this is the first time she has visited him in 18 months)

Everyone,

It was my last week in Randers, but now I am in Horsens. The Danish LegoLand is in my area. I am companions with Elder Gardner who is one transfer older than me, and has been in Horsens for two transfers already.

At the Randers church building

We met with several members this week for eating appointments. It was nice because then I could say goodbye to everyone. Stake Conference was yesterday, and it was a regional conference for northern Europe (Ireland, England, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland). I think that was everyone watching the broadcast.

A Miracle of Protection

Everyone,

You may be wondering why there was a sudden change of apartment here in Randers. It was due to an unfortunate happining at our old apartment on Sunday the 19th of February.

At 2:30 Sunday morning some people started banging on our door. We had had the same thing happen one week earlier where a young man in his 20s was looking for a Kristian Østergaard. My companion Elder Adams started calling the police. The banging started getting really hard, and we could hear the glass on the front of our door start shattering. The wood around the lock started splintering, and the lock gave way. The miracle is that they left as soon as they had broken the door.

This was the reason why Randers got a new apartment and that I have been living in Århus for the last two weeks. It was a tramatic experience, and that is why action was taken so quickly.

Many have asked why they left when the door was broken. I have thought about this these last two weeks, and have had a special spiritual experience. President O'Bryant has told us that there are people looking out for us on both sides of the veil. This is shown in D and C 84:88. After church last week I thought about it, and I recieved the strongest impression that Grandpa Francis was protecting the door that night. It was one of the strongest feelings that I have felt. Later in the week I reflected upon it. It then came that there were really two men there, Grandpa Francis and Jesus Christ.

Please do not be scarred or worried about what has happened. Instead have gratitude that we are both fine, and that the Lord will protect and has protected his missionaries.

I love you all,

Elder Francis

Psalm 97:11 - February 27, 2017

New Car

Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

Nice church

Everyone,

This week has been a whirlwind of activitly for us. The mission got us a new apartment here in Randers, and they decided to have us live in Århus until we can move in. For the first half of the week we had to use trains and buses to travel back and forth. Then on Friday we got a car, so that is a nice blessing. First time on my mission that I get to use a mission vehicle for an extended period of time. That period will be the rest of this week because next Monday is transfers, and it has been confirmed that I will be leaving.

D&C 18:10 - February 20, 2017

I made pudding

10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God

Everyone,

We had a great miracle this week, and it was one of the best spiritual experiences for me. One night while knocking we met this nice man named Morton. He learned about the church from, South Park. Personally he is agnostic, but was interested in learning more about what we beleive. He accepted a Mormons Bog at the end, and was excited to read from it. We left that apartment area because we thought that it might be a good time to change to contacting. About two blocks from the area we felt prompted to return. We went back, and knocked on the two more doors. The second door was a girl named Maria. She sometimes has a faith, but was unsure of it. We testified for her that God is there for us, and had a wonderful time talking with her. As we left I told Elder Adams that that was the reason we needed to return. As we walked away the Spirit was very strong, and both of us felt so happy inside.

D&C 96:4 - February 13, 2017

Therefore, take heed that ye see to this matter, and that portion that is necessary to benefit mine order, for the purpose of bringing forth my word to the children of men.

Everyone,

A big week for us in Randers. To start off we met this nice lady named Jane. She started talking to us for a little bit, and then asks the question, "If there is a God then why to bad things happen?" I studied that earlier in the week, so I felt like I had an appropriate answer for her. We had the Book of Mormon out, so I read to her Alma 14:10-11. I explained what was happening before hand. Anyways, she listened quietly, and then in a way accepted it. We gave her the Book of Mormon, and got a return appointment. Later in the week on splits we started talking about this scripture. We realized that it is a hard scripture to read to someone right away when you meet them. We have talked to her since then, and should meet with her this evening.

Mormon 5:23 - February 6, 2017

Elder Adams took this photo of me riding my bike at night

23 Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power, and at his great command theearth shall be rolled together as a scroll?

Everyone,

Our week is in two parts. Before zone training and after zone training. As already spoken of in all the other missionary emails we have a new schudule. Since I am in Nord Jylland we got it on Friday. It sounded really easy to us. You create your schedule bassed on the the day, and when it will be most effective. Needless to say we had a lot of curve balls from the Lord on both Saturday and Sunday. It was so confusing. Both of us are hoping that things will settle down this week, so we won't be so stressed with it.

Back to our week. All of our appointments fell through. We did lots of good contacting and knocking. We got several new potentials, so that was exciting. One thing we started is carrying a Mormons Bog with us when we are outside. It has really helped when we talk to people because they can see it. It is a constant reminder that we want to help these people, and they way to help them start is in our hand.

Alma 22:15 - January 30, 2017

15 And it came to pass that after Aaron had expounded these things unto him, the king said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day? Behold, said he, I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.

Everyone,

Our week went quite well. Elder Adams and I have worked really hard, and we were blessed.

Sunday was one of the best days for me. We went knocking in some upgangs down by the station. No one answered for a little bet. Then this lady opens the door, and tells us to come inside. Her name is Elsa. She was with a friend last week, and recognized us because we knocked on her friends door. She told us that she has lived in Randers for a long time, but missionaries have never knocked on her door. We started teaching her about the Restoration, and a concern was brought almost immediantly. She wants to know that God is there in her heart, and that she doesn't feel like she can pray. For some reason she really opened up to us about this. We committed her to read, and try to say a simple prayer. We came out happy and excited for her.

Memory wasn't home for either of the appointments that we set with her. That was sad, but she is trying to read. We will see what happens this week.