It's a Holly Jolly Christmas in Bridgeton New Jersey!

Well it was a Holly Jolly Christmas here in Bridgeton. On Christmas Eve we had the opportunity to go caroling to dozens of potentials, less-actives, members, and whatever doors we felt like we should carol to. It was an awesome way to help share the Spirit of Christmas and to see the Holy Ghost work on some of the people who we sang to. After that, we went to 3 Christmas parties. Hispanics celebrate Christmas on the 24th. They all party until like 4 in the morning and then sleep on for the rest of Christmas Day. They call the 24th "La Noche Buena." We ate a ton! They make tons of tamales around Christmastime and they are delicious. Mom, you gotta learn how to make some tamales.

 Christmas Day we went to our Branch President's house and we ate up there. So basically we got to celebrate Christmas twice. Pretty awesome. They gave us 4 missionaries some socks. Love it.

 The day after Christmas, we looked outside our door and there were literally 4 packages!!! We thought we had died and gone to missionary heaven. Three of them were for Elder Morgan, but I didn't complain one bit. Thanks for sending that sweater and sunshine ring!!!!

 Super cool week at church. Our investigator Karla, who was progressing, couldn't make it for one reason or another. That's ok because she is already sharing the Gospel with people better than some of our own members. We had one of our less-actives, Agusto, who we have been working with forever, FINALLY CAME TO CHURCH. It has been a long time coming. He isn't 100% there in the head but that's ok. Like one of these past weeks he told Elder Morgan that he wanted Elder Morgan to live as long as Joseph Smith did. He didn't realize that he had been martyred when he was 38. He has been a member for 3 years and has been through the temple... That's ok. For our next lesson we watch Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration. Cleared up any questions there. He is one of my favorite people here.... He is willing to come out teaching with us every day of the week if he can. He is a branch missionary. Carries around a white handbook with him. He sometimes calls in and safe at night. Bless his heart I love this guy. Another less-active, Francisco Merida, finally gave us a hard commitment to come to church. He realized that he hasn't been "enduring to the end" very well, and he is finally resolving to fix it. He also loves to come out teaching with us. We are super stoked to see them both come back and to be fully and completely committed to living the Gospel.

 This week at church, President Miller taught the Priesthood and Relief Society about Hastening the Work. Our branch is struggling with that. We are going to get them all fired up and stoked about sharing the Gospel with family, friends, and all that. Awesome things are happening here. We are having faith and acting upon that faith. Way to be having that open house and inviting a bunch of non-member/less-active neighbors. SO many people are nervous about doing little things like that.

I'm not going to preach at all about the New Year and New Year's Resolutions. Let Elder Christensen do that. Here is one of his AWESOME talks. http://www.lds.org/ensign/1994/12/resolutions

 Welllllllll I luv yall tonz. I love being a missionary. Keep being good. Keep covenants. Always follow the still small voice of the Spirit and He will direct us for good. Not too much to say. Talked to y'all like 5 days ago.

 -Elder Mike Dial

Brilla para Mí De Nuevo Estrella de Belén‏ (Shine for Me Again Star of Bethlehem)

Well, It's Christmas, so I decided to be festive and write in RED or Green possibly. I will probably switch off throughout the letter because I am so creative. It has been a super good week here in Bridgeton. We finally have one investigator who is progressing!!! Her name is Carla. She is de Honduras. At first, we were told that she was a daughter of a member of the branch. But then we realized that she really isn't, but they claim her as a daughter so that she won't get deported. She has been once but came back. I don't really want to make that journey... That's ok I guess. We will teach her. She is 15 years old but is really interested. She reads, prays, and has come to church for the past few weeks! The Spirit is super strong in all of our lessons, so we are hoping for the best! We have seen miracles in identifying the Spirit. That is SOOO key with teaching people the Gospel. Enrique, our other investigator, is progressing in ever way, except that he can't come to church right now. At his work, his boss took a couple weeks off and so Enrique has to work literally every day except Christmas through New Years. He has told us that he wants to come to church though. He is so close. Incredibly close. So close I can't even describe it. Can I explain it further?

