Happy Independence Day

The 4th of July, like any holiday, put a halt to missionary work. Nobody wants to see us when family is over or they have fireworks to shoot off. Which I understand, but it's a bit frustrating.

I've also come to realize that Utah has the weakest fireworks in America. They have so many laws that it's nearly impossible to enjoy watching what little they're actually allowed to light. It just makes me soo happy I live in Texas.

But there was a great idea some members we watched fireworks with had. Put on 3D glasses. It made the experience a lot better.

(Elders Tutt and Pearson watching fireworks)

Something sweet coming up, the 16th and 17th. There is a huge youth fireside going on at Weber State football field. It's been planned for 18 months. President Monson and Elder Holland are gonna be there. It's probably gonna be broadcast on BYU TV, so if anyone has it, I recommend watching it. But the best part is, Elder Tutt and I will be some of only 40 missionaries that will be going... and sitting right next to the Prophet. It's gonna be so sweet. It'll be a lifetime spiritual high for sure.

One thing I realized is I'm getting older :/ in a month from yesterday, I will no longer be a teenager. Kinda sucks, but it's gotta happen some time. One sweet thing I've seen is the excitement people have to share the gospel with their friends and what that can lead to. We're working on a long chain of such an instance.

When I was pretty new to the Clinton area, a 9 year old girl, Grace, invited her friend to go to church. After a while of Rylee Wallwork going to church, her dad was motivated to go back to church, get the priesthood, and baptize Rylee.

(Rylee with her family)

Elder Evensen and I were fortunate enough to be there and witness all this. Once baptized, Rylee wanted to follow Grace's example and invite someone to church and the missionary lessons with her. After several people she asked, she received several declines. She didn't give up and wanted to help someone. So she came with us and helped us teach two other people, Alyssa and Mikayla. Rylee and Alyssa, both 9, became best friends and with help and support of Rylee, both Alyssa and Mikayla were baptized.

Now these two girls had the fire in them and wanted to share the gospel with someone. Their sister is living with them for a month from out of town, and with Alyssa and Mikayla's encouragement, taking the missionary lessons and has a date to be baptized July 17th! They also have their best friend next door preparing to be baptized in August.

It's amazing to see what an impact a good friend can have on us or others. I'm so lucky to be out here to see all this and have it inspire me to do the same both out here in Utah and back home. Seeing others overcome adversity and take steps in their lives towards happiness is such an amazing thing. I love this church. I know it's true. I know it's led by Christ himself and I can never be grateful enough for what He has done and is doing for me and all those I care about.

Elder Pearson