Smythe, Jackson PT

God is perfect. I have never been happier. Every prayer we say is answered. Elder Shields and I have been loving the last couple of weeks. Every goal that we have set has been accomplished. I know God loves us, and that He hears and answers our prayers. We went with a set of Elders yesterday. We felt like we needed to knock on an apartment complex that they had knocked on two weeks prior. The first lady we met was sitting outside on the steps. She lost her brother three weeks ago and is looking for a restart and a way to see him again. She and her 9-year-old son are going to get baptized. God was aware of her, and I know He is aware of us. My homecoming will be on August 25th at 10:30 am. Address: 420 E 13540 S, Draper, UT 84020 I'll hopefully be able to write another email next week. I love and miss you all. "All the hopes that sweetly start From the fountain of the heart, All the bliss that ever comes To our earthly human homes, All the voices from above Sweetly whisper: God...

Hi everyone! We have had the best week. Elder Shields is my new companion for this last month, and we have been traveling all over. We have been with lots of Elders, and we have seen mighty miracles. We can always stretch ourselves a little more. Last Thursday, before transfers, our friend Lewis got baptized. He was taught on and off for two years before deciding to join the church. After his baptism, he bore his testimony and spoke about how he came to know the church is true. I have never been happier and had more fun. Heavenly Father works mighty miracles. "...they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them..." May we, with the future dawning, Day by day from sin be free, That on resurrection morning We may rise at peace with thee, Ever praising, ever praising, Thruout all eternity; Ever praising, ever praising, Thruout all eternity. Love you all, Elder Smythe

Hello! I have loved my time in Springdale. I have cherished every second and have no regrets. There is something you should all know. I will be staying a little longer, and my return date has changed to August 24th. I have loved my mission and will love the last little bit just as much. We had a baptism for the most incredible family. They live in a big complex, and we had knocked on their door 10+ times. Each time, they had been uninterested. The most recent time, they were prepared and ready. Lucia is the mom, and she has three kids. Her husband was in jail for a little bit, and they were going through a hard time. We were able to help them prepare, and they were all baptized as a family on Sunday. One of our new converts moved to Connecticut shortly after being baptized. She then passed away unexpectedly two weeks later. Elder Johnson and I were driving home and decided we needed to get gas. He decided to wash our windshield and take an extra five minutes. At the next stoplight, the...

Hello! I will do better at writing next week. I know the Savior lives, and I know He loves us. We had the baptism of our friend Rey. He is over 70 years old and made the decision and sacrifice to be there. He lost his wife over 30 years ago, and both of his parents passed away. He repeatedly says to us how he is doing this for his grandchildren and for an opportunity to see his family again one day. The spirit in the room was undeniable. Our friend Lewis has been taught for over two years. He finally made the decision and will be baptized on the 25th. He was tired of things not changing and is making the decision to change and feel truly happy. I have been learning so much the last few weeks. I have loved every second of being here. I love my companion. I love my area. I love the Lord. "Savior, may I learn to love Thee, Walk the path that Thou hast shown, Pause to help and lift another, Finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love Thee— Lord, I would follow Thee....

It is frightening how quickly time is running out. I am so grateful for my mission, and I couldn't be more grateful for the experiences that the Lord has allowed me to have here. President and Sister Collins went home this week. It was crushing to say goodbye to them. President and Sister Hathaway arrived this last week and we had an opportunity to meet them and their six children. I don't know if I've ever met such a special family. I would serve another year around them if I could. As good as it gets. We had the baptism of our friend Tasha and her two kids. She is a single mom that went through some pretty tough times a few years ago. We found her a few weeks ago, and she immediately understood the necessity to change her life. She stopped drinking and smoking, and overcame multiple challenges in order to be baptized. While we stood in the water, she broke down sobbing. We are teaching a man named Rey. He is probably around 70 years old. He had a severe stroke a few years...

Hi everyone! Elder Johnson and I have been continuing to sacrifice more and more. I have come to feel more joy the more I am willing to sacrifice and get out of my comfort zone. Overall, we have faced more opposition the last few weeks than I have seen my whole mission. We have come to understand and learn that we are being tested. A lot of our families have decided they are not ready to be married and therefore ineligible to get baptized. It has caused me to ponder and reflect a lot on how I want my life to look. I know, without a doubt, that for those who fully accept the gospel, things work out. For those that don't, they will be unable to feel the maximum amount of joy that they could have. We found a friend named David. He is from Venezuela but has been here for a while. He was taught in Utah by the missionaries. He expressed that he is ready to be baptized before he enters the Army in a few weeks. He is excited and ready for Saturday. Our new convert Jonuel has been growing s...