We had a Christmas Zone Conference where we watched "Ephraim's Rescue." Super cool movie. Some quotes from it I liked a lot. One lady in the movie says that he is a holy man. He replies saying that he has so many faults he can't even count them. She then asks, "How do you manage to do so much good?" He says, "I try." We can do SOOO much if we will just put forth the effort to do it. Sometimes we think that we must serve in an "executive position," like bishop, Stake President, Zone leader, Assistant, or something like that to make an impact. But that is simply not true. Where we serve doesn't matter as much as How we serve. Another quote. He said that the Lord chooses us specifically for individual missions that we need to accomplish on Earth. He said, "It is our duty to be willing and worthy." That's all. We need to be worthy to act in the name of the Lord and willing to do all that He requires of us. Good stuff. There was also a talent show at the ZC and I performed Homeward Bound. Luckily the music that y'all sent me with was super easy to play because I was only able to run through about half of it before I performed it. The Lord made up the difference ;)

We had a big Christmas party in our chapel on Saturday. Tons of non-members came. It was awesome, until they let loose their kids and didn't really care what they were doing. We and another member were literally spending most of the time downstairs in the church herding the children making sure they didn't break anything. Nobody else was doing it, and then we got chastised for not talking to enough people during the activity by members who were just sitting around doing nothing. Kind of obnoxious, but deal with it I guess. We even still taught several lessons and got some new people to visit anyway. That's ok.

In Sacrament meeting yesterday, we had a Christmas program. I sang, "Star of Bethlehem." I told the branch that it was in English, and that they would just have to bear with me because I had sang this song every Christmas that I could remember. I played and sang and the same time. It was super good. Loved it. I love Christmas. The hearts of people are soft at this time of year. Except for the people that get mad at us when we say "Merry Christmas" to them. That's when we switch to "Happy Christmas." Good times.

Christ is our Savior. He loves us. He was born in Bethlehem and the angel appeared to the Shepherds announcing His birth. I know this. I am so grateful for it. Reach out to someone this Christmas. That's one of the most important gifts you can give to Him. He doesn't really care about the material stuff. It isn't about the presents. It's about His presence. Love you. Can't wait to see ya in about 48 hours.

-Elder Dial

 EDITORS NOTE:  WE ARE SOOO EXCITED TO SEE AND TALK WITH ELDER MIKE ON WEDNESDAY!!!!  TOTALLY THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR CHRISTMAS!!!

1. Our little Christmas room

2. Our Christmas dinner we had Saturday. I counted 115 people

María sabías que tu Hijo Jesús?‏ ( Mary did you know that your baby boy is Jesus?)

 Priesthood from Bridgeton Branch with President Vi Sikahema, newly called stake president on Mike's right

Sitting...the Mayor of Bridgeton...not sure which...my guess the one on the right...

3 generations...

Center...recently returned Brady Wright-grandfather( Mike's trainer)

Elder Mike Dial-father

Elder Tyler Morgan-right, Mike's trainee...

(It's a mission thing...)

Well we had a special guest that came to sacrament meeting yesterday. The Mayor of Bridgeton came! President Sikahema (stake president) invited him to come and see the church. He is an active Seventh-Day Adventist, but he played a big role in getting the branch into the building where they are now. He actually offered his church building, which isn't in use on Sundays, for the church members if they couldn't find any other place….super neat guy. President Sikahema introduced me to him, and he said, "Oh I know Elder Dial. I see him all over this town." President Sikahema later said, "Mayor, thanks for the report." Glad I passed that one. During Sacrament meeting, President Sikahema told the congregation that one of the duties of the Church is to make sure that the Saints are being prepared to be good leaders and being good citizens in the meantime. He related super well to the Hispanic members. He came to the US when he was 7 years old, didn't speak English. His parents worked 2 and sometimes 3 jobs. He lived in a super rough neighborhood. But, he and his other 2 siblings all graduated from college. He told the Saints that they need to teach their children English and  THEY need to learn English as well. It will help them progress so much in their work and in society in general. It was interesting to see how President Sikahema was able to relate to the Hispanic members that well. It was super cool to see that side of him. Afterwards, we took a picture of the whole branch outside the building with a mayor. He said that someday in the future, when we have a large ward or stake in Bridgeton, we can look back to the small group of Hispanic Saints that met in a remodeled bank.

