I call this letter the TOOTH DOUTRINE ... Repentance is like brushing your teeth. Everyone needs to do this every day, every hour and every opportunity. We have to use toothpaste, the brand is reliable and strong (it's usually colgate). Without the use of toothpaste, our teeth will begin to deteriorate. The toothbrush . Sometimes there are some places that are very difficult to brush and therefore, we must use floss. If we forget to use floss, yellow plack begins to grow. After time, this yellow substance becomes black and rotten and continues to eat ate your tooth. You begin to have pain when you bite, chew, and even breath. In this phase, You will have to draw upon other stronger tools that are only found in the dentist´s office to take off the plack. If you don´t act, the situation gets worse. Maybe you will have a tooth cavity. Or maybe the dentist will have to take certain steps to save the tooth (like an iron cape or a fake tooth).

Toothpast=Atonement

Toothbrush=Action on our part to brush our teeth

Plack= Sin

Pain= Guilt

Dentist= the Bishop

As always, it´s better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent.

Repentance is RELIEF! Everyone needs to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ to have that winner smile and to be more happy in this life!!

Elder Johnson

 

What a week my friends!!  I can officially say that we´re getting a move on here in Bocaivua (my companion suggested the name Boc a MORMON as we have a new goal to give out 1 book of mormon per day).  

I am extremely pleased to present a few important people that Elder Fajardo and I have encountered here in the small town.  I´d just like all of you to get to know a few of the children of the Lord here in the small, forgotten village of Bocaiuva.

    Family of Nice (yes that´s the mother´s name):  This family consists of 6 persons who are relativily new in the city.  Two in this family are blazing the straight and narrow path toward baptizm.  Their names are Luis Guilherme(15) and Isabele(12). It was actually these two that we initially contacted!!  We were knocking doors and were close leaving for a marked appointment, when I felt impressed to say a prayer.  I brought my companion to the side of the road, we bowed our heads and sent our desires and thankfulness directly to God.  In this prayer, I pleaded that we, as representatives of the Lord, would be accepted into a house and that someone would here our message. When we finished, a young man passed and we waved to him, saying that we´d pass by in his house soon enough.  We went house by house and one by one no one answered or we were rejected.  At the last house stood a gigantic metal, sliding gate.  I had to jump to clap (the way to knock doors in Brazil).  Finally, the gate slid open to reveal a young woman with curiosity written on her face.  We were let in and given a chance to teach.  We sang `I am a child of God` in the end.  

Over the next week, we marked baptismal dates for Gui (the young man we comprimented in the road) and Isabele (the girl at the gate) for this Saturday and for the 28th of October!  A few nights ago we taught the whole family about the Commandments using a white board and markers!!  Everyone participated and loved the activity/lesson!!  What makes the message is the time and preparation that a missionary puts into task!        

I hope the same shining sun of success is upon all of you in your work and labors this week

Braço,

Elder Johnson

Clearly, today isn´t Mother´s Day, but I as this is my last email before Mother´s Day, I feel like I should just give a shout out to mothers. 

To just get the ball rolling...this week I´ve been thinking a ton about my mother and what she means to me.  I started asking questions like:

1.  What would my mother do?

2.  What would my mother think?

3.  If she were standing next to me right now, would I smile and give her a hug or RUN because she `caught you` (believe me, I´ve run A LOT)?

4.  How can I be more like MOM?

Then a scripture came to my mind....Isaiah 29:24 which reads (in my interpretation)

`Therefore, behold, I will proceed to BRING marvilhous MOMS among this people, even marvilous MOMS and WONDERS: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.`

Yep moms rock and the guys...not as much.  Everyone needs to know who you are (yes, WHO you ARE), and you are THE MARVILOUS WONDEROUS MOMS.  Has anyone seen the new movie `Wonder Woman`?  Great...because I haven´t...but I had a great idea!!  Why not re-make the movie and name it, `Wonder MOMS`!!  Even with all the power that wonder woman has, she doesn´t even come close to the power of love that mothers have for their families.  

I personally am thankful for Melanie Johnson, my wonder mother, for teaching me all that I know and warning me of threats to my physical and spiritual safety.  My head was as hard as a brick before my mission!!  I didn´t like being nurtured and shown what was wrong and right.  NOW I KNOW BETTER.  Kids...learn now.  Teenagers...soften up.  Parents...be one.  Moms...continue on!!

