A Note From Elder Kreyling's Parents

We have had enjoyed making this blog for those interested in following Barry's mission these last 2+ years. What has added more to our joy has been seeing Barry grow in so many ways. As we read his last e-mail, which is posted below this one, we can see how service to his God and his fellow man has caused him to grow closer to the Savior. It has also developed in him charity for all. We can feel the strength in his testimony. We are grateful that we have had this opportunity to share in Barry's missionary experience. Our testimonies of the gospel have grown through this experience. We thank all who have supported Barry through letters and prayers and those in the field, his mission Presidents and their wives, members and investigators who treated him kindly, companions from whom he learned so much and anyone he came in contact with that treated him good, may God bless you all. We give thanks to our Heavenly Father and our Savior for we have been truly blessed.

E-mail #16 of 2012 4/16/2012 Week 104

Elder Kreyling Two Years Ago As He Starts His Mission

Elder Barry Kreyling's Last E-mail From The Mission Field

Hola familia!!!

Nelson and one of his sons were at church yesterday! I don't doubt that their family will join the church in the near future Everyone else is about the same.

Well, I received a letter from dad on saturday. It said, " I know that you're having mixed feelings. That's normal" Dad, you were spot on. As excited as I am to see family and friends again I wish that this experience could be prolonged. Good byes are hard... It is a very bittersweet feeling. Well, in zone leader council and a couple of conference calls that we've had I've been asked to share my testimony and I'm glad to do that again...

I have loved being a missionary. I will always love and appreciate this opportunity that I've had to serve the Lord and his children here. This is the greatest cause that the Lord has allowed me to be a part of. I know that this is the Lord's work and that he is the master and author of it. I know that this is the best thing that I could have done these past two years. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and. They have done so much for me. I am eternally indebted to them. I know that they love us all and that their love is eternal and perfect. Jesus is the Christ. He atoned for our sins. I know that Christ invites all men to repent and to come unto him He has the power to cleanse and heal us. He knows us personally. I love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ for everything they have done for me and for everyone. I know that the Restoration of the Church and Gospel of Jesus Christ took place through Joseph Smith. The spirit has testified to me on several occasions that he indeed is the prophet of the Restoration. I testify that this Church and Gospel are true. I have seen them change the lives of many people. They have changed my life. I know that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon took place as part of the Restoration. I know it is true scripture as is the Bible because it has brought me closer to Christ. I testify that the Plan of Salvation is the Lord's work and glory that provides the way for us to return to his presence after this life. I know that because of this plan our families have the opportunity to be eternal, to live together forever. I'm so grateful for this knowlege. I love all of you whether I know you personally or not. I know that these things are true and I testify of them in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Thank you all for everything that you've done to support and help me. I love and appreciate all of y'all Take care and I'll see you soon!!!

Love,

Elder Barry Kreyling

Q. ¿Qué ha pasado con Lauren, está progresando?

A. Esta progresando lo mismo.

Q. ¿Saben algo de las M.?

A. No.

Q. ¿Cuántas corbatas tienes? Necesito que las traigas todas porque quiero usarlas para un proyecto con los Presbíteros de nuestro barrio.

A. 30 mas o menos.

Q. ¿Necesitas dinero para mandar las cajas y tu bicicleta? Yo deposite más dinero en la cuenta para que mandes tus cosas.

A. Si, conseguire mas.

E-mail #15 of 2012 4/9/2012 Week 103

One more letter and his journey will be completed.

Carta # 15 de abril 8 del 2012

Hola familia!

Well, today I'm emailing you from Morristown, TN! On the same day that we found out about the problems with our last investigator, President I. told us that two missionaries up here were sent home. One of Elder S. old areas is here in Morristown and it just happened to be the area that those two Elders were sent from. So, we have done a few exchanges to get the work going up here. Elder S. and I picked up another Elder and headed up here. I stayed the weekend with Elders T. and R. in Bays Mountain, which is one of the two areas in Morristown, Elder S. and the other Elder went to Cherokee lake, the other Morristown area. There are several investigators close to baptism that Elder S. was working with while he was serving here. But, because of the lack of work they came to a standstill in their progression. So, Elder S. has been seeing them and one of them now has a date!

