Dear family and friends, 

    Another short note about our doings. We had a nice baptism two weeks ago, that we already told you about. Anyway we scheduled their confirmation last week and really began to worry when the Sacrament had been passed and they hadn't shown up. After the first speaker (Elder Meline), one came in, then another, but Raymir, never did. I went to pick him up but he wasn't home. We got two confirmed anyway, but whether they remain active is anyone's guess. Timothy is fighting with his wife and she wants to divorce him, and Leon is still on probation from his prison term, but since we got permission from the First Presidency, he can get the Aaronic Priesthood, and go to the Temple for Baptisms for the dead. I think he will be a good member, but has a long way to go to understand the gospel. 

   We don't see the other Sr. Couples very often, so last week we all got together and went to Gettysburg overnight. We had two new couples who had come in, but the one couple was so swamped with their work at the mission office, they didn't go. Three couples have gone home, and one is leaving this week, so we got to see them. There are three new couples coming in the next few months but we will still be short until they open up the site where Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized and the new visitor center is finished. 

  We had the street blocked in front of our Church all day. Someone said there was a shooting and a robbery, but I haven't heard the details. We just continue taking the Elders to their appointments, taking the members to their doctors appointments, shopping or whatever, holding bible study on Tues, and activity night on Fridays. And then our services on Sunday, hoping we can get enough there for our block meetings. Thank the Lord for our missionaries, who teach classes and speak in Sacrament meeting. I hope our little branch survives since people move out as soon as they can. Nobody likes living in this area, and those who stay are only here because they have nowhere else to go. 

  Once again, we got permission to go to Illinois for our Grandaughter's baptism this weekend. Our Mission President lets us do this type of thing which we really appreciate and gives us a little break, then we are renewed to continue on with our work. We are blessed to have two new missionaries in our area. One, Elder Milligan is an African American from Louisiana. He is so funny. A convert to the church and has a strong testimony. He tells of his past life, which was very sad, and of his conversion from the Baptist Church. He is wonderful in explaining the truths of the gospel when we meet people who say they are content in their own church and won't leave. Our branch clerk is a strong member who comes in from another ward as a Stake Missionary to help us out each Sunday. He has been a bishop, a high counselor etc, and really helps us run the branch. Without him and his wife who teaches Sunday school, our branch couldn't function. 

   Last night in Bible Study we studied the Gospels in the New Testament.  Elder Milligan bore his testimony and showed a short video on the miracles the Savior did during His ministry on earth.  I had the most wonderful, peaceful feeling come over me. I knew Heavenly Father was mindful of Karl and I. We have been worried that we've done no good back here, we just help with problems and make very tiny baby steps, which they too can blow up in our face. Anyway, I felt so much better when it was confirmed to us that some days we really help these wonderful people. They all have so many struggles, our lives have been so easy compared to these special Saints.  We are constantly praying for more understanding, more compassion and more patients with each one of them!

   We love you family and friends so much. Thank you for all your prayers and 

e-mails, they truly keep us going.

         THE ARMSTRONG'S IN PHILLY