MTC Update 4/17/09

Elder Kenison is picking up speed after 5 weeks in the MTC. His teachers, "Hermana Watterson" and "Hermano Smith," have been really helping him learn. He's getting along well with his companions, Elder Zmoos from Iowa and Elder Van Buren from Ogden (he's in a threesome now, since his first companion left for Guatemala after 3 weeks). He speaks so positively and optimistically about everything, even his challenges.

Matt has said previously that one of his favorite things about the MTC is the Tuesday devotional when Church leaders come to share counsel and instruction. This is what he reported about this week's devotional:

Elder Holland actually came on Tuesday :D he gave an AMAZING talk :D he pretty much just told everyone "Do not have a 23 month mission when you should have a 24 DO NOT have a 15 month mission when you should have an 18. DON'T live with the regret of going home early." also... he said... "I can't pronouce heroic success on your mission but YOU CAN pronounce heroic sucess."

Great advice! We believe Matt is committed to doing his best for the whole 24 months, and will be a great missionary! He also shared with us this scripture this week, which has taken on a powerful new meaning for him:

For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ. (D&C 90:11)