Hooooooooola!
Well, I'm here!
I'm not sure exactly what to write, but I'll do my best!
This week has really been something, with lots of changes and transitions. We're in the new schedule, with p-day on Thursday, and e-mailing on Tuesday (though with P-day on Thursday, I still have a super-strong desire to e-mail then!), planning to have people at church on Friday, and also District Meeting on Tuesday. Oh, and how could I forget?! Church on Sunday!!
We also report with this "key system" now. I guess what the Church is doing is preparing a system that allows us to report our goals/reports online instead of going through District Leaders, Zone Leaders, and Assistants to the President before they reach the main offices in Salt Lake. Interesting idea that they've been working on!
Wow, 10 minutes left already, and I haven't written much!
Well, we weren't able to have Margarita's baptism this past Saturday...but it's still scheduled for this coming Saturday! The 4th of June! June already? Her baptism is going to be at 10:00, and we're still working on all the plans, but keep her in your prayers that she can have the strength that she needs, as well as the desire, to follow through! She's awesome!!
Hmm...what else.....
We've been able to find and talk to a lot of people. Sofia and Adolfo are investigating now, and I'll have to tell you more about them in my letter a little later on.
And I love you very much! Sorry this is so short!
A infinidad, y mas alla!
El Devinator
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Week 54 - The "End of the World?"
Elder Devin Collins has been out on his mission for 1 year on May 12th! (I must have had the weeks wrong...it is now corrected.) Also, emailing will now be on Tuesdays and P-Days are changed to Thursdays. Please note that Devin also has a new mailing address and new mission office address.
Hola, familia!
As I write this, I have 20 minutes left (still getting used to the new schedule, so scheduling took the most time. Please, keep the e-mails coming!), so if things seem rushed, that's why!
We've been anxiously working on applying the trainings that we've received from this past Zone Conference. It's definitely been an adjustment, especially with this new schedule, but I know that the Lord has a purpose for everything He does, and I really am looking forward to the changes and focus that all of these trainings will bring. The trainings really focused on bringing us more in line with our purpose as missionaries, something that has been weighing on my mind for some time now. We've changed the system of reporting numbers to a system of reporting 'keys': When we have 10 purpose-driven OYMs each day (I'm still discovering what it means to have purpose-driven OYMs - like, what the actual definition is, and I think I'm starting to understand a lot better now), we get a key. When we are able to teach 3 purpose-driven lessons each day, we get a key. At the end of the week, we report how many keys we've obtained. It's a very different system (at least, the focus seems different), but I'm looking forward to how much more it will really help me to focus on my purpose.
We also have an investigator who we are preparing for baptism - Margarita. Her baptismal date is for next Saturday, but we're really hoping that as we invite her to be baptized later on today, that she will accept a date for this coming Saturday, and that she won't have any problems with the Word of Wisdom. Please, keep her in your prayers!
So, the whole "end of the world" craze has been a really fun topic here. Everyone always asked before that, "Do you think the world is going to end on Saturday at 7:00?" And on Saturday when they asked, we'd just look at our watches and say, "Well, it looks like we only have a few hours left, then!" Everyone would laugh, and we'd go into a conversation about Prophets in our days. Very fun and entertaining.
As for when people talk about the Church as a cult...I don't know if the missionaries there are doing this, but we have been doing Chapel Tours. During the week, we invite people to tour the church and see what we do. "Here is where we renew our baptismal covenants...", "Here is where the youth go to learn and grow..." etc. One of the members said he came to church one day, because he really wanted to know more (this was before he was baptized and was an evangelical minister). He said within the first meeting (Sacrament Meeting), he knew that the Church wasn't a cult - actually, very far from a cult. He later joined the church.
Maybe you could invite people to come and tour the Church. You could even invite them to services on Sunday, or to hear the lessons from the missionaries. Or, just simply share your testimony. One of the greatest ways we can help others to break down the barriers dividing them from the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to live as an example. But my suggestion would be to invite them to come and see for themselves. That way, it's not just word-of-mouth, but firsthand experience that the Church isn't a cult, but is family-centered and Christ-centered.
