Monday, April 30, 2012
Hey Mom and family,
Some fun things from this week. I tried giving myself a haircut (not too bad). We helped a less-active member with his yard work and he just had us shovel dirt around. It was so classic! I loved it. We taught a lady from Veracruz, Mexico and she has a crazy accent really hard to understand. It was still a good lesson though.
We had another incredible lesson this week with an older gentleman who has Parkinson's disease. He is super friendly and very willing to listen. We asked him a lot of questions at the start and found out that he's had things pretty rough recently. We testified to him that he can have more happiness in his life and improve his relationship with God as we listens to and accepts our message. We began to explain the Book of Mormon and before we even invited him to read it he said, "I'll read it every day." Then after some more conversation he said that he will read, ponder, pray, and try to apply what he reads. He even offered to pay us for a copy of the Book of Mormon. It was a very spiritual experience; the three of us were asking questions that the other had in mind. The Spirit was definitely directing our thoughts and words and touching the heart of this man. At one point during the lesson he shouted "Look!" and held out his hands. Up until that point he had been shaking profusely because of the Parkinson's. But from that moment on he didn't shake at all. It was a neat experience to witness. We'll see him again tomorrow!
Our investigator getting baptized on Saturday has continued to progress. She wanted to take the three of us out to lunch last Saturday before attending a baptismal service. It was really fun and amazing to hear her feelings about the Gospel. She has read almost the entire Gospel Principles book (except for 5 chapters as of Saturday) and was so excited watching someone else's baptism. I asked her what she pictures her life will be like after baptism and part of her answer was, "I'll be able to have the Holy Ghost with me and help others learn about the Gospel too." Her Catholic family thinks that she doesn't know what she's doing. But with full confidence she said that they will see the changes for good within her. It's an absolute miracle and such a joy to see her cheerfully embracing the Gospel. Remind me to send photos from the baptism. That reminds me, Mom did you ever get the photo I had sent to you about 5 weeks ago? Could you email that to me? That was the day our investigator was confirmed.
We had a delicious Colombian meal last night for dinner. The sister even made Colombian lemonade and let us try something called "yucca." Also I found out that they eat arepas there as well as in Venezuela.
The weather is steadily heating up. It hit 100 this week, which really isn't too bad compared to 100 degrees in Florida (in my opinion). But it will still be interesting to see what it's like with another 20 degrees added on. Pray for me :)
I wish I knew more about European history. If there is room to keep the notebook that would be great. I might take another history class in the future. For the scripture case, I realized that those scripture cases get expensive and I can make a case of my own for free. If you find one cheap though, send it my way. I have a triple combination and the Bible separate. They look just like my English scriptures just with a little bigger dimensions. The two CDs are probably with Carrie in one of the blue bins downstairs. Also, there is a possibility that I'll be transferred a week from this Wednesday. So if you anticipate things arriving after Tuesday, send it to the mission home and I'll get it when the Lord sees fit.
Thank you for your email, Mom. I love you all!!!
Elder Joshua Gathro
Monday, April 16, 2012
Humblebees!
Buenos dias,
I am so glad to hear that visiting teaching is turning out well. It makes a difference when we can feel His stamp of approval. The Easter package did arrive Saturday, Mom. But we checked the mail after the apartment office was closed (and they were closed on Easter), which is where they hold larger mail that can't fit in the mailbox. So it wasn't technically late, just too late to enjoy. Pero no te preoculpes.
We had a miraculous week! We had a record-low for number of lessons canceled, and a record-high for number of lessons. We are in close contact with each of our investigators and making progress with each of them. One that was recently referred to us by a member (the one that had already read 10 chapters in the Book of Mormon) wants to get baptized on April 28! While teaching her it seems like she's teaching us. Saturday we were discussing the first principles are ordinances of the Gospel and she mentioned that she had read in Gospel Principles about the word of wisdom, which is what he had planned to teach her in that same lesson. She said that if we want to go to heaven you have to have a healthy body. Pretty much we just needed to commit her to live it. She's thrilled about the Church. It is an absolute miracle.
Another investigator of ours has felt the Spirit strongly and wants to come to church before she commits to baptism. Her family is very open as well, especially her mom, who loves us ever since we gave her a blessing and when she opened her eyes the pain went away. The investigator who was "burning the Buddha" refused to come to church early this week but in our following visit he said, "You know what, you guys have been persistent. I'll come next Sunday." He is still slow with his reading but God is opening up doors for us. Wednesday we got a call from a young man in the ward who said he has a friend that would like to meet with us. He came to church yesterday and we have a lesson scheduled for Tuesday.
