Baptism of Katie Lewis

Mom and Dad,

I needed to e-mail you tonight because I would not get to otherwise.

We've had an amazing week. Out of the blue, Katie Lewis, an investigator that Elder Record and I began teaching decided that she wanted to get baptized before I left. She determined all that she was holding out for wasn't important and that she just needed to take the step of faith. She was baptized yesterday--the service was amazing. We had an amazing week of teaching as well. I think Elder Norris and I broke a mission-wide record of teaching 18 lessons to investigators with a member present.

I received my new call as well. I am going to be serving in the North Anchorage Zone as zone leader. It's the largest zone in the mission with 12 or 13 companionships. I don't know anything else about the situation.

Last night I saw the northern lights for the first time on my mission. I have pictures that were taken by Brother Hirsch on his camera. I will send them to you soon, along with a wealth of other pictures in the mail.

Love,

Elder Bradley Allen Johnson

THEN ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, WE GOT THIS E-MAIL:

Hi Mom,

We're here in Juneau waiting for our flight to Anchorage, and our prior zone leaders, Elder Witt and Elder Greenwell, took us to finish e-mails since last night was so short. Conveniently, Elder Witt, my former zone leader, will be my new companion, serving with me in the Cook Inlet Ward. It's in downtown Anchorage; I'll find specifics later.

What is your area?

Cook Inlet Ward in Anchorage. Elder Record and Elder Collins will also be in our zone, so I'll get to be around them. Elder Record is doing so good in his new area that they made him senior companion. Elder Collins continues to be awesome.

What are the cross streets to your apartment?

I'll find out for you soon. Maybe I'll just tell you on our Skype conversation on Christmas Day.

Who is your companion?

Elder Nelson Witt, my former Juneau zone leader.

How did you get to Anchorage? and was it fun?

We will fly into Anchorage tonight at 7:50PM. We already flew from Skagway to Juneau--a short flight. I have 5 bags of luggage and spent $80 some-odd dollars in over-weight charges. President Beesley promises to reimburse any baggage expenses. I put the charge to my credit card.

What are the details of your new zone leader assignment?

Nothing as of yet. Again, the largest zone in the mission. In very close proximity to President Beesley: his ward is in our zone.

Tell us one funny, dangerous, spiritual or exciting thing that happened this week.

Today, for our last hoorah in Whitehorse (which, by the way, I'm going to miss Whitehorse; that was a special place) we were invited to a local sled dog breeding/training farm. It was amazing. These dogs are preparing for the Iditarad. Google it. It's got something to do with Balto.

Anyways, we helped feed them, which required de-meating beavers. I cut up two huge frozen beavers, got the meat and fed it to the dogs. Then, after the dogs were well-fed, we went dog sledding. I have video and pictures. I'll send them soon.

Christmas Plans:

Thank you for letting me know your availability. I'm not sure about anything regarding when the new ward meets, but after 11AM sounds good.

The big news, however, is that we have permission to Skype. Now, I imagine this is the preferred mode of communication for you guys, right? If not, it's cool; we can have a phone call. But I'll see if I can find a member who has Skype, and who'll allow us to use it.

I'll make sure to find a way to let you know specifics. Maybe I'll have Sister Campbell call you guys to let you know all what I can do this week.

See or talk to you soon.

Love,

Elder Johnson