Its either true or none of it is

Hello friends and Family!!

First things first, thank to all who sent notes for my birthday tomorrow, you guys are the best! Love you all so much, I’m grateful for the greatest support system ever!!

This week was kind of a tougher week. Right now we are in a restart phase here in the area. We are trying to determine which investigators will continue to progress, and which ones are just listening to listen, and will need some time to reflect on the things we are teaching. But still had some cool moments this week, so we will go ahead and hop right into the update for this week!!

This past week, I did an exchange with some of the Elders in my district. I had the opportunity to work with Elder Lisonbee, an elder that was in my district in the MTC but went home to take care of some stuff, but returned here to Bolivia in April. He is a FANTASTIC missionary, he has such a love for everyone that he comes in contact with, and it was great to work with him and catch up on everything.

We had a lesson with a family that we have been teaching recently. They hadn’t received us in a week or two, so we returned, and to get in the door, we decided to sing a hymn with them and share a little bit about Christmas. They let us in. We sang, talked about Christmas, and we talked about some of the traditions in our homes that we celebrate at Christmas time. As we were finishing, I asked when we could return and teach more about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Church, to which she responded, "Why does it always have to be about the Book of Mormon? I just want you to know that Im Catholic, and you will never convince me to be part of your church. I like learning more, but Im Catholic."

I just smiled and said to her, "You like learning more? That’s why we are here. That’s why we want to talk about the Book of Mormon. Hermana, if you want to know more, if you want to know if this church is true, read the book. Because this book is the word of God like we say it is, or not. And if it’s true, everything we teach is true. Its either true or none of it is." We'll see if she reads. If not, we will probably give them some time to think about what we have been teaching and visit them again later on.

There was a scripture that I read in my personal study. In Jacob 7:5, we read, "And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken." I absolutely love what Jacob says in response to those trying to shake him from his faith. WHEREFORE, I COULD NOT BE SHAKEN. What a response! We would do well to have a faith and a firmness like Jacob!

Love you all tons! Hope you all have a fantastic week!!

Love, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Dad, wow, what a change! Only five deacons? But sounds like the Priest quorum is still giant! Hopefully Sarah gets better fast! Love you tons Dad!!!

Mom, I definitely would have loved a Donut cake! Maybe I’ll make myself one, haha. Sounds like a busy week, and that the Holiday break will be very appreciated! Love you tons Mom. Have a great week!!

Jackson, what an awesome week! Nice job on your finals, keep up the great work!! Sounds like a good time at the Friendsmas with the mission pals! Love you dude!! Good luck on your finals!!

Emma, thank you for the Birthday wishes, and for bringing all the memes back! Sounds like an eventful week, and that the team is going to do well!!! Love you sis!!

Sarah, well done in your games, nice job banking in a three! Hopefully your leg gets better really soon so you can get back in there, your teams need you!! Love you sis!!

Callie, darn, I’m sorry that the puppy destroyed your shoe, kind of frustrating, but she'll learn! Nice job in your dance recital! Love you tons! I'm super excited to talk to you all on Christmas!

Mom’s Questions:

1. What are you doing for your birthday? 

My converts invited me over for dinner, so that’ll be fun. Not lots going on, it will be pretty normal.

2. What is your favorite Bolivian Christmas tradition? Do they decorate much? Have parties?

Truthfully, not a lot. The Bolivian tradition is more celebrating the 24th in the night time with family.

3. How is your ward preparing for the new changes to church times and such? Are you involved with that? What is your Bishop and other leadership like? 

Our leadership is fantastic! We have a great bishop. We are excited to implement the new schedule this January

4. Did you have any Light the World activities this week? 

 Noche de Talentos (Talent night) with the Ward! :)