Monday, August 21, 2017

Eclipse - Paducah, Kentucky

So today we saw a full total eclipse. Our area was right in the perfect spot to view complete totality. It was so cool. There was over two full minutes where the sun was completely blocked out. All you could see was a shiny silver circle. It was unlike anything else I have ever seen. I am so lucky and grateful that I could be here at this time. 






When the sun was covered it looked like sunset in every direction of the horizon. The crickets were chirping and everything was just amazing. We could see Venus and Mercury in the sky. They looked like amazing stars. I had an awesome time! It is so cool to see God's creations!





Something funny my mom sent me
Alma 30:44
"The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator."

Have a wonderful week! I love you


Elder Basham 


Monday, August 14, 2017

Is cactus a fruit or a vegetable? - Paducah, Kentucky

Hello Everyone

Guess who came and visited Paducah.  It's Elder Nez from Snowflake, Arizona. He was my very first Zone leader. He went home last January. If you look all the way back in time there you'll see a selfie we took then. He was visiting the ward and we were surprised and happy to realize that I was here at the same time. He is such a great guy and was an awesome missionary. I'm grateful to have known him.

This week was fantastic. We met a new investigator named Tyler on Tuesday. We came back on Thursday and he had actually read the Book of Mormon. He read the first 9 chapters. He understood it and thought about it. When we talked to him on Thursday he wanted to get baptized. He was ready to change his life and follow the savior Jesus Christ after only two days. All he did was read the Book and it touched his heart. This is because it is a true book of scripture given to us by God. It is a record of Christ and contains His words. Reading it is an act of faith that invites the Holy Ghost into our lives. It is showing Heavenly Father that we are willing to listen to Him and give Him our time. He will answer that prayer and reward our faith. 

The Book of Mormon is the greatest tool God has given us for missionary work, to unite our families, and to change our hearts. This is why President Ezra Taft Benson asked everyone to read the Book every single day. In his most recent conference talk, president Monson spent all of the three minutes he was physically able to stand asking and pleading with us all to read and treasure this gift from Heaven. I know I have been blessed so much by following this council. I know it will bless you too. I love you all.

Have a wonderful week,

Elder Basham


Elder Nez visiting from Snowflake, AZ
Elder Basham & Elder Nez January 2016

Monday, August 7, 2017

- Paducah, Kentucky

Hello Everyone,

This week was pretty amazing. We had an investigator come to church for the first time. He really enjoyed testimony meeting. His name is Warren and he is planning to get baptized on the 26th. It has been great getting to teach him.

Yesterday we got to teach the lesson in 3rd hour because the teacher left to go to the doctor in the middle of church. We just taught an impromptu restoration lesson. Although it was really simple and
everyone had heard it many times, we all felt the spirit very strong. It reinforced for me the importance of the spirit. No matter what we know or have experience we always need the help of the spirit so we can keep learning and teach others. I'm grateful for my testimony of the gospel and how it has blessed my life.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Elder Basham

Also a member did a caricature of us as we taught their family home evening.