October 2, 2013

We have had a lot of success this week. It seems that every transfer we just fry and grill in the oven of the sun and look for people who might just give us one chance to let us say a word about our message. But, when the sun goes down, that is when we get our real appointments in. We are having a good time teaching our investigators who seem to care! Anyways, as of right now I have just been tired.. more tired than I can ever remember. Really stressed out too, I have big pimples now! haha It is just a lot of pressure on me as a trainer and leading an area. My companion has been really slow at progressing and he would rather sit quietly than give it his all in lessons. It is kind of awkward when I give him a chance to do something and he just... stares at me refusing to do anything. I have really gained a lot of patience this past 6 weeks and I am expecting to gain even more the next 6. Anyways, I learned something about myself and maybe something that can help others. I have really been upset with my companion... we have not been getting along. It finally got to the point where we got into ... a bigger argument. The rest of the day... the spirit was not felt, and I feel like the Lord made sure I did not enter any homes with the attitude we both had. As we walked for a couple hours getting punted from our appointments, the spirit just nagged me. It seemed I didn't want to listen, I knew what he wanted me to do. By the time we got home, I felt miserable, and I knew that I had to humble myself. I built up my courage and me and my comp had a short talk. I started with the most heart felt apology I could muster. It felt like the right thing and I know that is what the spirit was telling me ... I just chose to ignore it. As I apologized, I think his heart was softened too. We had generally gotten along before, but I think both of us had some humbling to do. I see today, many members who have been offended. I clearly saw today the blessing and help of God withdrawn from my work. How can that affect our lives today? We can choose to be offended, but I know that if we just humble ourselves the Lord will provide. I am trying everyday to love my companion, and I see how it can make a big difference in our lives. I invite everyone to be as Christ and let go of hard feelings, forgive others and welcome back blessings that we could really use in our lives. I know that God loves us and he would want us to love each other. I really learned a lot about myself and how to better myself this week in this sense. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

September 22, 2013

This week has been slow, yet we are seeing good results. The family me and my last companion found has been progressing really well. The 13 year old in their family, who has a brain of a 19 year old and looks like she is 16 got baptized. She was way excited and nervous and all but her baptism went way good! Also the family is almost considered return. I had a special experience with them though. We were talking about how we can continue to stay active and build our faith so that we never fall away. Reading, praying, and going to church. They told me about what had happened to them, that they just forgot the little things until they stopped doing everything. But they were so thankful that we showed up at their door. They were so happy and I felt like we were all prepared to be there at this time. I have notice a lot in my life how I have been prepared by the Lord. Preserved for this work and at times I wonder what the heck I am doing here in the Philippines. Than it is times like this when I see that I have played an important role in the lives of others. I know our Father in Heaven is mindful of all. That those who are lost, he is mindful of them. I hope all those are searching for the truth are looking for the ones God has prepared for them. I hope all those who have the truth are searching for ways to be God's instrument in bringing his sheep back to his fold. It has been a great week, but a lot of work has to be done. We are having our struggles, but through struggles comes great reward.