The night after we received the outpouring of heavenly blessings, my companion (the greenie who has wanted to quit) was so pumped up. We walked into the apartment and he was saying, "Sleeping, eating, it's all a waste of time! Let's go work!" During planning he was shouting out, "I am so happy!" It was hysterical and getting me pumped up as well. We've been richly blessed this week and deeply grateful to see God working his mighty miracles. Sometimes He withholds those miracles just inches away from our view but as long as we continue trusting in Him He will forever bless us (Mosiah 23:21-22).
I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. Have a wonderful week!
Elder Joshua Gathro
PS - We had a hilarious lunch after district meeting this week. Humblebees is the new nickname of our district. We're taking flight in Chandler!
I am so glad to hear that visiting teaching is turning out well. It makes a difference when we can feel His stamp of approval. The Easter package did arrive Saturday, Mom. But we checked the mail after the apartment office was closed (and they were closed on Easter), which is where they hold larger mail that can't fit in the mailbox. So it wasn't technically late, just too late to enjoy. Pero no te preoculpes.
We had a miraculous week! We had a record-low for number of lessons canceled, and a record-high for number of lessons. We are in close contact with each of our investigators and making progress with each of them. One that was recently referred to us by a member (the one that had already read 10 chapters in the Book of Mormon) wants to get baptized on April 28! While teaching her it seems like she's teaching us. Saturday we were discussing the first principles are ordinances of the Gospel and she mentioned that she had read in Gospel Principles about the word of wisdom, which is what he had planned to teach her in that same lesson. She said that if we want to go to heaven you have to have a healthy body. Pretty much we just needed to commit her to live it. She's thrilled about the Church. It is an absolute miracle.
Another investigator of ours has felt the Spirit strongly and wants to come to church before she commits to baptism. Her family is very open as well, especially her mom, who loves us ever since we gave her a blessing and when she opened her eyes the pain went away. The investigator who was "burning the Buddha" refused to come to church early this week but in our following visit he said, "You know what, you guys have been persistent. I'll come next Sunday." He is still slow with his reading but God is opening up doors for us. Wednesday we got a call from a young man in the ward who said he has a friend that would like to meet with us. He came to church yesterday and we have a lesson scheduled for Tuesday.
The night after we received the outpouring of heavenly blessings, my companion (the greenie who has wanted to quit) was so pumped up. We walked into the apartment and he was saying, "Sleeping, eating, it's all a waste of time! Let's go work!" During planning he was shouting out, "I am so happy!" It was hysterical and getting me pumped up as well. We've been richly blessed this week and deeply grateful to see God working his mighty miracles. Sometimes He withholds those miracles just inches away from our view but as long as we continue trusting in Him He will forever bless us (Mosiah 23:21-22).
I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. Have a wonderful week!
Elder Joshua Gathro
PS - We had a hilarious lunch after district meeting this week. Humblebees is the new nickname of our district. We're taking flight in Chandler!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
It's important to go to church on Easter.
Family,
The talk by Bruce R McKonkie that you mentioned, Mom, is one of my favorites. During personal study I was longing for it, and it turned out that my companion had a copy if it, which we read during companion study. So powerful and potent. It was a fantastic Easter. Also, we had the same lesson as you yesterday in elders quorum. The big line that stood out is the same thought you shared: Our decisions become more significant when we realize that we are not waiting for eternal life, we are living an eternal life. It helps me rise above the circumstances of this life and remember my divine nature and potential.
Speaking of Mother's Day, we're actually allowed to Skype home. And here in an English ward it will be much easier to arrange that. Thank you so much for the Easter package. I didn't get it until this morning but it is a nice treat. If you were wondering about the next holiday (May 1), I would really just like to be mailed the CDs "Echoes of the Sabbath" and EFY 2009. I already own them, they're in Jax I think. Also, the CD by Rebecca Lopez that has the Spanish songs "Como barro en Sus manos" and "Como un rio" would be nice. It's half Spanish, half English I think. That or some Spanish scripture cases. Tyler knows what works.
En todos modos, a fantastic week! We got a call on Wednesday from a member in my companion's old area who told us that her friend who lives in Chandler wanted to meet with us on Thursday. It was awesome, she is way interested, came to church, and by yesterday had already read 10 chapters in the Book of Mormon. Referrals from the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant have kept us busy this week as well. So far none of the contacts have yielded much but some are still promising. We actually had the chance to go the pageant this week ourselves and it was magnificent. Thousands of people and hundreds of actors and overall a great performance. We went with a member couple who brought their friend. Their friend has increasing interest so good things lie ahead.