Wow, sounds like a great birthday, Kristin! I saw the picture of you, Kaytlin and Justin with your cake. That looks like so much fun! And how's your new DSi-XL? I'll bet it's fun! I saw one of the members here playing with the DSi, and so the DSi-XL must be even more fun than that!
Sounds like everything is busy once again! It's great to hear about all the activity going on over there. I love hearing about all that you do, and seeing all that you do.
I love you! A infinidad, y mas alla!
El Devinator
Hola, familia!
As I write this, I have 20 minutes left (still getting used to the new schedule, so scheduling took the most time. Please, keep the e-mails coming!), so if things seem rushed, that's why!
We've been anxiously working on applying the trainings that we've received from this past Zone Conference. It's definitely been an adjustment, especially with this new schedule, but I know that the Lord has a purpose for everything He does, and I really am looking forward to the changes and focus that all of these trainings will bring. The trainings really focused on bringing us more in line with our purpose as missionaries, something that has been weighing on my mind for some time now. We've changed the system of reporting numbers to a system of reporting 'keys': When we have 10 purpose-driven OYMs each day (I'm still discovering what it means to have purpose-driven OYMs - like, what the actual definition is, and I think I'm starting to understand a lot better now), we get a key. When we are able to teach 3 purpose-driven lessons each day, we get a key. At the end of the week, we report how many keys we've obtained. It's a very different system (at least, the focus seems different), but I'm looking forward to how much more it will really help me to focus on my purpose.
We also have an investigator who we are preparing for baptism - Margarita. Her baptismal date is for next Saturday, but we're really hoping that as we invite her to be baptized later on today, that she will accept a date for this coming Saturday, and that she won't have any problems with the Word of Wisdom. Please, keep her in your prayers!
So, the whole "end of the world" craze has been a really fun topic here. Everyone always asked before that, "Do you think the world is going to end on Saturday at 7:00?" And on Saturday when they asked, we'd just look at our watches and say, "Well, it looks like we only have a few hours left, then!" Everyone would laugh, and we'd go into a conversation about Prophets in our days. Very fun and entertaining.
As for when people talk about the Church as a cult...I don't know if the missionaries there are doing this, but we have been doing Chapel Tours. During the week, we invite people to tour the church and see what we do. "Here is where we renew our baptismal covenants...", "Here is where the youth go to learn and grow..." etc. One of the members said he came to church one day, because he really wanted to know more (this was before he was baptized and was an evangelical minister). He said within the first meeting (Sacrament Meeting), he knew that the Church wasn't a cult - actually, very far from a cult. He later joined the church.
Maybe you could invite people to come and tour the Church. You could even invite them to services on Sunday, or to hear the lessons from the missionaries. Or, just simply share your testimony. One of the greatest ways we can help others to break down the barriers dividing them from the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to live as an example. But my suggestion would be to invite them to come and see for themselves. That way, it's not just word-of-mouth, but firsthand experience that the Church isn't a cult, but is family-centered and Christ-centered.
Wow, sounds like a great birthday, Kristin! I saw the picture of you, Kaytlin and Justin with your cake. That looks like so much fun! And how's your new DSi-XL? I'll bet it's fun! I saw one of the members here playing with the DSi, and so the DSi-XL must be even more fun than that!
Sounds like everything is busy once again! It's great to hear about all the activity going on over there. I love hearing about all that you do, and seeing all that you do.
I love you! A infinidad, y mas alla!
El Devinator
Monday, May 16, 2011
Week 50 - Taking Upon Ourselves the Name of Christ
Hey there, hi there! Ho there!!!!
What a lovely day to see!
How's everyone doing? I'm doing well - with plenty of 'Gumption!' Haha I loved it!
And did Justin get my letter? Just wanted to make sure it got through OK. New apartment, new city, even. It's been a change!
