Had two Mormon “sister” missionaries stop by the house to ask for directions. After I attempted to help them, I said, “Can I ask you a question?” both eagerly said yes. “If you were to die right now, do you have the assurance that all of your sins are forgiven?” Both immediately answered, “No.” I then asked them how they can be assured of being exalted if “God does not look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (this is from Doctrine and Covenants 1:31). They thought about it for a moment and then explained that God is merciful. I then asked, “but is it not true that God cannot be merciful at the expense of justice” (A common expression used by many LDS leaders). Quoting Matthew 1:21 I explained that if Christ came to save His people from their sins, and they were not sure if their sins were forgiven, they could be taking His name in vain. Seeing they were fast becoming uncomfortable, I told them that I hope they think over what I am saying. They thanked me and turned to leave. Please pray for “Sister Padilla.” Sadly, I didn’t catch the name of her companion (but God knows).

Mormon Coffee, MRM's blog site (http://blog.mrm.org/), generates quite a bit of attention from both Christians and Mormons. If you ever have a chance to stop by, you will see that Aaron and Sharon have been doing a great job posting thought-provoking articles that challenge Mormon ideas and trumpet the cause of Christ. We've also had some excellent "guest blogs" from Christians as well. We recently received a private email from one of the regular posters at Mormon Coffee. He wrote to say, "I will say, wish you [Mormon Coffee/MRM] were around when I was going thru my [LDS] withdrawal.  Maybe I would not have been an atheist for 25 years." This same person later wrote to say, What I am amazed at, is not the Mormonism on Mormon Coffee but the Christianity. I return again and again, because 'grinding an axe', (admittedly my first impulse when I posted there), has become secondary to the learning of Christian Doctrine and the contrast it has with Mormonism. What I learn in so doing, is invaluable to me and I hope benefits other ex-mormons who have left the church. Mormon Coffee has strengthened my faith in Jesus as the One True Way, the simplistic beauty of His Gospel, and the wonderful regeneration of my life because of HIM." As this comment demonstrates, Mormon Coffee has become an incredible arena for sharing the gospel.

Please remember our oldest daughter, Kristen in prayer. She's been experiencing a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Tests revealed a small hole in her heart and her doctor thinks it might be related to pulmonary stenosis, but still he's reached no definitive conclusion. Hopefully a stress test she is having on Monday may help.

Pray for a good friend of ours, Jim Valentine. I've personally worked with Jim at several outreaches across the country. Recently the doctors found a tumor on his kidney and it will have to be removed. Tests found some other issues as well.

Pray for me as I lead a small group in our home. We will be going through Lee Stroebel's book, The Case for Christ. Pray also as I begin a once-a-month four-part series in Idaho Falls beginning February 3rd.

Thank you!