My younger companion has had a really rough time so far on his mission. But this week his attitude has really improved and we're laughing and having fun throughout the day. He is a great missionary from Orem, UT, awaiting his visa for Monterrey, Mexico. Did I tell you that already? My other companion is from Meridian, ID and we are getting along great as well. The trio is fun, a little awkward still in lessons but it has been a blessing for me for sure.
Really quickly- We met up with one of our investigators this week who was obviously high and had been "burnin the Buddha" in his words. Then that night we got a call from another investigator at 9:50pm who was drunk on the phone. I asked him how he was feeling in an effort to help him realize the foolishness of his decision but he just said, "I feel good." We have work ahead of us :) Also, we met a Mexican version of Dick Van Dyke with the classic laugh.
Sorry I can't share more. But I love you all and wish Dad a happy birthday. To Jessi, yes I do feel the Spirit often, and you probably are more than you realize. Elder Holland told us in the MTC that one of the best ways to have the Spirit is to not lose Him. Be mindful of activities that would drive him away. Pray and study and serve others. Have a wonderful week!!
Elder Joshua Gathro
The talk by Bruce R McKonkie that you mentioned, Mom, is one of my favorites. During personal study I was longing for it, and it turned out that my companion had a copy if it, which we read during companion study. So powerful and potent. It was a fantastic Easter. Also, we had the same lesson as you yesterday in elders quorum. The big line that stood out is the same thought you shared: Our decisions become more significant when we realize that we are not waiting for eternal life, we are living an eternal life. It helps me rise above the circumstances of this life and remember my divine nature and potential.
Speaking of Mother's Day, we're actually allowed to Skype home. And here in an English ward it will be much easier to arrange that. Thank you so much for the Easter package. I didn't get it until this morning but it is a nice treat. If you were wondering about the next holiday (May 1), I would really just like to be mailed the CDs "Echoes of the Sabbath" and EFY 2009. I already own them, they're in Jax I think. Also, the CD by Rebecca Lopez that has the Spanish songs "Como barro en Sus manos" and "Como un rio" would be nice. It's half Spanish, half English I think. That or some Spanish scripture cases. Tyler knows what works.
En todos modos, a fantastic week! We got a call on Wednesday from a member in my companion's old area who told us that her friend who lives in Chandler wanted to meet with us on Thursday. It was awesome, she is way interested, came to church, and by yesterday had already read 10 chapters in the Book of Mormon. Referrals from the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant have kept us busy this week as well. So far none of the contacts have yielded much but some are still promising. We actually had the chance to go the pageant this week ourselves and it was magnificent. Thousands of people and hundreds of actors and overall a great performance. We went with a member couple who brought their friend. Their friend has increasing interest so good things lie ahead.
My younger companion has had a really rough time so far on his mission. But this week his attitude has really improved and we're laughing and having fun throughout the day. He is a great missionary from Orem, UT, awaiting his visa for Monterrey, Mexico. Did I tell you that already? My other companion is from Meridian, ID and we are getting along great as well. The trio is fun, a little awkward still in lessons but it has been a blessing for me for sure.
Really quickly- We met up with one of our investigators this week who was obviously high and had been "burnin the Buddha" in his words. Then that night we got a call from another investigator at 9:50pm who was drunk on the phone. I asked him how he was feeling in an effort to help him realize the foolishness of his decision but he just said, "I feel good." We have work ahead of us :) Also, we met a Mexican version of Dick Van Dyke with the classic laugh.
Sorry I can't share more. But I love you all and wish Dad a happy birthday. To Jessi, yes I do feel the Spirit often, and you probably are more than you realize. Elder Holland told us in the MTC that one of the best ways to have the Spirit is to not lose Him. Be mindful of activities that would drive him away. Pray and study and serve others. Have a wonderful week!!
Elder Joshua Gathro
Friday, April 6, 2012
To my dear family,
A bit of a rough week. But still with countless smiles. A funny note before I forget: On Tuesday after district meeting I was talking to an elder in my zone who is from Spain. Toward the end of our conversation he put his arm around me and said, "Have you ever thought about living in Spain." I told him that South America seemed more likely. Then he responded, "And you know what all the South Americans do? Immigrate to Spain." It made me laugh and it was nice that he thought I'd be able to survive over there.
