News from Tennessee!

Doug and 'The Gang',

Wow.  That was an excellent email Doug.  Thanks a TON!

I don't have much time this week. Sorry...  Some highlights:

I got no mail.

We tracted into a young lady named Lisa who is INCREDIBLE!  She is so sincere and wants to know the truth of our message.  It's wonderful.  I think she's going to make it.  She loves her church already and doesn't want to leave the people she knows and stuff, but she's said that if our message really is true (and it is) then she can't just discard it.  Pray for her, and Elder Busch and myself to be able to help her.

I'm almost done studying the New Testament for now, then it's time to tackle the Old Testament.  You're absolutely right Doug, the apostles new that the primitive church would eventually fall into apostasy as prophesied, but that wasn't going to keep them from trying they're darndest from keeping it so.  I definitely noticed that theme, just about all of the epistles are directed at correcting false doctrine and putting down those Judaizers and suppressing Greek tradition that was creeping into the church from the vast growth of converts.  It's no different today, there are many traditions within the church and among its members that are not founded on doctrine.  We all should be careful to distinguish tradition from doctrine and remember that activity in the church is not the same as activity in the gospel.  I'm sure you can tell which is most important though...

Congratulations on yours and Fawn's church calling.  I would point out that callings are rarely given to those with expertise, but often, it seems, to those whom the learning and experience will be most beneficial.  That's not a stab at the solidity of your relationship... at all.

I wish I could justly convey how much fun it is to serve with Elder Busch.  He's my favorite companion yet and he's hilarious and loves to work.  It's great.

And now, the spiritual message:
The power of prayer is real.  We were out with a member this evening and his car wouldn't start so I suggested a prayer.  We prayed and the car didn't start so we walked a block to our appointment and talked with Lisa (it was GREAT, the member was a convert and shared his experience of finding and joining the church).  When we got back, the car worked. Things don't always happen when we want them to, but prayer is real, and it will work when it needs to.

I love and miss you all.  Hugs and kisses.

Love,
Elder Grabinger