The Rise Of Alpine

Hello from Alpine!


      You read the title right, Alpine is on an upward climb for Elder Aden and I! I'm so grateful for the progress that we made and I'm grateful for the chance to see the hard work start paying off. I've truly been tested while out here in Alpine, and it's a constant battle, but I'm not one to ever throw in the towel. I've been so blessed to get the hard stuff while out here. I'm grateful for every single hard second. I can truly feel the lord working in my efforts and in my life and he's literally dragging me through, but I'm making it because of him. Next week is going to be the busiest week in my entire life most likely. It looks like a huge mountain thats going to be hard to climb, but one step after another I'm going to reach the top. We're traveling to every single outlining town this upcoming week, and we only have 3 days to really do it. We have over 5 outlining towns and they're all more than an hour away, but I'm so excited to see what else this mission has to offer and you already know I'm going to be partying every second! 


      On Saturday we hosted a bonfire at the shack. We invited everyone we could talk to and think of. When the time came around we were a little discouraged because no one showed up, but low and behold an hour later we were overwhelmed with over 20 people that showed up. Only 1 of them being a member. It was so fun to talk to people and strengthen our relationship with them and show them that we are normal people and we just want to love them and help them find Jesus Christ. We found some people to teach and they are incredible. And for all those who are smarter than I, and are worried for safety, we called the sherif and got approval to have a fire and we had all the equipment readily available, so I'd like to defend myself and say that I'm more responsible than you may think lol! 


      We had more lessons this week which brings me so much joy. I absolutely love teaching. We taught this guy named Zach on Friday. He's been reading the book of Mormon on his own without us ever telling him to and he called to learn more about it. We read 3 Nephi 11 with him and had a really great discussion. He said he felt the spirit and is now going to give up drugs and alcohol. On Sunday evening we met with this girl named Stef. Stef is dating one of our members and has been coming to church here and there, but she really wanted to take lessons from us. We taught her about the book of Mormon and the restoration of the true gospel. The spirit was so strong, her and I were tearing up. She said she knows without a doubt that this church is true and she wants to get baptized. She's never felt more peace and more welcomed in her life before. Even better is she has her own testimony and isn't trying to join to impress her boyfriend. It was amazing to see her gain a testimony right in front of our eyes, and express her desire to be baptized. 


      I'm so grateful for this gospel and for this chance to be teaching it. It's brought me so much joy and so much comfort. I love nothing more than helping others in any way that I can, but especially helping them know that their father in heaven loves them. I also wanted to say thanks to everyone who has sent me letters or packages! Your support means the world to me and helps a lot. Yall stay cute! 


-elder JJ fish 


406 painter rd. Alpine, TX. 79830 


Pics:
1: a sunset 
2: another sunset 
3: oh hey look another sunset
4: black ops 2 buried zombies map
5: okay enough with the sunsets 
6: sonic the hedgehog 





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