Wednesday night we sat down with a man on his porch for a lesson. His 9-yr-old niece ran outside as well to hear from the "church guys." As we started she asked me for one of our books, so I told her it was my favorite book, and that it is true, and that if she reads it she will feel closer to good. She promised me she'd read it. We weren't far into teaching when she poked me a said, "I believe in God, and in Jesus Christ, and in Mary." The first two points of her belief were so cute to hear, and I corrected her misunderstanding about the third. She hung on to every word I was saying as I answered other questions she shared and I felt the power of simple truths simply stated. It was a really neat moment that was a little out of the norm but spiritually strong.
General Conference was fountain of inspiration and spiritual promptings. I loved it! When I was younger it always felt that conference lasted forever, and now it seems to go by so quickly. What impressed me the most was how strongly the Spirit could be felt throughout the sessions. There is so much truth taught and testified. I'm not sure the best way to word it other than that by yesterday afternoon I just felt so drenched and heavy from the water of the spiritual fire hydrant. President Monson seemed to speak to me a little more than normal. I felt new meaning in his oft-repeated phrase "Do your duty, that is best. Leave to the Lord all the rest." We had a lot of lessons cancel on us this week, and I feel that after we reach the point of having given our all, there's nothing we can do but put it in the Lord's hands. Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 says that as well. I have recently also pondered what it means to have a prophet on the earth today. I want others to appreciate that wonderful truth and to help them recognize the significance. I feel that this weekend that prophet has lifted me, inspired me, comforted me, and taught me. To the question "Why do we need a prophet?" I just want to ask "Why don't you want a prophet?!" He really does speak for God and will show us the way back home. He is a modern example of the person we should seek to become.
I'm praying for you Ben, que te mejores pronto. Looking forward to your letter, Jess. Have fun with your scrapbook, Mom :) Best of luck in school and in your callings everyone. I love you all. May you find strength and comfort in the words of living prophets and hope and rest in the Savior Jesus Christ.
Elder Joshua Gathro
A bit of a rough week. But still with countless smiles. A funny note before I forget: On Tuesday after district meeting I was talking to an elder in my zone who is from Spain. Toward the end of our conversation he put his arm around me and said, "Have you ever thought about living in Spain." I told him that South America seemed more likely. Then he responded, "And you know what all the South Americans do? Immigrate to Spain." It made me laugh and it was nice that he thought I'd be able to survive over there.
Wednesday night we sat down with a man on his porch for a lesson. His 9-yr-old niece ran outside as well to hear from the "church guys." As we started she asked me for one of our books, so I told her it was my favorite book, and that it is true, and that if she reads it she will feel closer to good. She promised me she'd read it. We weren't far into teaching when she poked me a said, "I believe in God, and in Jesus Christ, and in Mary." The first two points of her belief were so cute to hear, and I corrected her misunderstanding about the third. She hung on to every word I was saying as I answered other questions she shared and I felt the power of simple truths simply stated. It was a really neat moment that was a little out of the norm but spiritually strong.
General Conference was fountain of inspiration and spiritual promptings. I loved it! When I was younger it always felt that conference lasted forever, and now it seems to go by so quickly. What impressed me the most was how strongly the Spirit could be felt throughout the sessions. There is so much truth taught and testified. I'm not sure the best way to word it other than that by yesterday afternoon I just felt so drenched and heavy from the water of the spiritual fire hydrant. President Monson seemed to speak to me a little more than normal. I felt new meaning in his oft-repeated phrase "Do your duty, that is best. Leave to the Lord all the rest." We had a lot of lessons cancel on us this week, and I feel that after we reach the point of having given our all, there's nothing we can do but put it in the Lord's hands. Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 says that as well. I have recently also pondered what it means to have a prophet on the earth today. I want others to appreciate that wonderful truth and to help them recognize the significance. I feel that this weekend that prophet has lifted me, inspired me, comforted me, and taught me. To the question "Why do we need a prophet?" I just want to ask "Why don't you want a prophet?!" He really does speak for God and will show us the way back home. He is a modern example of the person we should seek to become.
I'm praying for you Ben, que te mejores pronto. Looking forward to your letter, Jess. Have fun with your scrapbook, Mom :) Best of luck in school and in your callings everyone. I love you all. May you find strength and comfort in the words of living prophets and hope and rest in the Savior Jesus Christ.
Elder Joshua Gathro
lots of work accomplished
Hey hey hey,
This morning we had a little different schedule so we didn't come to the library to email right away. But here you go.
