Hola Familia!!
What a super week! I was hardly
ever in my area with all the interviews, securing confirmations, and
looking for miracles. I mean that I hardly even know some of the
investigators that we have right now as a companionship. I am finding
it so much more satisfying to find, teach, and baptize in other areas.
The Tenayo Zone as a whole is rising and we are seeing tons more
success. It has been an incredible experience seeing the Zone progress
and over all the other things, watch the missionaries under my care
grow, learn, and be more converted to the Lord and His glorious work to
save souls. What a blessing it has been to stay up late almost everyday
discussing with Elder Sanchez plans for the next day and praying. I
think that the earliest I have gone to bed in the last few weeks is 11
or 11:30 to always wake up at 6:25am! One night an Elder in the zone
called me to get help with some problems he was having with his
companion and area and I went to bed at 1:30am. Even though I feeling a
general sense of bodily tiredness I feel so happy to know that I am
trying to do everything I can day and night! There is nothing like
feeling that the Lord is proud of your efforts and seeing the fruits of
your labors flourish before you!
Last night, Sunday I went to an area in the zone to see if I could
help them save a baptismal date. Elia had gone to church but because of
nerves had decided not to get baptized. She let us in and we invited
her to be baptized even though it was Sunday at night. The Spirit
helped us carry the invitation from our hearts to her heart and when she
accepted, the room again filled with the Spirit. I have learned that we
can never deserve a miracle or blessing. However, we can be worthy of
the miracle and the grace of God makes the rest possible. When we work
diligently and obediently to carry about that which the Lord commands we
are worthy of the miracle. In the end the Lord's mercy and His all-knowing
and all-loving will brings about the miracle. I like to think of me as a
hand-string puppet. My mouth, hands, and feet are connected to strings
that the Lord controls from the courts on high. When we see miracles in
our lives they are testaments and demonstrations of God's grace and
love. We never deserve miracles bu we can by the grace of God be worthy
of receiving them.
These things have been on my mind a lot lately and felt impressed to
share these thoughts with you. I love all of you and hope everything
is going good with the move. I also sent a couple letters home and I
hope you all get them soon!
Love,
Elder Janis