It was a super cool day. Then one of our members had a heart-attack during Relief Society, but she is just fine. It wasn't really a heart attack. Just some chest pains. Then her daughter went into labor that same day, so they were in the hospital together. It was a big and full day here in Bridgeton.

We got the package, and our apartment is looking super festive. Thank you so much. We have a Christmas Zone Conference this Friday in Philly where we will get our other packages. I'm super stoked. We get to watch a movie too!! Probably the Hobbit, right…dream…but I doubt it. That would be super cool though. Probably Ephraim's Rescue or something like that.

Saturday was cool. We invited all of Bridgeton to come and have a free breakfast, a photo with Santa, and we had tables full of free clothes upstairs that we were giving away. They do it every Christmas. So we fitted a room to be like a mini visitor's center. We set it up to teach the Restoration as you walked around the room. Us 4 Bridgeton Elders, and 2 Sisters (who are from the Vineland ward, but they cover the area speaking English) took down, managed the whole Foto with Santa business, and then took people through the room. It is amazing how the commotion kind of stopped at the door. The Spirit was there. We found lots of new people to teach. I have found in my mission that there is POWER in the words of the First Vision. Joseph Smith really saw God the Father and the Son. It is real. I have a testimony that the Gospel has been restored. I love the Gospel. Can't wait to talk to you in about 9 days!!!!!  Love you tons!

Elder Dial

Life is a Highway!! Way more fun when you're a missionary without a car and Spend approximately 8 or 9 hours on buses this past week‏

 President & Sister Anderson, AND Elder Morgan

Fellow Olympus Titan High School Sister Menlove

This week was a SERIOUS Spiritual Feast. Tuesday, we had a meeting in Philly for all the New Missionaries and their Trainers. It was an eye opening experience. The Assistants had some awesome training. They talked about miracles. They asked us to think of some of our favorite miracles in the scriptures. Our minds went to the Red Sea being divided, Christ raising the dead, the amazing visions of Nephi, the Brother of Jared moving the Mount Zerin, and many others. They each then asked us to write down a miracle in our Study Journals that we would like to see happen in each of our areas. We all did. They all pretty much had to do with some investigators being baptized. We agreed that the miracles we wrote down were minuscule in our sight to the miracles that we mentioned in the scriptures. Elder White, one of the AP's, then said, "What if I told you that each of the things that you wrote down could happen in your area this next transfer?" Some smirks followed. Miracles are wrought by FAITH. Do we really have faith that these things can happen? If so, why did doubt enter our minds when we thought that it could happen? The Scriptures admonish us, "Doubt not. Fear not." Do we really believe the scriptures? Why do we doubt? When we think of certain investigators, less-actives, family members, friends, etc, why do we instantly judge them based on our outward sight? Do we really believe that they can change? Sure. Do we have unshaken faith that it will happen? Maybe not. We should though. I have changed the way I think about people. When we walk down the street, I am trying not to say, "Well this guy doesn't look like he will accept our message." Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? Haha sorry if this came across as a rant or a rebuke, but we all can use a little tough love every once and a while, right?

Ok, that was Tuesday. We had Stake Conference this past Sunday and Saturday. The missionaries were invited to the Saturday adult session, which was completely dedicated to Hastening the Work of Salvation. Is it just being a missionary that I notice this now, or are the General Authorities putting a whole ton of focus on missionary work? Well that's what it was on. Elder David F. Evans from the Seventy was there. He gave some awesome remarks. He had asked President Anderson to have a missionary share their testimony on member missionary work. Then I heard my name read from the pulpit, asking if I would share my testimony about member missionary work. Long walk up to the pulpit... Get up there, "Good evening brothers and sisters......" *Turn to presiding authority* "What was my topic again?" I had totally forgotten it. He kindly reminded me and then the Spirit came to the rescue and I was able to bear strong testimony to the members of the Cherry Hill New Jersey Stake, and now to all of you, about how you already know the people the Lord is preparing to hear His Gospel. They are your friends, family members, Facebook friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. We just need to ask the Lord for His help. He will guide us on how we should act. So don't doubt. Don't fear. Have faith that the Lord will fill your mouth with the words to say. He will do it. (If it seems like I'm pressuring you to do this, I kind of am. Just be grateful you're not a member of the Bridgeton Branch or you would be getting this in person."

