29 Feb 2016 - Topeka - Colly Creek Ward

Hola hola everyone!

How have things been? Super sorry I haven't emailed in a while! It's been crazy!

This week is transfers and I'll be staying up in Top City! It's been a crazy past couple of weeks! Elder Mitchell got transferred down to Derby and Elder Brasher got transferred up here! Now, after only a couple weeks of being here, Elder Brasher is getting transferred back to Wichita. Crazy! But my new companion is Elder Stanford, who I've been able to serve around for the past couple of transfers! I've already learned a ton from him and am excited to learn even more from him!

So recently, we've been working with Justin, who's only about 14 and has such a huge desire to follow Jesus Christ. His grandpa is a member and has made such an impact and influence on Justin's life. He's been working with missionaries on and off for the past year or so, but he had his baptismal interview on Thursday and was so excited to be baptized after he came out! We could see so much more light in his eyes as he talked about his desire to make it happen.

That's about all the time I have for this week, but I love you tons! Have an amazing week and choose joy!:)

Con amor,
Elder Murphy

8 Feb 2016 - Topeka - Colly Creek Ward

Pictures posted on the mission Facebook page.

1 Feb 2016 - Topeka - Colly Creek Ward

Hey Everyone!!

Como estan? Espero que todo este muy bien!

Not a ton of time today, but here's a quick update!:)

On Monday, after weeks of trying to set up an appointment, we were finally able to get in contact with Chris, who's a referral from the sweetest member! We talked to him about a lot, mostly about why the Book of Mormon would be important to him in his life. As we talked and testified of how it had brought us closer to Christ, I remembered how I was able to gain my testimony of the Book of Mormon. So many times, we hear that people read it, prayed, and received an answer that it was true. For me, looking back as we discussed it with Chris, I realized that my answer came over time. It wasn't all at once, but a gradual growth, almost like a sunrise, throughout my life as I studied and consistently asked Heavenly Father if it was true. It's amazing how detailed and unique the Lord's plan for us is personally.

On Friday, we had a super sweet Church Tour with Sergio, Esther, and their kids. It was so amazing to hear them talk about, not only their desires to come to church as a family, but the experiences they've had in their lives that have led them to this point. We could truly feel the Spirit testify to us of the Lord's hand in guiding them.

It's amazing to look back at the previous year and see how the Lord guided and led us to where we are right now. I definitely know that as we continue to have great views of that which is to come and continue to move and press forward in faith, we will follow the path the Lord has for us and find so much more joy in this crazy world!

Estoy bien agradecido por cada uno de ustedes! Espero que tengan una semana fantastica!

Con amor,

Elder Murphy

25 Jan 2016 - Topeka - Colly Creek Ward

Hola hola everyone!!

How was this week? This week was definitely the craziest and best week of my mission!

On Saturday, Kristy, Daniel, and Michelle were baptized! It was definitely a miracle that happened in the strength of the Lord. As we went through the week, they continued to face more and more trials of faith. There was no room for doubt throughout the week and as the trials came, they continued to feel the Spirit reassure them and expressed that they knew without a doubt that God wouldn't want them to postpone their baptism and it's what He wanted them to do right now.

They pressed forward with faith and expressed the immense joy they felt, not only as they were baptized, but also as they received the Holy Ghost. Last night, we went over to Kristy and Daniel's to see how they were doing and their entire countenances were changed and filled with light. They were different people, and we could see the changes the Spirit had wrought within them. The Gospel truly does bless families!

This week, we started working with a Part Member Family, Sergio and Esther. Esther is the member and she only speaks Spanish, but the entire family wants to come to an English ward instead of a Spanish Branch. I'm so excited to start teaching in Spanish again, even if it's only for a bit. They have such strong desires to have something they can do to follow God as a family and have already seen how the Gospel can bless their family!

My witness and testimony of the power of prayer has increased so much this week. God is always listening and He always answers. He may not answer in the way we want or expect, but He answers. In this amazing work and throughout life, I know that as we pray as if it all depends on the Lord and act as if it all depends on us, we see miracles and we are able to be the instruments and disciples the Lord needs us to be. 

I hope you all have an amazing week! I love you mucho!

Con amor,

Elder Murphy