Ultima Entrevista, Consejo de Lideres, Missionary investigators.

Hello friends and family!!

This week, Elder Farnsworth and I had what will probably be some of our last interactions with President Rodriguez here in the mission. President finishes up on June 29th, so we had what were pretty much our exit interviews with him on Wednesday. He talked to me about continuing all of the good habits I have obtained here in the mission for when I get home, and finishing my mission with all diligence, sprinting to the finish line!

We had Consejo de Lideres the next day, where all of the Zone Leaders, Sister Training Leaders, and the Assistants gather for a training from President, and then we talk about how we can improve the work, and better serve the missionaries of our respective zones. President talked to us about the Atonement, and of its central role in the Plan of Salvation. It was a super uplifting training, and then President and Sister Rodriguez shared their testimonies of missionary work. It was an amazing training, and it was super fun to see lots of my friends here in the mission at the Consejo!

We had a cool moment with Leonardo this week. I wasn't at the visit with him on Friday due to a companionship exchange we had to do with some missionaries that were having some challenges. We were out looking for a lady that lives nearby, and we saw Leonardo outside, so we went over to say hi and see how he was doing. He asked if we could come and help him out with his English homework. We sat down and began to help him, and his English homework was actually talking about Family History work. How crazy is that?! We explained the English, and then took advantage of the opportunity to teach him a little about Family History Work and Temples. He is progressing super super well, everything is looking good for his baptism this coming weekend.

Rodrigo, one of our other investigators that is getting baptized this weekend came to church with one of his member friends, Rogher. Rogher got called as a ward missionary a couple weeks back, and after church we held a training with our ward mission leader Hank Felipe for all of the new ward missionaries, so Rogher came and Rodrigo tagged along. We began by splitting them all into companionships, and then we did a couple of practices as part of the training. We asked for volunteers, and Rodrigos companion volunteered to go and teach. Rodrigo without skipping a beat hopped up there and starting teaching and testifying and he isn't even a member yet!! What an awesome kid!!

Well, it was a super super fun week. Elder Farnsworth and I are having lots of fun, and we are seeing lots of miracles here in the area. Leonardo, Rodrigo, and Guadalupe will all be getting baptized this coming weekend if all goes according to plan. Pray for us!

Love you all tons, have a great week!!!

Love, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Dad, well done on making an absolutely legendary trip at Lake Powell! I'm sure everyone had a blast!! Love you so much, looking forward to talking to you on Sunday!!

Mom, wow, those are some cool experiences, the hand of the Lord was visibly present in the trip! I'm glad the Lord answered my prayers and that you were protected. What a fun trip. Love you so much!!

Jackson, sounds like you, Walker and Coleman had a killer time! What a bummer that you lost your phone!!! That's so cool that Ramsey is home. Let him know I say hi! Honestly, the responsibilities are pretty similar to what I was doing out in Camiri, it's lots of fun! It's sometimes a little difficult having to worry about 20 other elders, but the good thing is the district leaders are doing a killer job. Love you bro!

Callie, OUCH! Don't burn your fingers!! I saw some great pictures of your dance recital, and of going to Matilda! I'm glad you had fun at Lake Powell! Enjoy your week at grandma's house!! Love you twin!!!

Emma, glad you guys had a great time, the pictures showed that you guys had a party out there! Nice job on the deck start!! Love you Emma!!

Sarah, nicely done in your basketball tourney!! Way to ball out on those older girls!!! I am sure you are going to have a super fun time at girls camp, have a great time bear! Love you!!!

Mom’s Questions:

1. Any updates on the young man in the yellow house you found last week?

We taught him again this week, and this time with his mom!

2. How are the baptism plans coming along? Still on track for June 15th? 

Everyone is doing great! We are going to work hard this week to make sure that everything goes according to plan!

3. What is your ward/branch like in Suarez? 

Really great ward!!! lots of support, we get lots of help!

4. What is your house like? Do you live with any other missionaries or is it just you and Elder Farnsworth? 

Just the two of us!

5. What fun facts can you share that you have learned about Elder Farnsworth this week? 

Elder Farnsworth is the youngest of 5 siblings, he was born in Arizona, but lives currently in Lehi, where he went to high school. He is going to go UVU when he finishes his mission, and he loves rap music. We get along super well!