The Fine Metropolis of Johnstown!

Hey Mom! I'm glad you are enjoying the beginning of your summer! It should be a crazy start with Jonny getting married next week! I'm so excited for him! You and I aren't very far apart in the Book of Mormon! I read that a few days ago and it was great.

Another week in the fine metropolis of Johnstown, Ohio! I swear I have met every single person in this tiny town. But there's still gotta be more people to find! And it sure is humid over here. I now shower 3 times a day and I'll probably have to start doing 4 times a day pretty soon. It must really surprise people to see two extremely sweaty guys in white shirts and ties standing on their porch. But it makes for a good conversation starter! 

We had a pretty good week this week! Zone conference on Friday was great. We learned a lot and I'm excited to apply it to my missionary work. We learned a lot about listening to and relying on the spirit. 

Saturday we had a ward barbecue. It was a lot of fun! A random thunder storm came in towards the end though and it rained like crazy. We were all under the pavilion outside trying to stay dry. We got to know the ward members pretty well though haha! 

Sunday was a great day! Our investigator Linda came to church! It was so awesome to see her there. She has had really bad experiences with churches in the past so her coming was a huge step for her. She had a great experience as well. We are excited for her! 

Monday evening we had a great miracle. We were walking back to our apartment after a long day and this guy named Ryan starts talking to us in our apartment complex! He came up to us and then basically set up his own return appointment! He asked ifmwe could meet later that night but we let him know we had to be in our apartment for the night so we set up a time to meet the next day. He is so cool. And only a year older than me! (I have surprisingly taught a lot of people around my age so far on my mission). 

Tuesday was my first exchange as a district leader! I went with Elder Barnes. He is from American Fork, Utah. He has been out for about 4 months now. He is a great missionary. I learned so much from him! We had a great day. We were able to teach Ryan in the afternoon and the lesson was so great. Ryan told us that his mind was blown and that he is excited about reading the Book of Mormon and finding out if it is true. Later that evening we went to this Christian brotherhood meeting that our investigator John invited us to. It was a bunch of men from local churches in the area meeting to have food and talk about Christ. The food was amazing! And the conversation was great as well. Elder Barnes and I were able to bear our testimonies of Jesus Christ and it was a great experience for everyone. The Christian world needs more of things like that. People coming together to talk and not trying to divide each other. I also met a man that was there that told me his son lives in washougal and his grandson just graduated from washougal high school! Super small world! 

I love you mom! Have a great week! 

Your son, 

Elder Collier