AP

Well, Ben had some exciting news to report in his email this week....he's the new Assistant to the President in Alabama! President Tate called him Tuesday morning and told him he was going to Hoover Alabama to be the new Assistant. Ben said his heart dropped and that he went in the other room to say a quick prayer to himself. He says he knows that it's hard to believe. His new companion is Elder Smith. He is a really strong leader and Ben is so excited to serve with him. He is from Mountain Green Utah and went to Morgan High School. Ben is thrilled to be companions with him. He's been really busy learning all about his new calling - knowing EVERY missionary. They are going to pick up the new missionaries in 3 hours. He asked everyone to prayer for him because he will need all the help he can get to help the mission out the best he can. He is completely shocked and is trying to work his hardest to make this work. He knows it will take a lot of faith and courage and he KNOWS the Lord will help him out. He wrote this weeks email from the office in the Mission Home. He hadn't even had time to unpack his bags yet. Some of his duties this week include two zone training meetings and taking the missionaries that are leaving to the temple.

We were all shocked to hear this great news. Ben is so humble and obedient we know he will do a great job serving in this new calling. He is such a great example to each one of us!
Here is a quick update about his area in Gadsen before he got transferred. They had a baptism on January 31st. Michael Davenport was baptised. He is 17 years old and has been seeking for the truth for several years. He has been to all of the churches and no one could answer his questions until he met the missionaries. They were able to answer ALL of his questions. Ben said he is solid and golden. Ben knows he is going to serve a mission one day. Elder Shelton baptised him - it was his first baptism. Ben was excited for him. Michael's baptism went really well. The Spririt was so strong and Elder Shelton did a great job! Ben has LOVED serving in the Gadsden Ward over the last few months. They have loved him and welcomed him with open arms. Ben calls them his Alabama Family. We know Ben will really miss them and we know they will miss him as well. We are thankful for so many good people to watch over Ben while he is away from us. What a neat gospel we are a part of.