Lots of love,

Elder Johnson

It´s just as Preach My Gospel says, `Nothing occurs until an investigator is found.`  How are we supposed to find people to teach and bring to Christ??  Through opening our mouth and proclaiming the good news.

Speaking of good news, Elder Vasconcelos and I began having a bunch more success this week!  We shared a few of our beliefs with a older couple, Jehova Witnessess, and it went really well!!  They´re new in town and have a bunch of dogs.  One dog realy caught my attention.  His name was Homey (after Homer Simpson :) ).  He was an absolute sleeping machine!!  When we came to the gate, he ran out, barked once, then immidiatley laid down.  Multiple times during the lesson I would find him sitting on the floor with head cocked to one side...SLEEPING.  Homey even started SNORING (and I mean loud...louder than my companion at least).  I think it´s because he finds a hard time breathing through his nose (which looks like he got run over by a semi).  Sadly, Alexandre and Marivone were a tad hard on a couple subjects like Christ being the God of the Old Testament, another `Mormon Bible` and more than 133000 people on earth being saved, yet the whole experience taught me something.  Sharing is the first step to create a bonding relationship.  I learned that JW don´t give blood, don´t vote, were persecuted during WW2, believe Christ was nailed to a stake (not cross), and they´re homemade bread is Fabulous!

After leaving the Jehova Witnessess with our testimony and a Book of Mormon to read/examine, we encountered members Rose and Gabriel (son of Rose) along with Malu (Rose´s sister and nonmember).  We entered their house and taught about the Restoration of the Gospel at night.  One of my favorite parts was when we were explaining about the Apostacy.  For an simple example, I reached for the light switch and turned off the lights.  Utter darkness dominated the room.  I explained that there was a period of confusion and darkness without the fulness of the gospel on the earth.  I then stated, `In 1820, everything changed (I flipped on the lights again)`.  The spirit was extremely strong.  Vando, the father, said that not one of the past missionaries that had passed by had taught with such knowledge and power.  We explained that it was just the spirit opening his heart in that moment.  

I know that we must share to show that we care for each one of our Heavenly Brothers and Sisters here on earth.  And I pray for more opportunities each day.

See ya next week!!

Elder Johnson 

Hi everybody!!  One more week past and gone here in Campo Largo, Brazil!  Man time really flies!  I´ll be quick because this Lan house is pretty darn expensive and I only have 20 Reais to live off for the next 4 days!  I´m getting really sick of Ramen, ya´know?  

This week was really cool because us missionaries planned out a huge activity for the entire church!  The activity was called `Campo Largo Espasoso`.  We essentially made a giant `tree of life` out of paper and put Christ in the center.  We had every participant write their names on a white sticky-note in the shape of a fruit (which us missionaries collected and slapped on the tree) before comencing the activity.  We tied ties around all the participants` eyes then led them to a cord (the iron rod).  They followed the rod until they entered the church.  Then they were loosed to try and find their way through obstacles to find the tree.  The holy ghost (us missionaries) whispered the way to go, while other helpers tried to distract.  In the end, everyone was laughing and having a good time.  

With the help of the spirit, EVERYONE made it to the tree (Christ).  What´s more, is that, when others arrived in the chosen destination, they returned to help their families who were struggling along the way.  What a great example, right?!!!  We always will have friends or family struggling to arrive in the kingdom of God, therefore, WE have a great duty to look back and help guide.  We are all one big family...the Family of God.  Why don´t we help out our fellow brothers and sisters along the rough path of life?  It´s so easy to do.  So let´s go!!  Hope to hear from you all next week!!

Elder Kumen Johnson 

Just to start it off...if you ever want to visit Brazil there´s a few tips you should know.  Some of the biggest ones are: the toilet water pressure is weak, everyone wears flip-flops inside and outside the house (to not get bitten by spiders and not get foot diseases), and mousse de maracuja is an instant tranquilizer.  By tranquilizer, I mean, this dessert is so powerful that it´s rare to see missionaries leaving a members house walking in a straight line after eating.  They´re literally sleep-walking!  