Congrats, Dad! Looks like a pretty full, yet fun and interesting, week! By the way, I really like the tie you wore to be sworn in! One of my favorites that you have!
Things have been going well! Well, we had a lot of baptismal dates fall through this past week , but other than that...Margarita is progressing very well! She came to church again for the third time, and while she attended Relief Society, we learned that she took a lot of very good notes. She's awesome! I'm very grateful for the opportunity that I have to work in this area at this time!
Elder Rodriguez has also been a HUGE help and strength to me over these past few weeks. He encouraged me to get more out of my personal studies and let me know how I can improve them, and then I got to work! I really feel like those studies that I had after Elder Rodriguez's advice improved.
I continued my study on the Sacrament, and also a little into 'Taking upon ourselves the name of Christ.' There's a lot to learn there! I've been studying from my notes and the actual address of Elder L. Tom Perry. What I've learned thus far is that the Sabbath Day has been set apart to test our obedience, but also to open up the windows of heaven. I can't remember if I mentioned this earlier (because this is something I learned from Elder Jones), that we don't need to worry when we sanctify the Sabbath Day. God has told us that we must worship on the Sabbath Day by going to Church, studying the scriptures, and strengthening and uplifting our families. What I hadn't realized is that He has already told us that we will be blessed for keeping the Sabbath Day holy. I'm not sure if I'm explaining myself very well, but basically when we don't work on Sunday, we don't have to have any fear that the Lord will not provide, because He specifically told us not to work. It's been very interesting to learn about the Sabbath Day, and how observing and keeping the Sabbath Day can really strengthen us and uplift us, in whatever circumstances we may be in.
It sounds like the conference over this past weekend was really amazing! A real spiritual feast! Who spoke there? Elder Christopherson, and someone from the seventy? How many stakes were there?
But it's also been really cool: Marino comes out to teach with us sometimes, because he's basically a member (haha well, pretty close). We taught Anna with Marino, and their faces just lit up when we talked about the Resurrection, and how our bodies will be perfect and without any flaws.
We have such a blessing, to be a part of this gospel! To know what we know, and to feel what we are able to feel as the Spirit teaches us in our lives. It's incredible!!
Oh, and we had a bash with a pastor. It wasn't actually very fun. The Spirit left.
So I have a commitment to leave with you - to visit the mormon.org website and to share some of the videos with friends. Even if it's just a link sent for a video over Facebook. Will you all do your best to share it with at least 5 people before next Monday? I know the Lord will help you to know who to send it to.
I love you!! Have a great week!!
El Devinator
What a lovely day to see!
How's everyone doing? I'm doing well - with plenty of 'Gumption!' Haha I loved it!
And did Justin get my letter? Just wanted to make sure it got through OK. New apartment, new city, even. It's been a change!
Congrats, Dad! Looks like a pretty full, yet fun and interesting, week! By the way, I really like the tie you wore to be sworn in! One of my favorites that you have!
Things have been going well! Well, we had a lot of baptismal dates fall through this past week , but other than that...Margarita is progressing very well! She came to church again for the third time, and while she attended Relief Society, we learned that she took a lot of very good notes. She's awesome! I'm very grateful for the opportunity that I have to work in this area at this time!
Elder Rodriguez has also been a HUGE help and strength to me over these past few weeks. He encouraged me to get more out of my personal studies and let me know how I can improve them, and then I got to work! I really feel like those studies that I had after Elder Rodriguez's advice improved.
I continued my study on the Sacrament, and also a little into 'Taking upon ourselves the name of Christ.' There's a lot to learn there! I've been studying from my notes and the actual address of Elder L. Tom Perry. What I've learned thus far is that the Sabbath Day has been set apart to test our obedience, but also to open up the windows of heaven. I can't remember if I mentioned this earlier (because this is something I learned from Elder Jones), that we don't need to worry when we sanctify the Sabbath Day. God has told us that we must worship on the Sabbath Day by going to Church, studying the scriptures, and strengthening and uplifting our families. What I hadn't realized is that He has already told us that we will be blessed for keeping the Sabbath Day holy. I'm not sure if I'm explaining myself very well, but basically when we don't work on Sunday, we don't have to have any fear that the Lord will not provide, because He specifically told us not to work. It's been very interesting to learn about the Sabbath Day, and how observing and keeping the Sabbath Day can really strengthen us and uplift us, in whatever circumstances we may be in.
