Back in September Elder Anderson was transferred to the Carondolet 2 area in South St Louis. He has LOVED serving in the city. In his words...."so much hype and things are just moving quickly and there are a bunch of crazy people, it's sooo great!" He loves being able to take the bus everywhere, especially because it gives him the opportunity to talk to so many people and as he says, "its the perfect situation cause they are stuck there on the bus with you and are somewhat forced to listen to what you have to say." He has been able to serve with Elder Vaka and Elder London, who are both from California. Elder Anderson has really been able to see this area grow. When he first got there, the teaching pool was down to 2. They have really worked hard and have increased the pool week by week. They have seen a lot of success and blessings. There have been a lot of baptismal dates set and a few actual baptisms. In regards to one baptism, he writes, "The baptism went so well and it was such a spiritual experience. They both have been waiting a year to get baptized due to some complications but after that long year, they finally made it, and they diligently attended church every week for that whole year. They truly were a miracle. And it was amazing because Assiata, the daughter was terrified of water, but after some prayers and seeing mom do it first she was ready! She looked right at me when her mom was done and said, 'ready', and I could truly see the spirit of the Lord in her giving her strength and it helped me to know that God truly does strengthen us and help us when we are scared, that as long as we are striving to do what is right and do it for Him, that He will give us that needed boost." He has also been able to see blessings here at home as his good friend finally received his mission call and his other friend entered the waters of baptism. "It's just been a blessing to see all this happen because it's truly been an answer to many of my prayers and my patriarchal blessing. I read it almost everyday and it truly talked about this but I never knew how much joy it would bring me. It's something I really have never felt before and it's just amazing. I am so thankful I came out on this mission. I would not trade one moment for anything in the world."
Elder Anderson has also been made a District Leader in his area. He has been humbled by this opportunity and has loved the opportunity to get to know and love each of the Elders in his district. He is learning that with this knew opportunity comes responsibility and leadership (and lot's of phone calls and paperwork). Recently they had a district meeting on finding and how they need to be talking to everyone they see on a day to day basis. Afterwards they all went out and talked with as many people as they could and were able to give out many Books of Mormon and set appointments.
Elder Anderson has also been able to attend the temple while in St Louis. He writes, "I think it's amazing how you can go to the temple and get all the questions answered that you needed answered. Being in that Celestial room is just amazing. I feel so close to my Father in Heaven and it always tears me apart when I have to leave, but one day we will all be there with Him so it makes me want to do better so I can feel that later. That's the big think I have learned this week, it's not living in my past but having faith in my future and doing things that will benefit me in the long run.
He has had many wonderful experiences in the city, but one was with a lady that they had met at a bus stop. She agreed to come to church with them and as the sacrament was being passed she said, 'I don't partake of the Sacrament yet, cause I'm not apart of the church.' As he handed the tray back to the deacon, she tapped him on the leg and said, 'yet'. This brought a lot of joy to Elder Anderson as he realized that she could feel the spirit and wanted to be a part of the church. They are currently teaching this sweet sister and have hopes for baptism soon.
Elder Anderson was notified this past week that he will be transferred to Decatur, IL. He is headed back to the county. He will continue serving as a District Leader and looking forward to the new opportunities that the Lord has to bring him. He is so glad that he made the decision to serve the Lord on his mission and for the things he is discovering about the gospel and himself.
