weekly update 3/21/2011

GOOD MORNING UTAH!!!! (AND OTHER PLACES)
>
> I would like to report on the help that the members have been! We were
> happy to see that our Lessons with a member present were above that of
> our other lessons. Which shows what a support the members have been
> for us. Not only have then been coming out to the lessons but they
> have been a blessing on getting investigators to church and also the
> mission home fireside! Also just recently two of the members have
> spoken to their friends and are near to setting up an appointment with
> them. They are working hard! This week we had the focus of writing
> thank you cards for the members, what a week to have this focus. We
> have a lot to thank them for. They have been a great blessing to us!
>
> Elder Mecham is doing a great job at being senior companion. I have
> definitely learned a lot from him. Things here in littleborough are
> going great, and i think it is because of Elder Mecham's faith that we
> are seeing so much success!
>
> We have a tool in the mission called "The commitment pattern." It is
> an effective way to resolve concerns that people may have that would
> keep them from accepting a commitment when we commit them. So we were
> committing Rhys for sacrament. He said yes but it wasn't a sure
> answer. So by using the commitment pattern we were able to discover
> and resolve his concerns and when we committed him again and he said
> yes with a for sure answer!
>
> Another plus to the members, when we committed Rhys to baptism he said
> now because he didn't want to commit himself to any religion. But
> after going to church we committed him again and he accepted with a
> date of the 9 April. I think two things contributed. The first is he
> must have felt something at church to change his mind. The second
> thing is I think he was well fellowshipped the first week. The members
> were saying hi and introducing themselves. So I tip my hat to the
> members of littleborough ward.
>
> With Love,

> Elder Ballantyne



Hello parents and Kyle,
>
> I'm excited to stay in littleborough for another 5 weeks. Yes this
> transfer is only 5 weeks long, It's just to make it work out so that
> everyone gets 17 transfers. This transfer next year will probably be
> my last transfer! that's a bit weird to think. For Jordana's baptism
> we tried the first time and it didn't work so we sent everyone to the
> chapel and did it again while everyone was in the chapel to avoid
> embarassment for Jordana in case it didn't work again. Jordana is great
> though, she is strong in the gospel already!
>
> Love
> Elder Ballantyne