So much to be Thankful for

I don't even know where to begin!!

I have not gotten a weekly email out in a while I'm so sorry! So much has happened it's actually insane!

I am absolutely loving the mission. There is truly nowhere I would rather be than here in Missouri serving my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. I am currently out of St. Louis & into Cape Girardeau! My companion is MICAH GARY BR0WN!!! We are literally best friends & connect way too much with each other! The work has been so fun & so busy since we've been together. We hung out before the mission & we're making so many more mutual connections now that we're serving together!!

Something that has been really pressing on me this week is the divinity of the role that Jesus Christ plays in our mortal experience. We had the privilege of watching the video "The Christ Child." Put together by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. ( It will be open for the public November 24th) This video portrayed the birth of Jesus Christ in such a powerful way. The Spirit filled the room as tears filled the eyes of every missionary. After the video President Bell asked us what we thought. After a couple minutes of complete silence, a sweet sister, Sister Anderson stood up & shared that she couldn't help but feel so much Love for this baby. She shared that that baby is our brother. Hearing this comment with such sentimental emotion brought me so much joy. I remembered right then & there that Jesus Christ came into this world to be our Savior, our Redeemer, Our Beloved Brother. It has brought me so much happiness as I go around the streets of Missouri preaching the Gospel. There is so much more to our message as missionaries, than to share the Book of Mormon with people and invite them to come unto Christ. We are just wanting people to even just know that their Father In Heaven lives. He loves. He sent His only Begotten Son to this world to Atone for us. I want everyone to know & feel that divine relationship we each have with Jesus Christ. "He is not an abstraction. He is the Living Son of a Living God." -Elder Holland

There is nothing our Savior & Brother Jesus Christ cannot relate to. "He has walked the thorny, rock-strung path.." The Atonement of Jesus Christ was not designed to be used by perfect people. It was designed for those who are hurting & struggling so that through Christ they can be strengthened. There is no shame in repentance. Utilize the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ & utilize it often. For that is simply the purpose He provided to us.

I am so grateful for the trials & hardships in my life. I am grateful for the strength I have received in return of the trials I have been given. I am grateful for the constantly building relationship I have with my Savior Jesus Christ & Our Eternal Father in Heaven.

I love each of you & hope you are all looking forward to Thanksgiving!! There is so much to be thankful for!!

Please email me something you're grateful for!!!

jnewbold@missionary.org

Love you all!! Peace out!!

-- Elder shua