June 18, 2012

Hey Y'all!

This week has been great!  We were able to be a part of the process of transfers, and that was a very spiritual experience.  We sat in the office with President Durrant, and looked at the transfer board.  First we prayed, and then talked about where missionaries needed to be moved.  As a part of this transfer, some big changes were made in the structure of the mission.  The way things are laid out right now there are 12 stakes in the mission and 15 zones.  There are 30 zone leaders, and 29 district leaders. To put that in perspective, that would be like having 30 stake presidents and 29 bishops.  The issue is that some of the greatest missionaries are currently with other great missionaries, where it would be better to have them out working as district leaders and trainers.  We will be cutting the number of zones in the mission down to 9 so there will be 18 zone leaders and 2-4 district leaders per zone leader companionship.  This is such an exciting change, and President Durrant has been talking about doing it for about 6 months now, and it is great to see it finally in action.  I think this will give the mission a lot of excitement and drive to go out and find the elect children of God who are ready to accept the gospel.  It will be a big change, but definitely for the benefit of all those in the Texas Dallas Mission.  It certainly was a great experience to see the spirit work through President Durrant as he prepared to make these changes.  Along with the transfer changes, Elder Seager, my companion will be getting transferred to Frisco.  He will bless the lives of those around him.  I may have to put him on speed dial so that, undoubtedly, WHEN I get myself in a bind, I can get his advice.  He is a wise missionary, and I have appreciated being his companion.  My new companion is Elder Flitton.  I had the pleasure of going on an exchange with him last week and was very impressed by his work ethic and leadership abilities.  I am excited to be his companion!

This week, we had two potential investigators come to family home evening for the singles ward.  Both of them have come to a few church functions now, and hopefully will come to church tomorrow so we can invite them to take the lessons.  Last night, we got to teach Diane.  Let me tell you what, Diane is a miracle.  She is from china, and has lived in America for 3 years.  Since coming to America she has been introduced to Christianity and is a new Christian.  She moved in with a member of the YSA who has only been a member for 2 months.  So, in her earnest to learn more about Christ, Diane came to church with Katie and has come two weeks in a row now.  Last week when Katie was out of town, Diane called us and asked us to find her a ride to church.  We taught her last night, and it was a wonderful lesson!  The spirit was so strong, and she was very receptive.  She has such a sweet, humble spirit; it will be great to continue teaching her!

Hope Y'all have a wonderful week!
Love,

Riley Layton