Elder Tanner Rogers: To All Who Come To This Happy Place, Welcome

Howdy,

It's been a pretty good week. Honestly, I don't remember much. We went on exchanges down to Western Hills on Wednesday. It was really fun to be back in my old stomping grounds. When we showed up for one of their lessons there were a bunch of cop cars all over the place. The whole area across the street from their friends was blocked off. We asked their friend what happened. They told us that a 14-year-old girl had been shot and killed while inside her own home. While there I also learned that one of my good friends, Tom, has since left the church. It was really sad. It made me realize how grateful I am for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Knowing that there is life after death and also that following the gospel of Jesus Christ can create a better world helps me feel a lot of peace.

A cool thing that happened this week was that an Elder serving in our branch went through the property tax records from 2021 and compared them with the 70 most common last names for people who self-declared as Hispanic /Latino. From there he exported the data onto a map and shared it with us. We now have access to all of this information every time we open our phones to go anywhere. So far it has proven very accurate. Of the doors that we have knocked 75% have actually been Spanish speakers, and the 25% that aren't said that they have moved in within the last year. This is very helpful especially in the aspect that it allows us to look up people in richer areas, who will be able to strengthen the branch. Since our branch is so small we can't really help very many people. We're in need of people that can be a strength and add resources. We hope that this map, along with following the spirit will be helpful in doing that.

Other exciting events an unopened container of chocolate milk falling out of the trunk and spilling all over me, everyone from my group going home, one of our friends getting stabbed in the head, observing neighborhood drama, and a temple recommend interview.

I love doing the Lord's work!

Keep Striving!

Élderito Rogers