             Anyway, let´s see...about my week...Well, this week was pascoa (Easter)!  It was quite fascinating to see this holiday happen in a different country because it´s a tad different here in Brazil than the US.  They fill the whole supermarket full of giant football sized, chocolate eggs (Which you wouldn´t even believe me if I told you how expensive they are).  They don´t have easter egg hunts But they do have cool german chocolate eggs that have starwars figures inside (we bought 22 eggs in order to find the whole entire collection to the girlfriend of Elder Vasconcelos).  YEP, that was FUN!!!  

Also, we had a gargantuan conference with President Hart, wherein every dupla brought a member and their family.  The focus of the conference was members and missionaries working together.  WHY?  Because 1) an apostle promised that the mission of Curitiba would have success if missionaries and members worked together and 2) All the prophets since David O. Mackay have been COMMANDING it!  Since that conference we missionaries have been visiting members, marking appointments/lessons with them, explaining the necesity for effort on both sides (missionaries and members), and helping families create plans to bring friends and neighbors to the church, or in better words, to Christ. At the end of each visit, we left each house with an invitation for every member to bring 1 special individual to the Waters of Baptism or bring 1 person back to attend Sacrament Meeting. This invitation I extend to all of you, because every single soul on this earth has his/her part to do.  

Elder Johnson

....Poopy.  Plain poopy.  It all started out with one step.  One small step for (Ku)men, and lots of giant leaps afterward.  I happened to be walking down the road with a smile on my face, head turned, talking with my companion when I brought my foot down in the center of a huge pile of brown mud. Mud that really stank.  

I looked at the bottom of my shoe and only one that passed through my mind...`It doesn´t look like mud...it doesn´t smell like mud...IT´S NOT MUD!`  My companion began to crack up.  Immediately, I began leaping and kicking the curb to clean up the mess.  Finding a nearby patch of grass, I hurried over and commenced dragging my foot back and forth to resolve the situation.  Looking up at the other Elder, I saw them almost crying with laughter.  I stopped for a minute, then looked around me.  It turned out that I had been cleaning my shoe on the grass in front of a statue of Maria in close to the Catholic Church.  Furthermore, an older Catholic lady stood not 10 feet away with wide eyes, a pale expression, and the look of a person about to faint.  Stifling my laughter, I expressed my apologies and headed off with the rest of the missionaries.  

So it comes to this...when we have days that are just plain poopy (literally speaking included) do `we shake it off, shake it off` and smile and bring out the best of things.  For, after all, `at the end of the day it´s another day over` and we can´t go back in time to get it back.  Are we the ones that when `lost and alone and sinkin` like a stone, carry on` or just stay in our sad circumstances?  Many times in my mission I´ve sang the song, `I get knocked down, BUT I GET UP AGAIN, no NOTHING`S ever going to keep me down` to lift up my spirits and the spirits of my companion in bad weather, when an appointment falls, or something frustrating happens. I can promise each and every one of you that it makes a difference.  My investigators, companions, and random people in the street have seen this.  It makes a huge difference, for after all `men are that they might have joy`(2 Nephi 2:25)!

Elder Johnson  

Bom dia!! (por favor usar google traduzir para ler em sua idioma)

My first transfer has occured and man oh man does it hurt.  After 6 months in Castro, leaving was a dagger to the heart.I´d became so accostumed to the members there (especially the Caetano Family) that I felt like I was leaving brothers, sisters, and simply family.  On the bus, I was pretty much going through withdrawal. My face was an absolute mess of tears, red-puffy eyes, and runny nose when I arrived in my new area.  Speaking of my new area, I´m serving here in Campo Largo, Curitiba and it truly is Largo (gigantic).  Yay for more walking! For your information, I am district leader of 3 duplas (including my own), my new companion´s name is Elder Vasconcelos, and Elder Torres (my old companion that is crazy about excersizes and practically yells when doing contacts) is Senior in the same house!!  Also, all the Elder here are new in the area, so 99% of the time we´re lost in the city!  Awesome, Right?!

 

Well, I don´t have much time, so I´ll just bear my testimony.  