It sounds like the conference over this past weekend was really amazing! A real spiritual feast! Who spoke there? Elder Christopherson, and someone from the seventy? How many stakes were there?
But it's also been really cool: Marino comes out to teach with us sometimes, because he's basically a member (haha well, pretty close). We taught Anna with Marino, and their faces just lit up when we talked about the Resurrection, and how our bodies will be perfect and without any flaws.
We have such a blessing, to be a part of this gospel! To know what we know, and to feel what we are able to feel as the Spirit teaches us in our lives. It's incredible!!
Oh, and we had a bash with a pastor. It wasn't actually very fun. The Spirit left.
So I have a commitment to leave with you - to visit the mormon.org website and to share some of the videos with friends. Even if it's just a link sent for a video over Facebook. Will you all do your best to share it with at least 5 people before next Monday? I know the Lord will help you to know who to send it to.
I love you!! Have a great week!!
El Devinator
Week 49 - New Companion and New Address
HOOOOOOOLAAAAAAAAA, FAMILIA!!!!!
SUPER AWESOME TO HEAR FROM ALL OF YOU!!! AND TO ACTUALLY HEAR YOUR VOICES!!!!! I love you!! You're all so wonderful and fantastic, and the BEST FAMILY IN THE WORLD!
It's great to see that everything is going so well! It's been fun to hear all of your experiences and all the things you are doing now! Sounds like everyone is getting really busy, especially with the school year wrapping up! Keep me updated on how everything is going! Oh, and I'm looking for pictures from Prom in the near future!! Maybe not the professional ones, but the ones beforehand - I've got to see!
Oh!!!! Address time!
We live at:
8953 S. Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77074
I'm looking forward to the letter!! It's always fun to get mail!!
The Church Tour we had was a really was a spiritual experience. The church tours we do are when we bring members or investigators to the Church and show them what goes on. It's a lower-pressure setting for members to invite their friends and family to learn more, and they are also able to feel the Spirit there in the chapel during the tour.
We had a tour with someone named Leonor, and she came with her slightly less-active daughter, Karla. At the end of the tour, she started to cry (Leonor) and said she really wanted to get baptized, but she's living with someone. She knows that she shouldn't be. Elder Rodriguez was very bold, and invited her to move out. She said she needed to talk to him about it, because baptism is something that she wants. Overall, a very powerful lesson and a very good experience! I'm very grateful for this opportunity that I have to serve with and continue learning from Elder Rodriguez. I've already learned a lot, and with his help, I'm looking forward to improving my Spanish as well.
Studies have also been improving as well. Elder Rodriguez brought up some of his studies, and how much he is learning, and I realized that I haven't been the most diligent in my own studies. So I picked up again on the topic of light, especially since I've been finding it in so many places throughout the Book of Mormon and New Testament. Light is not just something that comes from the sun. From what I understand, light is knowledge - but not just a knowledge of things we learn through books and study. When we receive more light, the Spirit testifies to us of its truthfulness, and we actually receive it. I've thought about how many times I have heard people talk about the, "light in [our] eyes," and how it's probably from living in such a way that we can receive instruction from the Holy Ghost and then really take it to heart. As we try to understand and grow in knowledge, and as the Spirit testifies to us that the things which we are learning are true (because there have also been those times where I have studied and thought on something, and then received a really bad feeling, testifying that either it's not true - what I was thinking - or that it's not something I should study at that time), we gain more light, and that light, "groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
I've also discovered that the Sacrament is a very important part of sanctification and becoming a child of Christ, but I need to study it more to understand it better.
