So Much To Do....So Little Time

Service at the Lighthouse!

Hello familia and friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 This week much took place and I'm not gonna be able to fit it all in- what's new?  First off, I got to go on exchange with Elder Noyes to Freeport.  I haven't left Butler since I've been here so it nice to get out- I was going a little stir crazy.  Elder Noyes is a ton of fun!!!!!!  We checked in on a lot of people.  One guy named Rick had surgery recently and he has been stuck inside for 2 months!!!  He has 2 kids and we basically just played with the kids and talked to him.  We had a fun time and we all enjoyed each other's company.  We went to visit another family.  There was a guy named Harley outside and we shared with him the #prince of peace video and We were able to get his information and the Freeport Elders will be going back. On the exchange we tried a few other people and a few members and to get a glimpse into what is going on in their lives. One member we saw was really into WWE. I gathered all my knowledge of WWE (which is nothing) and I mentioned the name Roman Reigns.  He started talking in the WWE lingo and I had no idea what he was talking about. hahaha  As we were driving back to town I saw this guy that I had seen earlier.  I've been working on acting on thoughts when I get them- you know, to be a spiritual first responder!!!  So I rolled through and I totally had a Jesus Christ moment!!!! The gentleman was walking and had to get to his destination rather quickly well I asked if we could walk with him.  He said yes.  So just like Jesus with others on the road to Emmaus, we had our walk with John on the road to Kittaning.  We talked about the Book of Mormon and showed him the prince of peace video.  So just like Jesus tarried and had meat with them we were able to tarry with him.  The spirit was present while we talked with him.  John actually called Elder Noyes and they are seeing him tonight!

Back in Butler, we have been sharing the Prince of Peace video on lds.org.  We have had a lot of cool experiences! The greatest experience we had this week was the G family WOW!!!!!!!!! The G's are also going through a lot.  The mom is a member, the Dad is mot a member and they struggle connecting with their son.  We invited Kevin to come with us to the visit.  Remember, he was the one that had difficulty leaving his room and we got him to come to play basketball and to come to church.  He's progressing and doing better and better each week!  So proud of him!!!!!!  We have been visiting the G for the past 3 months and we have never seen their son.  He never comes out of his room.  So Kevin felt prompted to ask if

Anthony would want to come down and talk with us. Sister G asked if he wanted to come out and visit and he agreed.  We showed them the prince of peace video and it was really powerful.  Kevin then shared his story about when he was at his lowest point and he was spending months in his room.  He told them he knew that if it wasn't for the help that God offers through the scriptures, prayer, other people, and the Holy Ghost he wouldn't be at their home that night.  He testified that all those things bring us peace and it is possible because of Jesus Christ and his

sacrifice! BOOM!!!!!!!!!  Then Sis. G's husband, who never opens up about spiritual

things, talked about the power of prayer...WHOA!!!!!!!!!😳😱😳  So then the Saturday before Stake Conference we made an appointment to visit the G's.  When we got there, their son was WAITING FOR US!   Miracle!  

Let me tell you..  I thought at the beginning of my mission I would miss things I used to do but I love my mission because there will never be another time when I will be able to spend every day soley visiting with people, talking with them and sympathizing with them as they share their stories with me.  I am able to help them by bringing the message of the Gospel of peace and goodwil.  I see them as they recognize their mistakes and them teach them that God loves them.  I am able to listen to them as they share with me their feelings of sorrow and joy- sometimes they have never shared that stuff with others.  I love that I have been an instrument in bringing these children of God back to their Father.  I'm so grateful for this opportunity.  Service can be emotional, physical, or spiritual and the best part is both participants are being healed by the same redeeming spirit that is only possible because of Jesus Christ.  

We have learned A's (The G's son) favorite show is Dragon ball Z!!!!!!!!!!!!😛

That's a Cahoon show!  Heck mom, we have watch it for so long that you even know the characters!!!!!!! lol  We've really been trying to connect with Anthony and build trust since he struggles with trusting people and talking to people.  He's opened up a TON.  I love this young man with all my heart (as I do this Butler area).  

Love this guy!

Stake Conference was great and the Saturday Priesthood meeting was my favorite.  President Carter, the Stake President, spoke about what I have been focusing on- bringing the spirit into people's homes so the Spirit can touch their hearts.  I have been loving them, helping them, listening to them and inviting them to repent.  I feel like I've been doing pretty good at it and am still striving to be better.  I love President Carter.  I remember last Stake Conference (I was in Wexford Ward) VERY clearly.  His talk referenced hymn 220- learning how to be your brother's keeper and learning the healers art.  President Carter was his bother's keeper by connecting many people in different states and over many years so his brother's heart and his family's hearts could be healed.  That is the power of service through Christ-like love.  Whether it is physically, spiritually, or emotionally, if we are willing to help others, we are willing to heal them and us! 

As I've written this letter I've been touched.  I hope that you may feel the love that I have for each of you as I write this.  Mom and dad, I will NEVER forget your Christlike love you have shown me.  God bless you both for ALL your efforts.  Uncle Darin and Aunt Allison- thank you for always being there for our family and loving us; for being wonderful parents and people that are full of fun and laughter! Collin, Alex, Todd, Uncle Mark, Camille and Aunt Cami- you continue to think of me even after I have been in the mission field for almost 2 years.  That is being your brother's keeper.  The memories we have made are constantly in my mind. Thank you for always reaching out. :)  Grandma J and Jack you have not ceased to show your love and express your gratitude for me.  Uncle Scott- there aren't words to describe the help you've provided for me in this life. You are a light to my world.  I treasure the nights we spent at the movies.  I talk about them with those I serve.  They know your face and your stories.  Thank you! My brothers Kyle, Tyler, and Austin- I view you as superheroes.  I sit looking at your pictures on my study desk and I think, "Man, those guys are superheroes!"  Nana and Papaw- thank you for your letters.  I may not respond all the time but I read them.  As I read them, I try to

envision what is going on in Kentucky.  Thanks for praying for me.  You are my angels that are helping me on my right hand and and on my left and bearing me up!  No matter how imperfect you all are I wouldn't trade you for anyone else in the world!  It's your imperfections that make you who you are.  Now I just hope you'll do the same with me!😉 hahahaha!!!!!!  

One more experience, later on the week we saw A again.  We had a heart to heart and afterwards, raised his hand up with a fist and said,  "You're a bro."  I then raised mine up and echoed his words!  Man, I love Pennsylvania no matter what kind of crazy people we meet.  They are family to me! 

I love you all.  Take care.  Have a great and wonderful day.  Bye!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

Elder Cahoon the Baboon

Service at the Lighthouse.  Love these guys!!