I know with all my heart, mind, and soul that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer.  I know that we all have potential and can´t even imagine what our Heavenly Father has in store for us.  As part of his grand and divine plan of happiness for us, he has promised that we can and will become future princes, princesses and future kings, queens.  I know that this church contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because I´ve seen its effect on my life and countless others that I´m serving.  I firmly believe that wherever God sends me, both on my mission and after, there are souls to save and brothers and sisters that are in need.  I know that I can help and that you all can too.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Elder Johnson

Looking on the heart is in many ways considered difficult because it requires putting aside our personal opinions to evalute ourselves and others.  HOWEVER, looking is quite a weak verb.  I´d like to use the phrase ACTING on the heart.  Life would be so much easier if everyone would truly display the same person that is written in the heart.  Nowadays, people wear too many masks.  Masks that distort reality and result in confusion, dishonesty, and sadness.  

In a recent district inventory, all six of us missionaries discussed our weaknesses and strengthsto try and resolve some of the problems that had occured. After everyone had shared, I stood up and wrote 3 word on a blackboard.  Marriage, Preach my Gospel, and Missionary Manuel. I then asked the question, `What would your husband/wife think about you right now?`  Dead Silence.  I then encouraged everyone to choose an attribute in preach my gospel or the missionary manuel to focus on for the week and improve.  By the end of that week, hearts were changed from ok to great!

Recently, Elder Torres and I had the chance to teach a 16 year old investiagor by the name of Tiago, Saturday.  The lesson of the Restoration of the gospel totally grabbed his attention and he promised to go to church the following Sunday.  Yesterday he went.  Yesterday was also Fast and Testimony Sunday.  Yesterday, he rose up in front of the congragation and bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-saints.  He also specifically gave thanks for me and my companion because he felt heartfelt, brotherly love when we conversed.  Now he has a baptismal date for next Sunday! When we act on our heart, wowowowow, others will know it. 

Elder Johnson     

Have you ever heard a story that made your hair stand on end or made you shiver on a hot summer day or made you kneel down in that very instance a offer a prayer to God??  If you haven´t, please, read on.

Just a few days ago, we headed to a road on the outskirts of our city, sharing stories, contacting those persons on the street, and searching for investigators to teach.  Unfortunatly, I felt like every house that we knock, every gate that we came to, contained a person of another religon that totally rejected us or began trying to sell his/her religon to us.  Man, religon is so different nowadays!  It´s more of a business than anything!  To those who are truely devote, it´s a way of life, but only to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints is it the way of ETERNAL LIFE.  

Sorry, I got distracted.  Either way, a slight drizzle began and everybody began giving up and without second thought turned their backs on the houses in front of them and headed back home with excuses that `we can´t work in the rain.  We´ll be wet and miserable.  Other people won´t let us in.` Without asking questions, I turned and began knocking doors (to my surprise the other Elder were quite annoyed with me).  As a result, everyone began working again.  The rain turned into a torrent and thankfully Elder Torres and I entered in a garage and began to give a lesson on who we were and the importance of prayer and family.  As we spoke of the fulness of the gospel to this man and his family, the torrent outside became a tempest.  Everytime we said a phrase a lightning bolt would flash and a resounding BOOM would rattle our teeth.  Near the climax of our lesson, I saw out of the corner of my eye a burning white bolt heading in our direction...then suddenly, without explanation turn to hit the roof, under which we sat!  The noise was instantaneous and the force of the lightning reaction sent a wall of compacted air that almost sent us sprawling.  

As we finished the lesson we ended with a prayer and the lightning stopped.  We ran out in the rain and met up with the other couple of Elders under an overhang.  Elder Rojas acclaimed that he and Elder Anizio were almost hit by lightning (passing near his neck).  Elder Torres and I looked at eachother and immediatly teared up, recounting that we had been in the same situation with lightning falling all around us, being `blocked` by an unseen power. 

There are souls to save in that area and I honestly think that our common enemy was directing those bolts to impede or destroy us.  Yet God was truly on our side protecting us.  Without Him, I am without doubt that all 4 Elders of Castro would be in the hospital.  I give thanks to him everyday that I live.

Elder Johnson

One week after recieving the information that I would be giving a talk in front of an Apostle of the Lord...PSYCH!!!  I was told that they wouldn´t be coming and that we should just expect an average mission conference.  Que LIXO(trash)!  However, I can still hold my head up high because I have a talk about understanding the spirit that will totally blow the minds of anyone that will hear it!!  Whahoooo!!  