Well, that's how things have been going here! I already told you about that drunk member that we took with us to our dinner appointment, right? The one who I couldn't understand, because he was using all these swear words that I hand never really thought to learn about? Haha THAT was interesting, but even better than that was the food! I had something called pupusas for the first time, and they were really great! Kind of like meat and cheese cooked into a tortilla...Mmm, Mmm, good!
Well, I'm going to get going, so that I can put a few pictures on here!
I love you! Con MUCHO amor, a infinidad, y mas alla!
El Devinator
SUPER AWESOME TO HEAR FROM ALL OF YOU!!! AND TO ACTUALLY HEAR YOUR VOICES!!!!! I love you!! You're all so wonderful and fantastic, and the BEST FAMILY IN THE WORLD!
It's great to see that everything is going so well! It's been fun to hear all of your experiences and all the things you are doing now! Sounds like everyone is getting really busy, especially with the school year wrapping up! Keep me updated on how everything is going! Oh, and I'm looking for pictures from Prom in the near future!! Maybe not the professional ones, but the ones beforehand - I've got to see!
Oh!!!! Address time!
We live at:
8953 S. Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77074
I'm looking forward to the letter!! It's always fun to get mail!!
The Church Tour we had was a really was a spiritual experience. The church tours we do are when we bring members or investigators to the Church and show them what goes on. It's a lower-pressure setting for members to invite their friends and family to learn more, and they are also able to feel the Spirit there in the chapel during the tour.
We had a tour with someone named Leonor, and she came with her slightly less-active daughter, Karla. At the end of the tour, she started to cry (Leonor) and said she really wanted to get baptized, but she's living with someone. She knows that she shouldn't be. Elder Rodriguez was very bold, and invited her to move out. She said she needed to talk to him about it, because baptism is something that she wants. Overall, a very powerful lesson and a very good experience! I'm very grateful for this opportunity that I have to serve with and continue learning from Elder Rodriguez. I've already learned a lot, and with his help, I'm looking forward to improving my Spanish as well.
Studies have also been improving as well. Elder Rodriguez brought up some of his studies, and how much he is learning, and I realized that I haven't been the most diligent in my own studies. So I picked up again on the topic of light, especially since I've been finding it in so many places throughout the Book of Mormon and New Testament. Light is not just something that comes from the sun. From what I understand, light is knowledge - but not just a knowledge of things we learn through books and study. When we receive more light, the Spirit testifies to us of its truthfulness, and we actually receive it. I've thought about how many times I have heard people talk about the, "light in [our] eyes," and how it's probably from living in such a way that we can receive instruction from the Holy Ghost and then really take it to heart. As we try to understand and grow in knowledge, and as the Spirit testifies to us that the things which we are learning are true (because there have also been those times where I have studied and thought on something, and then received a really bad feeling, testifying that either it's not true - what I was thinking - or that it's not something I should study at that time), we gain more light, and that light, "groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
I've also discovered that the Sacrament is a very important part of sanctification and becoming a child of Christ, but I need to study it more to understand it better.
Well, that's how things have been going here! I already told you about that drunk member that we took with us to our dinner appointment, right? The one who I couldn't understand, because he was using all these swear words that I hand never really thought to learn about? Haha THAT was interesting, but even better than that was the food! I had something called pupusas for the first time, and they were really great! Kind of like meat and cheese cooked into a tortilla...Mmm, Mmm, good!
Well, I'm going to get going, so that I can put a few pictures on here!
I love you! Con MUCHO amor, a infinidad, y mas alla!
El Devinator
Monday, May 2, 2011
Week 48 - Going to Be Transferred!
Hooooooooooooola!!
Sounds like a super-eventful week! I'm sorry to hear about Brother Leavitt. He was a great man. I loved talking with and working around him, when Justin and I would go over there and do some intense yardwork. I didn't know Brother Cress, either, but it's good to know that both are in a place completely free of pain or injury, and that they can do the work the Lord has called them to on the other side. There's never an end to service in the Lord's Army!