Transfers were this week and things have really changed. Two more elders have been put into my area with me. We're in a trio now. One of them has been out 3 months longer than I have, and the other has only been out 3 months. The younger came to the Tempe Mission from the MTC to await his visa. Whenever his visa arrives he's taking off to Monterrey, Mexico. He claims that so far he has not enjoyed his mission experience. I think he is just stressed out over leaving home still. But things are getting better and our cheerful attitudes are rubbing off on him. Trios have their pros and cons. We're setting up lessons more often though, just by being a little more firm in our efforts to teach. "Teaching is central to everything you do." I'm looking forward to this transfer and excited to (hopefully) do a lot more teaching.
We had a baptism and confirmation this week for one of our investigators. It went so smoothly it almost worried me. He had a ton of support from his LDS friends who came to both the baptismal service and the sacrament meeting in which he was confirmed. I know for a fact that at least in this life, great shall be your joy as you help others come closer to Christ. Yesterday as well I gave my first talk of the mission, and it was in Spanish. The Spanish all came out just fine, but I only shared half the comments that I had planned, but that's probably for the best.
Last night we went to visit a potential investigator named Francisco. When we knocked his door a man told us that we had just missed him. He took off seconds before we arrived. And that was just before we planned to go visit Erika. When we arrived at Erika's house a couple miles away, she wasn't home, but Francisco was there! It was quite the surprise. I believe that Father is putting us where He wants us. He is coordinating it all and knows where the best move is. I know that Christ lives and that each one of us right now is invited to be closer to Him. He hears our prayers and answers them. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I feel like it has become a dear friend to me. I know that the Spirit will work in our hearts to change our desires for the better. The more we invite the Spirit to influence us the more our struggles will be overcome. I hope that each of you may be comforted in your trials and will feel the joy of the Gospel in every moment of every day. That is what the Spirit can do for us.
I love you all. Thank you, Rachel, for shooting Mom an update. It's kosher to send things like that. What's Medical Transcription? I'm excited for your new calling. You should record one of your classes and send it to me :) Jessi, tell me about your Gospel chat. The weather has still been great. It's getting warmer but nothing past 90-ish. I'm guessing that by my birthday we'll be getting 100 degree weather.
Take care and adios!
Elder Joshua Gathro
PS- I've got some bad news to share. I think the hairline on my forehead is getting a little thin...Any advice, Ben??
This morning we had a little different schedule so we didn't come to the library to email right away. But here you go.
Transfers were this week and things have really changed. Two more elders have been put into my area with me. We're in a trio now. One of them has been out 3 months longer than I have, and the other has only been out 3 months. The younger came to the Tempe Mission from the MTC to await his visa. Whenever his visa arrives he's taking off to Monterrey, Mexico. He claims that so far he has not enjoyed his mission experience. I think he is just stressed out over leaving home still. But things are getting better and our cheerful attitudes are rubbing off on him. Trios have their pros and cons. We're setting up lessons more often though, just by being a little more firm in our efforts to teach. "Teaching is central to everything you do." I'm looking forward to this transfer and excited to (hopefully) do a lot more teaching.
We had a baptism and confirmation this week for one of our investigators. It went so smoothly it almost worried me. He had a ton of support from his LDS friends who came to both the baptismal service and the sacrament meeting in which he was confirmed. I know for a fact that at least in this life, great shall be your joy as you help others come closer to Christ. Yesterday as well I gave my first talk of the mission, and it was in Spanish. The Spanish all came out just fine, but I only shared half the comments that I had planned, but that's probably for the best.
Last night we went to visit a potential investigator named Francisco. When we knocked his door a man told us that we had just missed him. He took off seconds before we arrived. And that was just before we planned to go visit Erika. When we arrived at Erika's house a couple miles away, she wasn't home, but Francisco was there! It was quite the surprise. I believe that Father is putting us where He wants us. He is coordinating it all and knows where the best move is. I know that Christ lives and that each one of us right now is invited to be closer to Him. He hears our prayers and answers them. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I feel like it has become a dear friend to me. I know that the Spirit will work in our hearts to change our desires for the better. The more we invite the Spirit to influence us the more our struggles will be overcome. I hope that each of you may be comforted in your trials and will feel the joy of the Gospel in every moment of every day. That is what the Spirit can do for us.
I love you all. Thank you, Rachel, for shooting Mom an update. It's kosher to send things like that. What's Medical Transcription? I'm excited for your new calling. You should record one of your classes and send it to me :) Jessi, tell me about your Gospel chat. The weather has still been great. It's getting warmer but nothing past 90-ish. I'm guessing that by my birthday we'll be getting 100 degree weather.
