January 13

Hey Everyone-
Well I just had the wonderful opportunity to attend the temple yesterday. It is such an amazing place and I can testify that the Lords Presence is very close and open are the windows to revelation! I am always stronger in Faith and Devotion each time I am in the temple! I pray I will always be close to a temple so I can attend it often!
This week, we were able to do a lot of service due to the massive floods in Snoqaulmie. We spent one day filling sand bags and the next day we spent the whole day cleaning up the damage. It was amazing to see the community and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come together to serve others in a time of need. I finally got a yellow Mormon Helping Hands T-shirt! That pretty much made my day! I have always wanted one! haha We were able to clean up a local Catholic Church and spent hours tearing up the floors and walls from the damage! They were so thankful and it was so nice being united for the cause of helping each other out! It was a nice change from the usual focus of our different doctrines. I wish we could always stay united as Christians and move this work throughout the world instead of contending against one another!
Now I don’t have much time at all, but I am doing Great in my area. My companion and I are doing the best we know how to do with our individual talents! We also got to attend a fireside where Kenya Jackson, Gladys Knights Daughter and her family shared their conversion story and how the gospel has changed their lives! It was great! Well I love you all and hope all is well!! Take care of yourselves!
Elder Jason Russell