GOD BLESS AMERICA

The Living History Park in North Augusta, South Carolina

Celebrating Colonial Times from 1735-1785

Benjamin Franklin

General George Washington

Battle demonstration and skirmish

Saturday we took two hours off and returned to the Living History Park. We enjoyed visiting the displays and learning the history of this area's early settlers. We listened to General George Washington as he told of his love for his country and his home Mt. Vernon. Benjamin Franklin told of some of his inventions and some events in our country's fight for freedom. These reenactments were very inspiring. We are so thankful to be living in this choice and free land and for those who have made it possible throughout history. In the Book of Mormon in Nephis's vision he saw, "...that their mother Gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I, Nephi, beheld that the Gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations." (1 Nephi 13:17-19) The Book of Mormon makes it clear that we are living in a choice land " which is choice above all other lands." (1 Nephi 2:20) We are living in a very difficult time in history and we need to follow the example of Captain Moroni and boldly declare our love for this choice land, our freedom, our families and our religion. Serving as missionaries along with thousands more seniors, elders and sister we are representing the Lord in the battle against good and evil. As we invite others to come unto Christ we are waving our "title of liberty" (Alma 46:13) the Gospel of Jesus Christ which offers freedom to all who will repent and follow Christ. God Bless America!

You would think we would get into some kind of routine or schedule but with so many unexpected things happening life is never dull. Our Elders moved into an apartment in our complex Monday. Elder Berry spent the day assisting. Monday night his legs hurt from going up and down stairs so much. The Elders love their new apartment and it was remodeled before they moved in. As a matter of fact the workers were finishing up as they moved in. We are happy to have them in a safer environment. We knocked on lots of doors this week and lots of doors weren't opened to us. We try calling members on the phone, leave messages but they are almost never returned. If the door is opened the person we are seeking is either sick or sleeping. We are thankful we live in a county that allows us the freedom to knock on doors and invite our members to return to church and worship with us. 

Elders new apartment. They said they love to sit on the balcony in the mornings. Creative way they secure their bikes.

It turned cold last night, fall time has finally arrived. November 3rd we are having a mission wide zone conference. Elder Bednar will be here. He requested that all the missionaries study two of his talks and that is what the papers are in the Elders hands. We are so excited and waiting for the conference is almost like waiting for Christmas.

A very humbling experience this week was our visit to a young man who was converted almost two years ago. He lives in an apartment to our standard would be very meager. Jomo has some disabilities but we don't know what they are as he isn't able to work. The first Sunday we attended church in the Augusta Ward we watched as a big young man, much to large to be a deacon, passed the Sacrament holding a stick with a back scratchier attached. Jomo is his name and he has probably only missed one Sunday since we have been here. About six months ago he was ordained a Priest and blesses the Sacrament now. When he first started he had a difficult time but now he is able to say the prayer without any trouble. We always have a prayer in our heart for him. Jomo doesn't drive so he needs a ride to church. His home teacher picks him up along with three other people he home teaches. As we drive around town we spot Jomo walking with his stick pulling a little cart. Jomo welcomed us into his home and was very happy to visit with us. He is a very kind, soft spoken and mild mannered man. Elder Berry and I felt very humbled to visit with Jomo in his home.

Jomo at July 24th celebration

Elders Wilkinson and Potts had a baptism Saturday. Hunter was baptized. His mother was baptized three week ago. The primary president gave a talk on baptism, I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and Elder Berry gave the closing prayer. Hunter has asbergers syndrome. Elder Berry and I attended a lesson with the Elders as they taught him. We were very impressed with the Elders. They made a match game on index cards and played the game until Hunter remembered the concept they were teaching. It was fun and Hunter's mom was impressed with his interaction with the Elders because he usually doesn't respond to people. Hunter even went to eleven year old scouts Wednesday night which was a hard thing for his mom to let go. The Elders opened the door, sent him in and told his mom, "he will be ok". and he was. She had tears in her eyes when Hunter returned to her all in smiles. Saturday after he was baptized Brother Ficklin invited him to come up and speak and he did. His mom was in tears because that is something that the old Hunter wouldn't do. Hunter loves the missionaries and sits up close as he can to them. He is a sweet boy and the gospel will be a blessing in his life.

Sister James, Hunter, Elders Wilkinson & Potts

Happy Birthday to our grandson serving in Seattle Washington. Happy Birthday Elder Garrett Berry!

Congratulations to my sister Patti (Patti lives in Martinez). She had a new grand baby last week. Congratulations proud mom and dad, Jenny and Spencer for your beautiful baby girl. Picture and name later.

We encourage everyone to prayerfully exercise their right to vote this November that our country may remain strong and free. God Bless America!

Love, Elder and Sister Berry