“He sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you!” -Alma 5:33

Happy New Year! 2017 looks very bright my friends! I fall deeper and deeper in love with missionary service each day! It is interesting to see so many get hyped on the fact that a new year has come! I rejoice with them! It is an incredible feeling to have a fresh start, a clean slate, a new beginning! What many of us fail to remember, (myself included) is every moment of every day can be a rebirth! It is through the glorious blessing of repentance that we can be re-born through Jesus Christ the Lord! The ultimate act of renewal is partaking of the sacrament each week as we remember the sacrifice of our Savior who made it possible to overcome death (the bread) and sin (the water). As I take the sacrament weekly, I feel a renewal and an added strength. Each week we can have this sacred experience with our Redeemer! Each week we can start with a clean slate! This past Sunday was so special! It was so fun to go up with Katie and Sister DeGolyer to bear our testimonies of Christ. I have found that the more we share our testimonies, the greater they become! Same goes for love! The more we give love, the more love we will feel from our Father in Heaven! I have a real love for the people of Manchester. I have a real love for my Savior and I have a real love for sister DeGolyer who is LEAVING ME! We are having emergency transfers, so she will be whitewashing and training in Owego. I will work in Greenwich NY for the next week and then get a new comp. I will miss her like crazy. Sister DeGolyer has become one of my greatest friends and I know our friendship will continue far after the mission! She has really pushed me and helped me become a greater servant of the Lord! Lots of new things in life, but lots of great things!

My challenge to you is to REPENT! Allow yourself to start over every single week, every single day through turning your hearts to God! I know that no matter how far you’ve gone from the path, you are never out of Christ’s reach! It is up to you to reach up and take His hand! As you do, He will embrace you! He will heal you of the past and strengthen you for the future! I know that is true! I love you all LOTS!