July 24, 2017

This week has been amazing!  One of the most wonderful things to see this week is just how much Elder Angeiras has grown in this transfer.  He truly has become a Christlike missionary.  His desire to be obedient is what I am most happy about.  He has come to love life as led by the Holy Spirit and he understands that that comes by obedience.  This week I really saw the progress that he has made with Planning.  He conducted weekly Planning and most of he daily Planning and seriously is amazing at it.  He truly has a desire to serve.  Part of our transfer Vision was to have him ready to lead the area by the end of the transfer, and honestly he is.  It is such a joy serving with him.  It was also an incredible experience being able to have Senessie's baptism this week.  To have Elder Angeiras really come to know and experience the fact that if we work hard, and if we are faithful and obedient people are there.  They are prepared.  What an experience to have in your first transfer.  His future is so incredibly bright! 

We found someone called Michael this last week, and he is one of the most amazing people I've had the opportunity to teach on my mission.  He is so sincere and excited about learning the gospel!  Exciting things happening in Romford!  

I have been studying the doctrine of baptism a lot this week.  Such a simple principle, but when explored, you can really learn so much.  I learned that "baptism" comes from the Greek verb "baptiso" and means to "immerse."  Of course we are immersed in water when we are baptised, but more than that we immerse our lives in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What an amazing purpose we have to help others do the same.  I know that this is His work!  He leads it and guides it, and I am grateful to be a part of it.  

Love you Mom!

Elder Draper

July 17, 2017

Hellllllllooooooooooo Mom!

Thank you for your testimony and your love!  I can feel it from way over, across the pond!  Seriously.  You rock. It's good to hear about Brother Newman!  I still can't get over how cool it is that he served in the same mission!  

Mom, I am doing so great!  I love my area, my companion, the district, and the people we are teaching. I feel so blessed.  Seriously, I am just so humbled to be in the Lords service! Please sit down with each and every one of the kids and let them know how much I love them. Please know how much I love you.  I pray for you and I just want you to be happy every day! 

Have an amazing week!

Elder Draper

July 10, 2017

Letter to Mission President

What an amazing experience it was to be at Zone Conference this week.  It seems that each time we have a Zone Conference I leave thinking "that was the best Zone Conference of my mission" they just keep getting better. 

I loved discussing the Devine gift of repentance, and hearing what stood out to missionaries and how they planned to apply it to their work.  I loved the trainings we received about working with members.  By the end of it I had a whole page full of ways to be better with working with members and I have loved trying new things to get them involved and excited about the work!  

The training by the assistants was incredible as well.  I loved the power and simplicity.  I have found so much joy in taking every chance I get to testify of my Savior.  It has brought a renewed sense of purpose and power to the conversations I've had.  Then to top it all off with the testimonies of missionaries that I have come to know, love, and respect so much.  It was such a powerful experience.  I have already seen the positive impact it has had on me as a missionary.

Elder Angeiras continues to leave his comfort zone and grow each day.  He has such a powerful testimony and he shares it with everyone who will listen.  He is really doing amazing.  His desire to be obedient and his love for the people make him an amazing missionary.

I am loving every day President.  I am absolutely loving the mission reading of the Book of Mormon.  I have learned so much!  There have been times when I have just been touched by something that I read.  I love the focus and I love the unity it brings to the mission! 

Love

Elder Draper

July 3, 2017

It is so great to hear that you guys had a crazy-awesome week!  I am so grateful for the fact that Maddie is okay!  My goodness!  It sounds like she really loved girls camp and that her testimony really grew from that whole experience which is amazing!  

I am doing so good!  My companion is so great!  I have learned so much from him and from going back to the very fundamentals of missionary work.  Seeing him grow and develop into a diligent, faithful, and obedient missionary just fills my souls with great joy.  I can almost imagine what it must feel like has a real parent, not just a mission parent!  

We are working with this guy called Senessie who is so a,among, but struggles with a bit of mental health. The gospel has really helped him feel peace and joy and it is amazing to see how the Gospel of Jesus Christ truly is for everybody.  Man, we are working so hard.  I have always had the best sleep of my life on my mission, because I always go to bed knowing that I did all I could that day... that is the best feeling ever!  I'm sure you have felt it a lot as well recently!  

Man, I have just absolutely loved reading the Book of Mormon.  I read 2 Nephi 2 today and WOW... IT IS AMAZING!  Lehi is a great teacher.  Well, I hope you have an amazing week Mom!  I sure love you!  This truly is the Lords work!