 Before my mission, I worked Monday-Friday, 10 hours a day, in a landscaping company.  Life was tough.  Life was dirty....yet life was so simple.  To me it seemed like there was always someone more experianced, stronger, or older than me.  Automatically, I thought that I would just follow their orders and my life would be fine and dandy.  What I learned in those 3 months working under the blazing sun of San Antonio, Texas was: please the patient/house owner.  My opinion as well as all my fellow workers opinion was ALWAYS second to the owner to whom we were serving.  When giving the order to plant a tree, build a wall, create a pathway, or clear the yard we attended to the needs and wants of the owner first.  And we did it together.  A bleak, vacant yard full of rocks and thorns TRANSFORMED into something beautiful.  Finally, at the end of each day, I returned home filthy yet with a big smile on my face! 

 There are around 80000 missionaries of the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints serving world-wide.  Each one has a specific way to plant a tree or build a wall (give a lesson), but what´s truly important is if we´re heeding the promptings of the spirit and attending to the needs of these investigators (house owners).  If we don´t listen to our investigators and just build a wall (give the average lesson), they will not be pleased...they will see the beauty of our message and refuse to change. CHANGE is our purpose as missionaries.  This is what I´m doing here in Brazil. I´m gettin´ real dirty because I´m working a ton and I´m workin´ happy.  An I hope you guys are too!

Elder Johnson

If nobodies told you yet...TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!  I woke up, started regular morning exercises, went outside to catch some fresh air aaaaaaaaaaannnd WHAM!!!!!! My companion ran outside with an egg and smashed it atop my head!!  The whites, yolk, and shell began sliding down my hair and onto my face.  Yet that wasn´t the worst part...the smell of egg, rotten egg, filled my nose!  

So, what did I learn?? Never celebrate your birthday in Brazil!!!

THAT was one of the worst/best presents that I got.  But let me share some of the others.

In a Zone Conference with President Hart, we watched a broadcast from the mission board counsel and received news that gigantic changes were to occur starting the following day.  The schedule of missionaries across the world were effected by these changes.  

1.    Missionaries here in Brazil and Latin America will now arise 7:30 am (in Africa it´s 6 am- poor guys) and their normal day of prosyliting will end at 10 pm. We´ve been given more freedom how much time to study in the morning and when to plan.

2.    Our key indicators have to changed and will now only incorperate numbers of: Baptisms/confirations, Baptismal dates, investigatores in the church, and new investigatores.  Much simpler, yet...a little crazy thinking about it.

FINALLY, for the moment everyone´s been waiting for...the biggest, most ginormous, most shocking surpise of all...I GOT A CALL.  Not just any call....nononononono.  In the middle of my district meeting, I received a call FROM SAO PAULO.  The secretary of Elder Costa (Area president of Brazil) called me and explained that on the 14 of February, the mission of Curitiba would have a conference with Elder Costa.  He then said that I had been chosen to give a 8 minute TALK on the Spirit.  Somewhat nervous, I expressed my thanks, said bye, and returned to the meeting.

Not seconds later the assistances to the President called me and asked me if someone had called me.  I answered `Yes`.  The assistant then began speaking in English and said inunciating clearly, `Elder Johnson, ELDER HOLLAND (the apostle) WILL BE PRESENT IN THIS CONFERENCE.` 

I almost fainted. AND...those are all the presents that I recieved for my birthday! 

Elder Johnson

(Pray for me, please please please)  

In the sport of baseball, a curveball occurs when the pitcher throws the ballin a certian way causing the baseball to moving quickly to the intended target in a arc instead of a straight path.  In informal speech, we say that an experiance threw a curveball at us to say that an unexpected, surprise `hit` us. I got a curveball that I never would have seen coming this week.

 

When you´re a missionary and you try to predict the future, you´ll find that you´re almost always wrong.  After three transfers here in Castro, I thought for sure I´d be leaving Castro.  I have never been farther than the truth.  The day before transfers we recieved a special call from an unrecognizable number.  Elder Tavares was a little lost, so when he spoke he asked who was speaking.  A recognizable voice said, `Hello Elder Tavares, this is your President speaking.`  Immediately everyone froze and looked to the phone.  The following words will stay in my mind forever.  President said `Elders, I´ve considered your petition to put Sisters in Castro and think it´s a great idea.  Can you find a suitable house for the Sisters who will arrive tomorrow?`  Immediately we all jumped for joy and started making plans.  Finally, after 30 years of missionaries here in Castro, the sisters have arrived.  