We are having Family Home Evening tonight with family in the ward. They speak Spanish and they have invited a couple of Spanish families, including N. and his family! N. and his family came to church a few weeks ago. I think the wife has family that is members. I spoke with N. on the phone this past Saturday and he told me that they want our help to learn about the church. Perfect! They were also given a Book of Mormon a couple of months ago. N. said they've liked what they've read so far we are excited for this family!

L.is still progressing gradually.

I was thinking back on experiences that I've had on the mission. I remember one time when I was in the south Pittsburg area around Christmas of 2010. I was there on an exchange. We went to visit a couple. I believe the wife was less active and the husband was excommunicated. We had a good visit with them. I remember that as we were leaving their home the husband said, "There’s just something about you... You'll do fine". When trying times have come like with what's happened last week, I think back on experiences like those. There have been things like that that people have said and done, that help me know that the Lord's promise in D & C 84 is true ."88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." I have felt the Lord's support during this time and many others. I know that although those girls haven't been baptized yet that, "all things have been done in the wisdom of him who ^aknoweth all things." As stated in 2 Nephi 2 : 24. The Church is true. Our Heavenly Father lives and is ever mindful of us. I love you all!

Love

Elder Barry Kreyling

E-mail #14 of 2012 4/2/2012 Week 102

Carta #14 abril 1, del 2012

Hola familia!

Feliz cumpleanos a Mom y Shan!

Well, I think I told you last time that we'd had some of the most up and down days ever. Well, since then we had one of the most up and down weeks since I've been serving. We went to talk with one of our investigators like I said we'd be doing. We resolved the concerns. Then we went over to Bishop's to talk about it and we had things straightened out. Then, this investigator called the next morning (Tue.) and was kind of upset because some of the family was throwing a surprise birthday party for the girls' grandmother on Saturday at around the same time as the baptism was scheduled. She said she got mad at them for doing it on short notice like that because we'd had the baptisms planned for about two weeks now. So, she asked if we could do the baptisms another day. After thinking about it and talking with Bishop and others we decided to have the baptisms on Wednesday. She was a bit hesitant at first, but then she agreed to it. So, we were so excited for them to be baptized! Then, Bishop called us back. He asked us to put the phone on speaker so we could both here. There was a problem which I cannot share. The baptism was being postponed indefinite. My heart dropped. That was one of the hardest things that I had to hear. Because of all the mess, the baptism is off and I'm not sure what will happen to them or if we'll be able to see them again. Right now I'm just praying for the Lord to take care of them because we've done everything that we can. Well, I told you this first so that I can end this email on a good note haha

So, we were able to teach L. again. She's still doing well. We gave her the D & C DVDs and encouraged her to watch the Joseph Smith movie as she is still seeking to know that he's a prophet. In preparation for general conference we encouraged her to have questions in her mind and heart like "was Joseph Smith a Prophet" and " is Thomas S. Monson a Prophet". We promised her that she'd receive answers to her questions as she watched conference and the movies. She seemed to like the idea. We'll be seeing her this Wednesday so I'll let you know how that goes.

My favorite parts of conference were Elder Holland’s and Elder D. Todd Kristofferson’s talks. I want to say this to L. The thought that came to mind when I heard them speaking was, "L, be baptized!" haha. Conference was great over all.

Well, I think that's everything for this week. I hope y'all have a great week. I love y'all and you're in my prayers!

Love,

Elder Barry Kreyling

Q. ¿Se bautizaron las niñas M. el viernes?

A. No...

Q, ¿Y qué ha pasado con los otros investigadores, están progresando?

A. L. está progresando. Ella vio la conferencia general.

Q. ¿Consiguieron un apartamento para moverse?

A. Todavía no.

Q. ¿Necesitas dinero para mandar tus cosas?

A. A lo mejor sí. Conseguiré un poco de la tarjeta de dad.

Q. ¿Tienes preguntas para nosotros?

A. Creo que no.