Letter from Elder Summerhays, August 5, 2008

Dear Family,

Well today makes exactly 5 months. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I received letters from Lilly, Bryce and McKenna this week, also from Bro. & Sis. Woodward; and Sister Waldram. I was really excited for them all. This week went really well and the work is progressing quickly. We have 3 baptismal dates for the 10th but only 1 is for sure. We have 5 baptismal dates for the 16th. We have been meeting a lot more people that say they will be baptized the first time we ask, instead of telling us they're already baptized and then we have to re-explain the same thing we just taught them. I just try to imagine what is going on in their minds and I find the patience to continue. It's getting a lot easier to accept rejection, it's almost funny sometimes. I'll say, "Hello my name is Elder Summerhays..." and extend my hand. As they are walking they look to my hand, to my face, and with a smirk keep walking. I always look to my companion and we have a little laugh about it and keep walking. It is pretty funny to watch to be honest.

But right now we have a young man named Marcil (Mar-siu) who will be baptized on the 10th. He honestly was an answer to my prayers. We have met with him every day for almost 3 weeks. He missed church the first week and after he told us how bad he felt that he missed it. On another occasion, we called Marcil and right from the start he told us how happy he was with us, that we clapped at his door. We were all smiles when he said that. Then he told us he would follow us wherever we asked. If you have doubt that this is an elect, prepared of God, listen to this next part. His friends who also are his neighbors, told him to forget about us and he said, "no, I will continue". And the next day I heard him bear his testimony for the first time about the Book of Mormon. Truly there is no greater joy than this in all the world. The Lord prepared him, we were just there to pick him up. I don't think we did a single thing concerning doubts and concerns, he already was a member without baptism and a book.

Anyway, sorry this one was short, I ran out of time today. Know that I am well and that I love you. Remember always that the simplest and most perfect response to any problem is "What would Jesus do?" So common is this phrase that people have almost forgotten the true significance of it. Don't let the simple things be the barrier. Satan uses the simple things to make the big things look less harmful.

I love you all, be happy and pray for me often. You are always in my prayers. I love YOU!

Love, Elder Cameron Dean Summerhays