Teaching Isaiah to the Smiths

Caylen had a wonderful experience this week where he can see the fulfillment of his patriarchal blessing. The have a family--the Smiths-- who have four children and they are struggling with Word of Wisdom issues, so even though they have had all the lessons and believe the gospel, they can't be baptized until they get smoking under control, so they are just reading the scriptures with them on a daily basis and they currently are reading in 2nd Nephi where the Isaiah chapters are. His senior companion is quite knowledgeable in the scriptures, but turned this part over to Elder Craven. Caylen reported that he really felt guided and knew that the part in his patriarchal blessing that said he has the gift of teaching the gospel was being fulfilled.

They have several investigators, so are teaching a lot. They still have plenty of time for tracting and ITLs (Invitation to Learn). A lot of people still are pretty vehement in turning them away, but he is staying focused and "losing himself in the work." The Lord is blessing them!

The new Mission Office Address is: Illinois Peoria Mission
2610 West Richwoods Blvd. Suite G
Peoria, IL 60604

If writing a letter or sending a package please still send it to where he is living:
Elder Caylen Craven
1407 4H Park Road
Pontiac, IL61764

Caylen's First Area Address

Good news and bad news today. One of my student's grandparents are in the Mission Office and sent a picture of the group he came in with. I also got back the letter I sent meaning for him to get when he arrived. It was "returned to sender". I'll just mail it to his new address which is:
1407 4H Park Road
Pontiac, IL 61764
Pontiac is a small town, but it sounds like he and his new companion/trainer are keeping busy with teaching and baptizing. He says that a lot of people smoke and drink and that he appreciates how well we fed him for 18 years. He is getting a little tired of Ramen and peanut butter (I guess I won't be sending him that for Christmas! :-))

He is in Peoria now!

Caylen called from Chicago on Tuesday to let us know that he was catching a flight to Peoria in five minutes! I was sad I missed his call since I was teaching right then and didn't get the voicemail until lunch! I did listen to it about four times! We haven't heard anything from the mission field yet, but he did send pictures from the MTC. When I figure out how to put on pictures I'll post a couple. He does look GREAT! and has loved the MTC, his companion and district and teachers and learning everything.

The mission address in Peoria is: 5105 North Glen Park Place Ste G
Peoria, IL 61614-4680