E-mail dated 6/22/09

Yesterday was Fathers Day? Really. Well, Happy Fathers Day pops!!! I had no idea. But I believe it is Mom's Birthday as well, today if my memory is correct. Happy Birthday mom. You have a letter in the mail, I'm suprised it hasn't got to you yet. For everyone who reads this email, she will be 43 years old today. (he he he).

This week went by pretty good. I really don't even know what to say in this email. Maybe I'll answer your questions first then idea's might come. I'm not exactly sure how many deacons, teachers, and priests we have in the branch. We don't really have quorums, they just have a young mens class. And what usually happens is the melchizedek priesthood blesses the sacrament and the aaronic priesthood passes. The missionaries occasionally help when the members are late to church (which is a huge problem in which i will talk about later). I haven't attended primary in a while, I've been busy with the youth because thier leaders haven't been to church in a while. The youth can't teach themselves (although that is what the leaders are trying to do). Of course I'm staying healthy. I'm eating plenty. Say Plenty. All of my clothes are fine. I've replaced the souls ("The worth of souls is great" soles, souls?) of the bottom of one of my shoes and I'll probably have to replace the others pretty soon. President Squires should be coming at the end of next week.

Oh, yes about the members not coming on time. Time here is really really relaxed. Its not a bad thing, but when it comes to people partaking of the sacrament its really really bad. The sacrament is the most important part of going to church. All the other benefits of chruch are just side notes. I've learned so much about covenants since I've been here and I've learned the importance of renewing our baptismal covenant. How else can we be cleansed of our stupid mistakes from week to week? It is also a time to re-evaluate the past week and set goals on how to improve in the coming week. We are really making another covenant with God when we think of it that way. And another great blessing is the Holy Ghost being with us at all times, in all things, and in all places. As a missionary I know how important it is to have that revelation door open. I would just be guessing if I didn't have the holy ghost. Thats one great thing about Preach my gospel, it teaches the missionaries how to seek for revelation. Imagine how strong the church will be when the Preach my Gospel missionaries are in the leadership of the church. What, that would usher in the second coming so quickly. Elder Perry said in the conference talk that the missionaries today are the best gospel teachers this church has ever had. I truly believe that is because of preach my gospel. So y'all should read it. And when you finish read the Book of Mormon again. It is pretty good. Everything here is in ship shape.

Elder Degen