I loved the pictures from the Helping Hands day and Dave and Gabby's wedding!!!! Waaaaay awesome (and fun!)!! What made them decide to wear kilts? And how was it seeing Brent and Paij again? It's been a little while, hasn't it? Where are they at right now?
Congrats, Kaytlin!!! (Kaytlin is Valedictorian at her school this year.) That's a HUGE deal!! And with Dad up there (as school board member), possibly, as well, that could be really fun! If you type up your speech, you should send me a copy of it so that I can read it as well! And that would be cool if both Kaytlin and Jessica can speak during the same time!
Keep up the good work, Justin! And remember - HAVE FUN (at the Prom)! The time you're at right now (wow, I sound like some old guy!) is a great time for hanging out, dating, and just having a RIGHTEOUS time! (Haha "Welcome to the EAC!") Maybe you could even make dinner and serve it at someone's house! Is it going to be a group thing?
And Dad - How is it going with balancing everything? That's got to be a crazy schedule! Just always remember to prioritize. That can be the hardest thing to do sometimes, but with the family first as you've always put it, everything else seems to sort itself out. It looked like you and Justin were having fun putting those base beams down in the picture mom sent! Keep up being an AWESOME Padre!
This is it! The Lord is kickin' me out of Kemah. It's been a good time. I've really loved working with Elder Jones. He has a unique personality, but he has a really fun personality. I'm going to miss him, but I'm also interested to see in which ways I'll be growing this next transfer.
Well, not a bad week, and overall, a great transfer!
The Lord has really blessed us with new people to teach, and He has helped us to find those who are willing to listen. It has been amazing to see the questions some of these people have, and how the Gospel applies exactly to their needs. I've come to realize so much more what the Gospel means to me, and how important it is that Jesus Christ died for us, but also that He rose again, so that he can bless, uplift, and help us.
I'm really glad to have work with Elder Jones over these past few short weeks. Time has flown by! He has been such a great help, and I want to be so much better because of him. I'm glad that he has had the patience to help me begin to overcome some of my personal weeknesses and challenges. This past week has been great - I feel that we've increased our unity so much more and that as we've really been working at that, our area has been improving as well. I hadn't really thought on that before, that the success of our area is at least partly dependant (and I think that's actually a big understatement) on the unity we have as a companionship. I really wish that I could spend more time with Elder Jones, to continue learning and growing, as well as spending time with a good friend. But I know the Lord needs us where He needs us, and that as we get to work and serve Him, He will bless us, and the lives of others through our service as missionaries.
We're working with a family who has begun to show more interest in the Church recently, though they have to become married as well. We feel that she has received her response, because as she prayed her expression changed when she asked if attending the Church each week was something that the Lord wanted her to do. We just need to help her obtain the true intent to act on that answer she has received, so her entire family can begin to progress.
The Andrade/Sanchez family is still great, but within the time that the divorce has been taking, they've begun to slip into 'inactivity,' if a non-member can do that. We're just hoping that they keep up with working on it, even if it's going slower than it should.
There is a lot of good starting to come out of Kemah, and I'm excited to see these people begin to progress towards baptism and the Kingdom of God.
And over the past little while, I've been AMAZED to see just how much I've learned, both about the Gospel and about the Spanish language. More or less, I can communicate with people in a language I started learning less than a year ago. How does that happen? Although, I guess I can answer that question already: The Lord is ever mindful of the people we teach, and of our own weaknesses, and how He can help us to overcome them and help bring His children unto Him.
The time that we have in the morning to study is such a great time as well. It's specifically devoted to Him and how we can better help His children, and I don't think I've ever learned (really learned and internalized) so much before in my life!
Well, I've got to go. I love you, and I'm looking forward to talking to you on Sunday!
Con Mucho amor - a infinidad, y mas alla!
El Devinator
Sounds like a super-eventful week! I'm sorry to hear about Brother Leavitt. He was a great man. I loved talking with and working around him, when Justin and I would go over there and do some intense yardwork. I didn't know Brother Cress, either, but it's good to know that both are in a place completely free of pain or injury, and that they can do the work the Lord has called them to on the other side. There's never an end to service in the Lord's Army!
