12/23/13 & 12/28/13

12/23/13
As it says in the scriptures, we are supposed to take upon ourselves the name of Christ at all times.
On p-day last week when we were done playing pool at the college we talked to one of the student staff members at the "rec area." We invited him to church and he said that he would be there. He did not show but the only reason he didnt come this week was because they changed his work schedule and ended up having to go in that Sunday. Just as we did, it is very simple for anyone (not just missionaries) to casually invite people to come to church or whatever it may be. You never know the response that you might get!

ZONE CONFERENCE IN RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

12/28/13
We got to talk to Elder Ashcroft Christmas Day. It was such a joy that family could be there to say HI. We are so proud of him. He has grown into a man in just 10 months. We couldn't ask for him to have a better experience. We asked if he was home sick and his response was, "no I don't have time to be, plus I have great ward families here." He got to spend Christmas with a few of these families and there kids. One of Andy's biggest loves is his little cousins and he feels like he has that in these families. His biggest struggle when he first went out was being homesick. It is such a blessing to here that isn't the case anymore. Thank you for all the love, prayers and support for our Elder.
LOVE THE ASHCROFT FAMILY

12/16/13

This week we had an a lesson with Amy Rodenbaugh, she is another investigator that God gave me. I believe God gave me his eyes for I have such a love for her and her family. I am very grateful that the Lord allowed me to stay here another transfer so I may be the instrument in the Lords hands unto bringing salvation unto her and her family. In the lesson she said to us, "every time I think about letting off on learning I get depressed." She has already read the entire Book of Mormon. The Lord has prepared her for this time, and I know it also as I can feel the love that he has for her and her family as his children.

 

Elder Ashcroft 

12/9/13

We found out Tuesday in Zone Conference we will be getting personalized iPad mini's fully equipped with online proselyting (Facebook.) They said it will be late Spring when they come. The will have our planners, scriptures, ensigns, conference talks, all church websites and everything else that we can think of that we would need for our work including the area book. They will automatically update when transferred. Also, our music policy has been loosened up. We can now listen to anything that invites the spirit in, not just Hymns. In the interview I had with President he told me how great it has been to see the strides I've made in the last 9 months. That was really AWESOME to here!

As for the weather we finally hit into the 2 digit numbers on the positive side. Unlike all last week it's been singles in the negatives. It seems to be warming up some now, that's good. The snow removal here is really different....hahaha. They use a construction machine to pick all the snow after the blade and plows push the snow into the middle of the streets. Then they haul it out of town. We still have to work until the temperature hit -30 degrees. That's our limit for being allowed to go outside at all!

Wednesday, we are going to be teaching Amy. Its just here this time but hopefully her kids will be able to make it soon. I have mentioned her and her family before. She lives in Harrison and has been watching members examples. These members told her she should read the Book of Mormon. So she did! We got a referral for her and  she requested another Book of Mormon for her daughter, Madeline. Then, one Sunday Amy, Madeline, Connor and Rex showed up to church with the members that they had been watching. She called on Thursday last week and scheduled a time to take the lessons. I am SOO excited I can't wait!

12/2/13 Baptism #1

Baptism #1

Laura (Elizabeth) Fiduccia 

Baptized on 11/30/2013

by: Elder Ashcroft

Confirmed on 12/1/2013

by: Elder Ashcroft

Companion: Elder Raffensparger

 

I have given SOO many blessings while on my mission but Sunday, when I was confirming Elizabeth my leg started shaking and wouldn't stop. Then the 2nd one started to do it also!! I had Laura stay in the water after I baptized her and told her to think about how she felt. After we got dressed I asked her about it. She said she almost cried and that she couldn't even explain the feeling.

It was over all a great experience!