E-mail dated 3/21/16

Family and Friends,

Akwaabo! Good morning this beautiful spring day! Today was the first time I have felt rain in months, and it was only a tiny drizzle this morning. But nevertheless, it was much needed! It also sounds like a beautiful time at home as well with the weather warming up. I was glad to hear from everybody today and know that every one had successful weeks. I also received quite a few pictures today, so thank you all for that! 

As for my week, it was a great one as usual! I think I've told you all before, but at the beginning of this transfer 2 weeks ago, my area was split for the 3rd time in New Georgia and it keeps getting smaller and smaller. I now solely proselyte in a place called Bassa Town! It's an awesome part of our area, and we have many amazing members of the branch that live there. But, it's about a 20 minute walk from one end of the area to the other, so that means that we see many of our investigators every day!

This past week we began seriously teaching a man named Leroy. He was a referral from some former investigators, and at first we didn't think he was that serious. He's a 22 year old guy who is a student at the University of Liberia and he seems to be busy on most days, which kind of added to our reluctance to see him. But, Elder Eguko said that he felt prompted to see him earlier this week, so we went and taught him about the Book of Mormon and committed him to praying. We left the lesson feeling good, but we honestly weren't expecting too much.

We visited him again on Saturday, and he completely changed our perspective. We asked him if he had prayed and he said yes. He had stayed up late into the night reading from the Book of Mormon, and at the quietest time of the morning, he asked God if it was true. He explained that as he did, he got that strong "goose bump" feeling, followed by an overwhelming feeling of warmth, and he recognized that it was the Holy Ghost telling him that it was true. Elder Eguko literally could not stop smiling the rest of the lesson, and he very readily accepted a baptismal date for next month. He came to church yesterday, and we are so excited to continue visiting him. I will keep you updated in the next few weeks!

Let me answer your questions now!

1.  How long did it take for you to get the corn rows put in and how long did you leave them in?

It took Rita about 10 minutes to do it, and honestly I was downright impressed! I did it at my last appointment last Sunday, and I took them out later that night. All the other Elders loved it.

2.  If you have any down time, what is your favorite thing to do?  

This sounds strange, especially for those who lived with me back home, but I love studying. I love reading from the scriptures, general conference talks, Liahona's, and the institute manuals. If I have any free time, I usually spend it studying (until the other Elders come and tempt me to play a card game or something...)

3.  About how many investigators have been coming to Church meetings lately?

In the New Georgia branch, we struggle a little bit with getting investigators to church. Overall we usually have 12 to 15 for the whole branch, but that's nothing compared to the other branches. We're working hard to find a solution for it!

4.  How is your Branch President doing?  I was happy to hear that he was improving.

He is doing great! He can now walk and talk and his own, but I don't know if he's ever going to regain the same strength that he had before. I pray that he can resume his Branch President office, because he is a great leader that Liberia needs.

5.  How often do you get to meet with President Carlson?  

We have personal interviews with him every other transfer, but I see him about once a month when I go in for MLC! 

Sorry, I'm running out of time for today, but I want to thank you all again for the emails and support that you gave to me this week. I hope that you all stay safe and that I can hear from every one again soon! I love you all.

Love,

Elder Degen