I loved the pictures from the Helping Hands day and Dave and Gabby's wedding!!!! Waaaaay awesome (and fun!)!! What made them decide to wear kilts? And how was it seeing Brent and Paij again? It's been a little while, hasn't it? Where are they at right now?
Congrats, Kaytlin!!! (Kaytlin is Valedictorian at her school this year.) That's a HUGE deal!! And with Dad up there (as school board member), possibly, as well, that could be really fun! If you type up your speech, you should send me a copy of it so that I can read it as well! And that would be cool if both Kaytlin and Jessica can speak during the same time!
Keep up the good work, Justin! And remember - HAVE FUN (at the Prom)! The time you're at right now (wow, I sound like some old guy!) is a great time for hanging out, dating, and just having a RIGHTEOUS time! (Haha "Welcome to the EAC!") Maybe you could even make dinner and serve it at someone's house! Is it going to be a group thing?
And Dad - How is it going with balancing everything? That's got to be a crazy schedule! Just always remember to prioritize. That can be the hardest thing to do sometimes, but with the family first as you've always put it, everything else seems to sort itself out. It looked like you and Justin were having fun putting those base beams down in the picture mom sent! Keep up being an AWESOME Padre!
This is it! The Lord is kickin' me out of Kemah. It's been a good time. I've really loved working with Elder Jones. He has a unique personality, but he has a really fun personality. I'm going to miss him, but I'm also interested to see in which ways I'll be growing this next transfer.
Well, not a bad week, and overall, a great transfer!
The Lord has really blessed us with new people to teach, and He has helped us to find those who are willing to listen. It has been amazing to see the questions some of these people have, and how the Gospel applies exactly to their needs. I've come to realize so much more what the Gospel means to me, and how important it is that Jesus Christ died for us, but also that He rose again, so that he can bless, uplift, and help us.
I'm really glad to have work with Elder Jones over these past few short weeks. Time has flown by! He has been such a great help, and I want to be so much better because of him. I'm glad that he has had the patience to help me begin to overcome some of my personal weeknesses and challenges. This past week has been great - I feel that we've increased our unity so much more and that as we've really been working at that, our area has been improving as well. I hadn't really thought on that before, that the success of our area is at least partly dependant (and I think that's actually a big understatement) on the unity we have as a companionship. I really wish that I could spend more time with Elder Jones, to continue learning and growing, as well as spending time with a good friend. But I know the Lord needs us where He needs us, and that as we get to work and serve Him, He will bless us, and the lives of others through our service as missionaries.
We're working with a family who has begun to show more interest in the Church recently, though they have to become married as well. We feel that she has received her response, because as she prayed her expression changed when she asked if attending the Church each week was something that the Lord wanted her to do. We just need to help her obtain the true intent to act on that answer she has received, so her entire family can begin to progress.
The Andrade/Sanchez family is still great, but within the time that the divorce has been taking, they've begun to slip into 'inactivity,' if a non-member can do that. We're just hoping that they keep up with working on it, even if it's going slower than it should.
There is a lot of good starting to come out of Kemah, and I'm excited to see these people begin to progress towards baptism and the Kingdom of God.
And over the past little while, I've been AMAZED to see just how much I've learned, both about the Gospel and about the Spanish language. More or less, I can communicate with people in a language I started learning less than a year ago. How does that happen? Although, I guess I can answer that question already: The Lord is ever mindful of the people we teach, and of our own weaknesses, and how He can help us to overcome them and help bring His children unto Him.
The time that we have in the morning to study is such a great time as well. It's specifically devoted to Him and how we can better help His children, and I don't think I've ever learned (really learned and internalized) so much before in my life!
Well, I've got to go. I love you, and I'm looking forward to talking to you on Sunday!
Con Mucho amor - a infinidad, y mas alla!
El Devinator
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)