It was a tough one

Dearest Family and Friends of mine,

This week was tough. Really tough. Elder Howard and I taught very little and we had about 90% of our lessons fall through. However, the ones that went through were very incredible and the Spirit was always strong. Elder Howard and I sat talking last night after planning and turning in numbers and discussed the past week. We agreed that it was hard, but we also agreed that we did our very best in every aspect. We prayed, planned, studied, taught, found, and followed the Spirit the very best we could. Though the fruits of the last week were not so grand, I know the Lord was pleased with our efforts and will bless us with many miracles due to our diligence, obedience, and faith. I guess one could say, for our following our personal Liahonas.

The worst of it all was friday we spent nearly the WHOLE day in Mesa due to car troubles. We had to replace a tire. Then, as we get back to Phoenix, our airbag light came on. We had to drive back to Mesa to the dealer where we spent hours waiting for them to fix whatever was wrong. The whole time Elder Howard and I were just antsy and sought to find some way to make our time effective to the Lord. We called potentials, referrals, and members to try and set down some plans for the weekend. In the end, that did turn out pretty well. It lead to members coming out with us and some lessons being set for this week. Just yesterday, the airbag light came on again. Tomorrow we have to go back to Mesa, get that fixed, and get our brakes replaced. Sometimes, I really would enjoy being on bike again.

We had Zone Development Meeting on Thursday, which was FANTASTIC! We learned about having effective dinner appointments and boldness. Those are both two things in which I can improve. Preach My Gospel says rarely should we speak to others without extending a commitment. We are now more focused on commiting members to do things, whether it be inviting a friend to FHE, or taking someone to the Visitors' Center in Mesa, we will now always commit everyone to doing something. This will really strengthen our branch. It needs it.

About boldness. It is neccesary. It is powerful. And, it is so important. In Alma it talks about being bold, but not overbearing. What is the difference? Love and a lack thereof. As I develop a love and charity for these people, it will permit me to speak more plainly and with boldness. As we speak more boldly, the Spirit will more powerfully testify of the truth and the people will much more easily understand. This morning I studied 2 Nephi 31 -- The Doctrine of Christ. Nephi begins his address by stating that he will speak with plainness. It is by plainness that God works among the Children of men. The beauty of 2 Nephi 31 is that its' clarity and boldness is what makes it so powerful. We all need to be baptized and follow Christ's example. There is no fluff around it.

Elder Howard and I did our very best to apply this training and we saw the fruits of it. With 3 new investigators, we spoke boldy and with confidence in the doctrine of Christ. These people now know from the get-go that we are there to help them develop faith in Christ so that they repent and are baptized, so that the Holy Ghost can guide them and help them endure to the end with obedience so that they can inherit the peace and joy of our Father's kingdom. As a result of this, our investigators payed a lot more attention from the beginning of the lesson and they accepted our commitments that we gave to them.

Also, we had some great member help this week. Our members were powerful and as we were bold, they were, too. Our members (without us asking!!!) were inviting people to read the Book of Mormon and to ask Heavenly Father if it is true. They also always invited the investigators to Church! Way awesome. Way, way awesome. It left Elder Howard and I really happy upon leaving these lessons. It is so nice to feel the power of our members' testimonies. I am sure our investigators felt it as well.

We really only taught 8 lessons though, so there is not much to tell in regards to that. We taught mostly new people. Vigelio, Pedro, Jose, Maria, Viki, and Jose. All of those lessons were great though. People accepted commitments with a smile and some have already fulfilled them.

Elder Howard and I are just really worried about some other investigators like the Beltran and Rodriguez families. We do NOT want them to fall through the cracks and be lost. These people are our friend, and more importanly, sons and daugthers of God. We are charged with the responsibility of teaching them and helping them obtain peace and joy. We will continue to labor with these people so that they come nearer to God and Christ.

One sweet experience came via Jose Lopez, a recent convert. He works for our branch president. He ran out of money and food this week and was not able to deposit his check from work. He had no phone either. Therefore, he did not make it to Church. Elder Howard and I passed by yesterday afternoon and he was sick and depressed. He did not have much hope and had gone two days without any real food (he had maruchan cup of noodles...worthless). We frist fed him spiritually by studying D&C 121 with him. His frown turned to a smile and his whole countanance changed. He expressed great gratitude to God in a wonderful prayer. I had some food in the apartment I was not going to use -- a few chicken breasts, some rice, some oats, and an orange or two. So, after teaching him, we rtan back to the apartment and gathered that food. I put it all in a bag and brought it to him. He so gratefully and humbly accepted it. Yeah, we could have gone for numbers and looked for another lesson to teach, but I did what I felt Christ would do were he in my shoes. I helped someone in dire need. I really felt a great deal of love for this man. I hope he felt the Lord's love -- well, I am sure he did. It was was obvious. It was a tender mercy of the Lord.

We then did a youth fireside at our branch president's house last night. It was on the Book of Mormon. We grouped them up and had them each read strong stories such as Alma the younger, Enos, and the Liahona. They then taught the others about it. We (Elder Howard and I) then shared somet thoughts on the Book of Mormon and how it testifies of Christ. It was a great experience. We have good youth. Too bad we have only two young men.

It was a tough, challenging week. A lot of people chose to use their aganecy poorly, but some used it valiantly and came a bit closer to Christ. Elder Howard and I will continue to press forward with a Faith in Christ that we will find those searching the truth. I still love being a missionary, a servant of the Lord, a lot. It is the greatest thing ever. I wish you all could experience it right now. But, I am sure you are all enjoying the coast. Enjoy your time and take pictures. You are all sure traveling a lot! You are truly blessed.

I was wondering where the Ryser package was, but I am glad that one was settled up. There is no rush at all. I have too many other things to worry about!

What is the new ward's name? Who got taken out of bethany? Hancocks? Hardys? Davis'? Probably some new people I never met either.

Also, it was cool this week -- low 100's. One night it dipped down to 85 and I was cold. Maybe I won't be so into winter sports by the end of this. Maybe I'll want to leave the Northwest, nah. Never. I love the green too much!

Have a great week and remember that I love you all and pray for you tons!

Sincerely,

Elder Jonathan Alma Pearson