Good morning people, it's a beautiful Tuesday morning here in San Diego, I hope it's just as nice wherever this letter finds you.
This past week, we drove over to the temple to teach somebody who randomly called us up and was like 'pls baptize me k thx bye.' He met with missionaries in the past, but decided his time was now. That's all cool and all, but while we were there we ran into the Riverside mission doing their temple trip. I had an MTC district mate who went to Riverside, so that was neat to see each other again.
We got the opportunity to do service for this nice lady, we pulled out her grass by hand (don't ask me why) and then got to teach her an amazing lesson. We were pretty blunt in asking her why she hasn't been baptized yet even though she's been meeting with missionaries for years and had a strong testimony in the BoM and Jesus Christ. Her answer seems to be a common one here in San Diego, people just don't see the need to join one religion over the other and they can find their own way to God.
Without the knowledge of the Church that I have, maybe that could make sense. But unfortunately Jesus Christ has made it very clear that none can enter that straight path except by the gate. And that gate is baptism by the correct priesthood authority, but those people down here don't quite understand. shrug One baptism, one church, one fold.
This week we taught quite a few families. Not any investigating families, just members. And oh boy is that an experience. Trying to keep the attention of 3-5 kids with ages ranging from 2 to 11 is quite a feat and my respect for primary teachers has grown.
On Saturday I had the opportunity to go on an exchange with my DL, who is only one transfer older than me. That's crazy that I'm not quite green anymore, I'm 1/6 of the way through. We walked down town, and it's quite funny watching people cross the road so they don't have to pass us. Them 18-20 y/o are pretty darn scary, watch out. They might give you happiness.
On Sunday I got to give a talk in church. Don't worry, it wasn't as cringe as my farewell talk back in Utah. Maybe by the time I get home I won't sound like I'm at gunpoint when speaking in church, we'll see. I spoke on the latest general conference, and if you have 6 minutes to burn you can listen to it here. I got to tell a story that's been handed down in my family since my grandpa gave talks in church.
Don't forget that Jesus loves you, and the only reason that you don't have a for sure knowledge is because that would take away your agency. Have faith, remember that Satan is the source of all doubt and yeet him out of your life. It's a great day, and it'll be a good week. I promise.
-- Elder Coxson
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