That´s not all!

When the zone leaders called in, I was prepared for, `Elder Johnson will leave for Ponta Grossa`, but NONONONONONO.  Instead I recieved the information that I would become the District Leader!  More responsibility!!  And on top of that, when we recieved our new companions, it turns out that everyone knows more, has more experience, and has more energy than me!  Quickly I´m coming to learn that being a leader is another phrase to say being humble.

That´s it for now!!

Elder Johnson

These are random pictures taken in Castro!

Have you ever got punched in the face...by the spirit?  I sure have. A couple of days ago, we were attending the temple in Curitiba as a zone. In a sacred room I had the oppertunity to ponder about my mission, what were my strengths, and what were my weaknesses.  Some of my strengths include: Becoming close to my companion, making friends easily, waking up on time, organization, planning, and keeping myself (as well as the district) animated.

My weaknesses are walking between 15 to 20 kilometers in a day,  staying awake, alive, and alert after lunch, Having little to no sucess reactivating less actives, getting investigators to just walk a short distance to church, and finding people who will truly be converted to the Lord before and after baptism are definate downers for me.  All these negative symbols are signs that I need to change something in my world of work.

   As a result, Iopened up the sciptures and read the first words that I saw...which were the following:

`Behold, after much tribulations come the blessings.  Wherefore, the day will come when you will be crowned with much glory; yet the hour has not arrived, but is close.

Remember which I tell you beforehand, so that you may keep it in your heart and receive what will follow.

Behold, verily I say unto you, that for this reason I have sent you, that ye might be obedient, and that your heart might be prepared to bear witness o the things that are to come. (D&C 58:4-6)`   

You know what´s even more cool?  My companion opened up to the EXACT SAME SCRIPTURE!!!!!! Revelation is for real, people!

I hope that I can prepare my heart for the blessings that will come, instead of just focusing on my personal goals of baptism. See you guys next week!! 

Elder Johnson

Life is a test.  

Everyone on this earth knows this statement to be true.  Whether one is born into the Church of Jesus Christ, is part of another church, or is completely unaffiliated with the prospect of religon.  From the poorest man who pleads for loose cardboard to sell or to the fancy actress who´s ring could buy a city block, every individual has or will have difficulties thrown in their faces. 

One of the greatest trials of all is being a leader.  Countless times we look around us and see people of all different colors, sizes and ages choosing a path to follow.  In referance to Lehi´s dream of the Tree of Life, all the sons and daughters of God began in a dark and dreary waste.  Some began following the rod of iron provided but fell away, some persevired until they had partaken of the fruit of the tree, and yet others (the majority) looked to the great and spacious building (attractions, parties, `fun`- signifying the world). Feeling pressured by the amount of people/friends laughing at them or beckoning with a hand, they either became lost searching for a false hope, or fell with the great a spacious building when they reached it.   Personally, I was totally comfortable following others that were smarter, faster, or `more experianced` than me down school aisles, in the church´s hallways, and in regular, everyday choices.  Now I KNOW BETTER.  This state of being, when we don´t make our own decesions or progress using our agency, is in my opinion BEING LOST. 

I feel inspired to share what advice President Hart gave me in a 30 minute personal interview a couple of days ago.  The moment I opened my mouth to begin speaking, tears began coursing down my face.  I explained that I was afraid for the missionaries in our mssion because of their disobediance and absolute lack of desire to work.  President said that he was experiancing the same feelings and then said the following: `Elder Johnson...I NEED LEADERS.  I need lions...brave and couragous enough to stand up for what´s right.  I need a lion that can lead a herd of deer...NOT a pack of lions being lead by a deer.  ARE YOU A LION?`

That same question has been ringing in my ears...am I a lion???  Am I the one leading and guiding my own soul to salvation, or am I letting others influence me?  To each and every one of you, I ask the same question:  ARE YOU A LION?  If you´re not, please take a step back and look in the mirror. Are you actually you?  Where are you at in Lehi´s Dream?

Elder Johnson

Pictures from December some are repeats

Kumen at the park
Kumen hiqhlighting a symbol for San Antonio where lived when he left for his mission
Doing service with his companion

Kumen arranged this hymn for piano and violin.  I thought he did a pretty nice job!