Update from New Zealand

Since the last update in December I had the opportunity to talk with my family at Christmas.  It was so good to hear everyone's voices and talk to all the kids.  Glad to hear all is well at home.

Sorry for not updating more often.  Things in New Zealand are amazing.  I have seen so many miracles in the lives of the people here.  Elder Thorpe and I are still together and the work is going great.  We have completed his 12 week training and expected that we might see a transfer but President Lekias decided to leave us together since the work is going so well.  I was called as the District Leader for our district and was quite surprised by that but look forward to the added responsibility and I am glad that the Lord trust me with this call.  

We have seen a lot of success among the people in our area and have found that the best success has come with working with the members in our ward.  We have started going out with the members of the ward council on exchanges and it is amazing how the spirit of missionary work has exploded.  Members really are the key to finding people for us to teach.  We have also had success through our own efforts to find people but having a built in friend to start off helps people make and keep commitments easier.  We are teaching a lot of people and most are progressing well towards baptism.  As we have extended invitations to them to make changes we have seen several real miracles.  There is no question who is in control of this work.  I feel so honored to be a part of helping the Lord move His work forward in New Zealand.

I have worn out 2 pairs of shoes already and thanks to Mom and Dad I just got 2 new pair.  Hopefully I can get more than 4 or 5 months out of these 2.

Elder Andersen of the Quorum of the 12 is coming to New Zealand this week and I am so excited to be able to hear from him in person.  

I have really grown to love the Samoan people.  I wish I could have President Lekias switch me to the Samoan program so I could learn the language and spend all of my mission working with them.  They are amazing and so humble.  They have such a love of family and love for the Lord.

I hope everyone is doing well and that you are doing your missionary work.  So many blessings and miracles are waiting for those who do.

Love Elder Nathan Jarnagin