Hello all

Hey guys, Sorry about the late response. I was super busy for the past couple days and this was the first actual chance I was able to sit down for a few minutes and type this out.

The past week has been absolutely crazy. The people in North Ogden are pretty cool and Elder Reinhart and I were able to talk to a lot of people in the past week. We had seen some miracles happen this past week and I am super grateful for everything the Lord has done for me.

The Ogden Utah temple open house started last FRIDAY! The temple is so beautiful inside. The details inside are remarkable. I highly urge you all to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities we have with temples to do baptisms for the dead and other saving ordinances.

Elder Reinhart and I were able to take THREE families through the open house. We took Sabrina Young (who got baptized before I got here) last Friday, Nyman family (Less Active family we are teaching) on last Monday, and we were also able to take the Bowden family (RC wife, LA husband. They were the one who supported John and Ashley but had to kick them out due to stupid stuff) through yesterday! I love being able to go to the Open House and every single time I walk through it, my testimony strengthens because the Spirit is SO powerful there. I know that families can be together forever. I know that the temple is the House of the Lord! It is an amazing blessing we all have.

This last Sunday, Elder Reinhart were able to witness a miracle unfold! We went to three different sacrament meetings and bore our testimonies and then after that, we went out and started to contact our referral. Our very first house we were going to, we got stopped by a car. They asked us for a flyer for the Ogden Utah Open House and we were able to give him one. We were talking and all of the sudden, they had to get going. At this very moment, a 15 years old boy named Jose walked past us in church clothes. I shouted out, "Hey" to him. He turned around and we started talking. It turns out that he lives in the very same house that we were about to knock on. He grew up Catholic and he loves the LDS church. He was coming back from church and he told us that he goes to church every single week, goes to YM mutual/encampments, scouts and other various church activities. It was crazy how he is so receptive. We set up a return appointment so we can start teaching him. 

The next night, it was about 9pm and we were walking back to our house. We passed by this house where there was this family with two boys playing basketball outside. We passed it because we were trying to get home before curfew. The family's father called out and asked us to come talk to him. 

It turns out that Jose wants to have lessons at that member's home. The father's son was best friends with Jose so they would be perfect friendshippers! It was absolutely amazing. The father went on a mission to the most southern mission in Argentina 25 years ago and he is super chill! It was awesome! 

The day after that amazing night, we had our first lesson with Jose. We were able to talk about why we were teaching him, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I started to talk about baptism because I love inviting people to follow the Savior through baptism! I found out that he has never told his parents about meeting with missionaries. He cannot be baptized without parental consent. I invited him to be baptized and he accepted. I told him that he has to ask his parents first before we set a date to be baptized. It was really disappointing, having to say that but man, he is SOLID! Jose is a super chill kid and it's awesome!

I had a miracle happen yesterday but that will be in next week's letter.. :) 

One year ago today, I made the decision to embark on the greatest journey of my life. From doors being slammed in my face to amazing, inspired lessons. From being able to testify to others about the Savior. I was able to witness many investigators that I have taught follow the example of Jesus Christ by entering the waters of baptism. I was able to witness a family become sealed for all time and eternity. Some of my Recent Converts were able to progress in the Gospel. For the past year, I was able to represent Jesus Christ with all of my heart, mind, might. The journey will always be the one to cherish. I love my Savior. I love being a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love my mission. I love the gospel. I am looking forward to experiencing what the next year will bring.

I love you all and stay strong! You can do hard things! :) Love, Elder McGrath

View from the top part of my stake. It includes all of Ogden, Riverdale, Roy, Clinton, Clearfield, Syracuse.. There is a little ridge and after that ridge is Salt Lake City!!