Elder Marshall Underwood: Referrals from ducks

Friends and Family,

I would like to apologize on behalf of all other missionaries that have told you that their mission is the best... Because they lied. In the words of Elder Berry, referring to the France, Lyon Mission, "My mission takes every other mission, throws it on the ground, and body-slams it with awesome."

This week was so beautiful. Earlier in the week, we saw this weird browser app download on our iPads and we decided to open it. It took us to the missionary portal and then suggested that we look at the new referral page. We went on there and saw an old referral that we had already contacted, but there was also another! So, I went to the bathroom and Elder Berry called the guy. I could hear them talking a little bit, and it sounded good, but I didn't know. When I came out of the bathroom, Elder Berry threw his arms in the air and we gave each other a huge hug. This was a golden referral, and here's how it happened.

We have a member named Frère Canard (yes, Brother Duck) and he takes his kids to a boxing dojo. There is another family that goes there too that was really looking for God in their life. They used to be Catholic, but they didn't feel that it was bringing the spirituality that they needed. They investigated with the Jehovah's Witnesses and quickly decided that they did not have answers to all of their questions. He then felt like he needed to talk to Frère Canard. He said that he didn't know why, but when Frère Canard explained his beliefs, he felt really good and he knew that it was what he needed to do in order to strengthen his family and his faith in Christ. So, he got on lds.org and requested a missionary visit! We taught his family the restoration of the gospel and he ate it up. He loved everything that we said and the spirit was so strong. We asked the member that came with us to explain the Book of Mormon. he went into really grand details that I was afraid would push him away, but he loved it and only wanted to know more!

I know that we found this family because we have been really focusing on member missionary work. To give you some numbers, this transfer, I have talked with 235 people just on the street about the gospel and non of them became investigators. However, when people see the example of members in their life, they can feel the power of God. I love the gospel.

Other that that, Elder Berry and I had time to set up our Christmas tree (thanks mom) and I also made a planner cover. The videos included are explained within them, and I think that you will enjoy to see the progress of my language skills!