Hello!

Another week has gone by bringing with it many miracles! We have been working hard to fill our time with effective things and have been spending a lot of time with those who are not active in the church.  We also have decided to make a few changes to help us strengthen the ward here.  This week we got to see our President! That's not very usual with our huge mission, but he was in the area and stopped by and interviewed us, giving us counsel and love for the work we are trying to do.  It was really good to see him and get some counsel.  He really is inspired. 

I don't know yet if I have told you about Clark and Paige Christensen.  Paige is 11 and Clark is her dad.  He has so many questions.  He is a member but hasn't been active for probably 30 years or so.  He thinks our church might be of the devil, but he's not sure, haha. As we have been meeting with him, his mind has been changing, and along with it, his heart.  Really slowly, but yes, changing :)  He feels like we are trying to earn our salvation through our actions, so he has a lot of questions about works and grace.  There is a talk in the September Ensign about grace and works that we gave to him. It's AWESOME.  He has really warmed up to us and this week, after asking us many questions again and really making us think, he said, "Don't think you are wasting your time with me.." Hahaha. He is the kindest man I know.  When I said that, I thought, "Clark...really? You're not wasting our time....Anyways, to answer your questions....READ the Book of Mormon and pray to know it's true."  He said he will! He understands that he needs to find out for himself, but he holds on to all these doubts, contradictions, and past experiences with the church that he won't let go of.  But, he's getting there, slowly but surely. 

Now Paige is his daughter who is sooo funny.  She likes to be mean to people, but she is actually really really sweet.  She is in a wheelchair and this week she got a bike! You ride it with your hands...it is the coolest thing.  So Sister Spencer and I were on the street right by the Christensen's on our bikes, and Paige's mom stopped us and said that Paige's bike came and she won't ride it without us! So we changed our plans and went over to her house and rode bikes with her, and Clark ran along side us....he is an avid runner.  Paige has been in a wheelchair her whole life, so can you imagine the feeling of all of a sudden riding on a bike?? She LOVED it.  Her arms are going to be SO buff. She wants to come to church so bad, but her parents are confusing about it, and she hasn't yet showed up, but we will keep working on it. 

Some scriptures we read this morning that we want to commit Clark to read are Moroni 7:13-17.  How can a church be of the devil that brings people to Christ? :) Verse 13 says, "But Behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."  The verses go on to say so many other good things, but basically, anything that brings people closer to Christ are of God! How do you know if something will bring you closer to Christ? That's where you have to judge.  And that's where we have resources to learn from...Book of Mormon, prophets, leaders, and most importantly, the Holy Ghost. God himself can tell us through His messenger the Holy Ghost.  It's not always as easy as it seems to know what is truth, but I know that everyone has the power to find it out for themselves, and the gospel of Jesus Christ is a great place to start! :) You might as well look into it right? Because if it is true, it's about to bring you the greatest joy you could ever experience...eternal joy.

Well, time to head out.  Today we are in Butte and are driving to Helena now until tomorrow night. I forgot to tell you that last Tuesday we went to Sheridan for our preparation day and we went on a BEAUTIFUL drive up the mountains. I'll attach pictures.  I love you all.  I think about you a lot and hope that you are doing great! Thank you for your birthday wishes this week.  It was a really good day! Thank you Dad, Paige, Gma and Gpa, Mia, Chase, and Allison for the letters and packages. 

Love, 

Sister Hixson