Take care and adios!
Elder Joshua Gathro
PS- I've got some bad news to share. I think the hairline on my forehead is getting a little thin...Any advice, Ben??
I survived transfers!
Family,
For Jessi, I want to tell her up front that as far as Physics 1 goes, it's all about the equations. Or at least it was for me. Just do your best to figure out what type of problem it is and match that up with the equation they want you to use. Keep on keepin' on and have a great spring break!
I survived transfers and I'm staying in the same zone. My companion is headed out though, so I'll have a new one this week who doesn't know the area. But I love it here, so it won't be a problem.
Way to go, Mom, with your prayer at Belinda's party. Yes people pray during our prayers as well. That happened just last night actually. At first I thought that people were just repeating what we said in a whisper so they learn how to pray, but they are really offering their own. So much for unity, haha.
This coming weekend one of our investigators is being baptized and confirmed. It has been a source of joy to know and teach him. He really wants to learn and is willing to put his life in harmony with Christ's teachings. He has felt a difference in his life and wants to make the Christian covenant and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It's a blessing to watch him grow. And the Book of Mormon has really been a key factor (as it should be) in his decision. There is power in the book that invites the Spirit into our lives. It has recently made a bigger difference in my life as well. About two weeks ago someone told me of a challenge that Elder Bednar extended with regards to the Book of Mormon, and it has four parts. 1. Commit to read in the Book of Mormon every day for the rest of your life. 2. Every time you read, pray before and after to receive a witness of its truthfulness. 3. Apply what you read. 4. Share what you learned. So I started doing what Elder Bednar suggesting and it has significantly improved my study. In chapters that I would have passed over before, I have found powerful principles and thoughts. It invites the Spirit into my study and prepares me for the day ahead. I invite you to improve your study of the Book of Mormon through the items mentioned by Elder Bednar.
Update on the tracting success from last week: She canceled the following lesson (by her absence) and when we visited again, her husband saw us and said, "Aqui vienen los hermanos!" and pushed the door closed. We'll try back, but most likely the husband will be a barrier to her progress. That happened to us again later on this week. It's so sad. But there are still people out there waiting to hear the Gospel. I know there are. I know that Christ lives and that he is our Savior and Master. He is the source of all goodness and loves us beyond belief. May you all feel His guiding influence in your lives this week. I love you!
Elder Joshua Gathro
For Jessi, I want to tell her up front that as far as Physics 1 goes, it's all about the equations. Or at least it was for me. Just do your best to figure out what type of problem it is and match that up with the equation they want you to use. Keep on keepin' on and have a great spring break!
I survived transfers and I'm staying in the same zone. My companion is headed out though, so I'll have a new one this week who doesn't know the area. But I love it here, so it won't be a problem.
Way to go, Mom, with your prayer at Belinda's party. Yes people pray during our prayers as well. That happened just last night actually. At first I thought that people were just repeating what we said in a whisper so they learn how to pray, but they are really offering their own. So much for unity, haha.
This coming weekend one of our investigators is being baptized and confirmed. It has been a source of joy to know and teach him. He really wants to learn and is willing to put his life in harmony with Christ's teachings. He has felt a difference in his life and wants to make the Christian covenant and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. It's a blessing to watch him grow. And the Book of Mormon has really been a key factor (as it should be) in his decision. There is power in the book that invites the Spirit into our lives. It has recently made a bigger difference in my life as well. About two weeks ago someone told me of a challenge that Elder Bednar extended with regards to the Book of Mormon, and it has four parts. 1. Commit to read in the Book of Mormon every day for the rest of your life. 2. Every time you read, pray before and after to receive a witness of its truthfulness. 3. Apply what you read. 4. Share what you learned. So I started doing what Elder Bednar suggesting and it has significantly improved my study. In chapters that I would have passed over before, I have found powerful principles and thoughts. It invites the Spirit into my study and prepares me for the day ahead. I invite you to improve your study of the Book of Mormon through the items mentioned by Elder Bednar.
Update on the tracting success from last week: She canceled the following lesson (by her absence) and when we visited again, her husband saw us and said, "Aqui vienen los hermanos!" and pushed the door closed. We'll try back, but most likely the husband will be a barrier to her progress. That happened to us again later on this week. It's so sad. But there are still people out there waiting to hear the Gospel. I know there are. I know that Christ lives and that he is our Savior and Master. He is the source of all goodness and loves us beyond belief. May you all feel His guiding influence in your lives this week. I love you!
Elder Joshua Gathro
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