Abbey's letter December 9, 2013

 Hola Family,
 This week has been a good one! Saturday and Sunday night we had our
big nativity that the ward put on. It was so fun to watch the ward get
ready for it. They did it as an opportunity to do misisonary work and
they were all so pumped. We had many members stay there the whole time
and bishop and his wife were walking around. She invited quite a few
of them to come to church the next day for sacrament meeting. And then
joked that she didn't mention that there was a second and third hour
also. It was a good turnout! We had quite a few non members there
Saturday night and I overheard quite a few of them say that everyone
was so nice. Nice is good so we'll take that! The nativity display
inside the gym was beautiful! We were able to watch the last run
through of the live nativity outside last night! It really brought the
spirit and reminded me of how glorious this christmas season is. I
discovered Isaiah Chapter 53 this week! I think it is one of the most
powerful testimonies of Christ that has ever been written! Yesterday a
man came to church that hasn't been to church since the 70's. He
called the bishop this last week and told him that he was coming to
church. My companion asked him what inspired him to come back and he
said that he never lost his testimony but he just got a little lost.
And the Holy Ghost touched his heart and helped him find the courage
to come back to church. The atonement is a glorious thing. It just
shows how much our savior loves us and that it is never too late to
come back to the savior. We were unable to meet with Gary again this
week. He canceled our appointment with us on Friday. And he was not
responding to us throughout the week but he did come to the nativity
Sunday night. I just have to remind myself that it may take him a
while but he will find the courage to be baptized when he is ready.
This week I am grateful for little tender mercies that help me to know
how to be better and that this is the Lord's work. Little Grantlee and
Rueben, Raquels son from back in Billerica were baptized last night
This week we will start to teach a little 9 and 8 year old in the ward
who are not baptized! I am looking forward to that! This is a glorious
season and there is so much good around us. We work with quite a few
shelters and food shelfs in the area. There may be alot of bad things
in this world but there is still alot of good! I know Jesus Christ is
our Savior and that he came into this world to complete our Eternal
Fathers plan of salvation. He is the light of the world and the only
way to be saved. I love the savior and know that this is his restored
gospel on the earth. And that through the ordinances that we partake
of in this gospel we can become like our savior. I love you all! Thank
you for all of your support! Have a good week:)
Love Sister Rushton