Hola Familia,
I am finally getting the hang of being a Zone
Leader. It is such a beautiful oppportunity because I have had the
chance to serve, encourage, and help convert the missionaries in the
zone. I have come to realize that missionary work isn't only baptizing,
learning how to work hard, and seeing miracles...it really is the
glorious work of saving souls. The primary purpose of missionary work
is to save my own soul, in other words, to convert me to the Gospel, the
Church, and to the Lord by helping others come unto Christ: not only
the Mexican people but the missionaries the Lord has blessed me to
serve. I have loved encouraging them to work hard and then sharing with
them moments of miracles they never imagined possible.
MIRACLE: I went with a companionship of Elders in an area that
hasn't had much success for months. They had been working harder than
anyone in the zone leading everyone in contacts, lessons, and
invitations to baptism. They had no one to baptize on Sunday but had
confirmed the attendance of someone that had been preparing for baptism
for some time and just didn't want to make the decision. I offered to
go and do the interview during the sacrament services. I felt confident
that the Lord would bless them with a miracle because they had done all
that was necesary during the week trying to baptize. I stepped into
the interview and felt the Spirit urge me on with complete confidence
that he was going to say yes to being baptized. If I hadn't felt what I
felt starting the interview it would have been hard to have kept the
faith. He was FULL of doubts and resistance but as I patiently waited
on the Lord the Spirit began taking down his walls. However, there was a
moment when I lost this level of hope and I almost gave up on him.
Suddenly, I imagined that the guy was Chad or Derek and knew that if
they were the ones I was interviewing I would never leave the room
without a YES. I instantly felt a revival of the Spirit and the
confident feeling that the Lord would win came rushing back into the
room. After a little more struggle and some phrases and examples
I had never before thought of, Hugo agreed to be baptized that very
same day!! What a blessing! I was so happy to help the Lord give the
hard working Elders a miracle that would encourage them to never doubt
the Lord and his promises.
We had a special baptism of a super awesome family of four this last
weekend. Their names are Teresa, Natali, Citlalli, and Daniel. They never even faltered in their progression to baptism with faith that I
haven't seen for a long time!! What a miracle! I love them and it was a
super special experience!
Love you all and hope you all have a wonderful week. Sorry I didn't write Monday....we had a Zone Leader Conference.
Love,
Elder Janis