THANKS FOR THE PACKAGE! Our apartment is now incredibly festive. We are ready for the holiday season like nobody ever was. The Rolls were Elder Dial's favorite part. Don't ever be shy about sending those on over. Transfers are tomorrow and I'm not going anywhere.

Vai Sikahema is now the new Stake President here in the Stake. He is going to be awesome. He said he is Stake President right now because he is fearless in sharing the Gospel. He knows the mayor of Philadelphia, and was crucial in getting the temple site here. He basically shared his testimony. It was a cool story he told.

Well, that's pretty much it. Love y'all, can't wait to talk to ya later on this month. The Gospel is true. If you really love it, share it. <3<3<3

-Elder Dial

Cuenta y Verás Cuantas Bendiciones de Jesús Tendrás‏ (Count and you will see how many blessings the Savior has in store for you)

 Thanksgiving Bridgeton New Jersey Spanish Branch Style!

 Turkey Bowl Baby!


Well we had a fantastic Día de Acción de Gracias. I literally ate myself silly. Sorry Mom. First of all, we played a Turkey Bowl early in the morning with some Elders and members from the Vineland Ward. I looked fantastic. I definitely wasn't sore for three days afterwards. It was SUPER cold. But that's ok. We survived. Then we went home and showered and went and invited tons of investigators and everyone else we could find to our branch Thanksgiving dinner. We stopped by this one investigator, and she invited us in to eat a little bit. We declined, saying that we were saving all of our room for Thanksgiving. She insisted, "Solo un taco!" We caved. Apparantely "un taco" entails, beans, pork, rice, and tortillas. Biggest "un taco" I have ever seen. Then we went to invite someone else that fed us again. He fed us some mole. Delicious. Then two hours later we feasted upon turkey, stuffing, rice, tortillas, jello, tamales (the best!!) and lots of other stuff. Then we went back on Friday for District Meeting and had leftovers, didn't even bother getting on my scale this past week.

With one of our investigators, Enrique, is bombin. He would meet with us every day if he could. Last night, we talked about the Gift of the Holy Ghost and how Baptism is incomplete without it. Doesn't mean that he has never felt the Holy Spirit before, which was a concern of his. But now it is resolved. We talked about the Priesthood authority with which we do these things. I showed him my line of authority and he loved it. It fascinated him. He wants to hold the priesthood. He has been totally against churches but now he is coming around. We are helping him to understand that even though just being a member of the church won't save a soul, but Christ established a Church, but it was corrupted and lost. Through living prophets, it has been restored upon the earth. The priesthood has been restored as well. How blessed we are to have this knowledge!!!

Elder Morgan and I are tearing it up here in Bridgeton. We are finding the elect. We are finding those who will experiment upon the message. It is going SUPER well. It's just a little chilly, but we're not afraid of the cold. The cold is afraid of us.

Now we are in full fledged Christmas season! Love it. There are lights everywhere. Where did November go??? No idea. Well, this is my life. Love being a missionary. I love preaching the Gospel of Peace, with which my feet are shod. I have never been so happy in my life. There is no better feeling than the Spirit of God. I have the privilege of preaching it by word and deed. I am by no means perfect, but I am trying. I love this Gospel. I know that it is true. The Book of Mormon is true. Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet of God by God. He has called me, through a living prophet, to serve in this very area of Bridgeton, New Jersey to find the honest in heart and to help them make saving covenants with him. How great is my calling!

-Elder Michael Dial