Letter #33 from Australia

March 6, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,

          What an amazing week here in the Yarra Valley area. We are now working with quite a few investigators and have a couple of baptism dates set. We have been working really hard to follow up with our new contacts and have had many miracles when we do. We are very excited about the progress of our area and the progress of the people we are working with!!

          So last week on Monday, we met with a gentleman by the name of Jeremy. I think I have talked about Jeremy before, but if not here is some background info. We met Jeremy at the train/bus station and talked with him about the Book of Mormon. He was quite interested, but had to leave quickly to catch a train and we didn't give him any of our contact info. A week later we met him again, and then another week later, we met him the third time. We told him that obviously God wants us to meet each other, so he agreed to listen to our message. We taught him on Monday about the restoration of the gospel and about the Book of Mormon. It went so well!! He said multiple times that he could feel the Holy Ghost really strong when we talked and told him about the gospel. He said he wants to know if it is true and will do anything and everything he can to find out if it is true. He is so PREPARED and so KEEN!!! He texted us yesterday, informing us that he couldn't make it to church, but that he was very excited to meet with us again tomorrow (Monday) and how he is ready to continue down his spiritual path! HE IS SO KEEN!!

         We met with a former investigator of some past missionaries that were in our area and he is prepared too! His name is Mark and he too just wants to find the truth. He told us that he really wants to listen to us this time, because God keeps leading us back to him. He told us that this is the fourth time that he has prayed to Heavenly Father for help, and then a couple days later, the missionaries knocked on his door. He is so prepared and we have set a baptismal date with him as well. His is on the 9th of April and Jeremy's is on the 26th of March. We are really looking forward to continue the work with these two. The Lord has blessed us with the opportunity to help them find the truth and to help them learn about His restored gospel.

          This past week on Tuesday, we had a visit from a General Authority. His name is Elder O. Vincent Haleck. He is currently serving in the Pacific Area Presidency. We had a great mission conference with him and I learned so much. But the one thing that hit me the most was when he talked to us about how our decision to serve a mission will affect every other decision that we make in our life. How is affects our choice on who we will marry, how we will raise our children, what career we will go into, how much schooling we will choose to receive, Everything! It really hit me and made me glad that I made this decision to serve our Heavenly Father, Savior Jesus Christ and the people who live here in Melbourne Australia. I love this gospel so much and I am so grateful for it in my life. It truly has helped me make some of the most important decisions in my life, thus far and I am glad to say that it will always affect my decisions in life. I love you all and I am so grateful for the love and support you show me and the other missionaries out serving our Father in Heaven. Have a great week and stay happy, healthy and safe!

Oh and HUGE Birthday shout out to one of the two best sisters out there!!! Happy 17th Birthday Nicole! I love you so much and hope you enjoy your special day!! I love you heaps!!

Love,

Elder Wheeler

This is why it is called Sky High. On a clear day, you can see the skyscrapers in the 
city of Melbourne. On this day it was cloudy, but we could barely make out 
the outline of the skyline.

District P-day last week. We went to Sky High national park.

Youth car wash fund raiser for their trek activity this year.

Sold some sausages, drinks and some cakes too!! Really fun day to mingle
with the members and help the youth set and reach a goal to raise the money.