Hey family!
It has been a stormy week here in Arizona. That dust storm rolled in tuesday evening just as I was leaving a teaching appointment. It was pretty scary to drive in. Luckily, we were near our apartment so we just drove home and hunkered down in our little humble abode. I really think the storm was overrated though, it was not anything too crazy. Just strong winds and dust. We had washed the car the day before. That was the only upsetting part to me.
Something new in missionay work is that within the next 6 months, all companionships will have DVD players in the apartment with a Preach My Gospel DVD to assist in training and daily preparation. The Church is really changing a lot, but for the better. One elder from NYC says the Church has an e-billboard in Times' Square. Pretty cool.
That is crazy about the ward being divded, split, reorganized, etc. I would have never guessed, but it is not suprising. The Lord keeps sending families to Zion of the West Coast, the Cedar Mill stake. Let me know what happens. Who the Bishop is, etc. I am sure this choice in inspired. I have come to gain a great testimony of inspired leadership in the Church over the last year. Ever decision that has been made, has been for the benefit of God's children. Some of those decisions are hard to accept, but for the better of us.
Monday evening we were street contacted by Jehovah's Wittness Missionaries. The first question from them is always, "What is the name of God?" I just didn't even both with Eloheim. I know the truth and their hearts and minds are not open to learn or ponder new things that could be possible truths. I let my frustration get the best of me when I was in the apartment. I took all of my free time at lunch, in the morning, and after planning towards using the Bible to show how Jehovah is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Isaiah 43:11 cross referenced to Acts 4:10-12 pretty much sums it up, even in the Jehovah's Wittness New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This study may have been sparked by frustration, but it ended up being an enlightening experience that helped me more fully understand how Jesus Christ has always been prophesied of from the beginning. I just need to give it up with the JW's. They drive me nuts, but I know that as people feel the truthfulness of this message, they will feel AND understand true doctrine revealed through a modern prophet.
Tuesday we had an interesting experience while trying to contact a member refferal. Sure enough, she way home, but locked out of the house. She was very stressed out and panicking in the 112 degree heat. So, instead of teaching her, we served her -- by breaking into her house for her. Never thought I would do that on my mission. That one is checked off of my list for things to do in life.
Rafael continues to progress. He is blind, so instead of reading the Book of Mormon, he listens to the discs in spanish. Well, the trouble was that he was not listening. He needs more faith in Christ before accepting a baptismal date, so we got serious and chastened him with love. I was worried we had been too harsh, but I felt the Spirit's guidance as Elder Howard and I spoke. The lesson had the desired effect. He is now listening to the Book of Mormon daily and his knowledge and understanding of it is growing. One issue he faced was that he could not wrap his mind around the idea of praying to the father in the name of Jesus Christ. So, we told him to use those exact words. When we kneeled at the end of the lesson to pray with him, it was such a great, spiritual prayer from his heart. The Spirit of Promise was there and I know Rafael felt the spirit just as Elder Howard and I had. He came to church yesterday with his kids. Our stake High Council rep gave them a ride in his $65,000 Lexus IS-F and the little boy, Lalo, about peed his pants when he saw his ride to church. He had the biggest grin when he got out at the chapel. Haha. I loved that little experience. Also, Rafael's wife has noted a change in her husband and is now taking more interest. She said, "Some day soon, I will go to Church with you all." She is asking for a sunday off. We are so thrilled.
Sister Rodriguez continues to read the Book of Mormon. She still loves it and is encouraging her family to read it with her. Seeing as it is summer, her children sleep until 3pm and don't read, but she reads to them. Last night we visited with her husband. He installs wood floor and is always exhausted upon arriving at home. I think we helped motivate him to be a more active participant in the Gospel with his family. We committed him to being present for a lesson tuesday evening. This family will be a great blessing to the branch, while the Gospel will be a great blessing to the family.
Ivan Martinez is back from band camp in Flagstaff. We should be seeing him tonight. We worked with his parents while he was gone and I now feel as though it will be more of a family thing instead of just Ivan. We will ask Ivan's parents tonight for permission for him to be baptized the 23rd of this month. I do not see any reason why there will be existence. His mother is excited that her son has taken to something that brings him closer to God. We will be working with the Primary Presidency to get the whole family at Church. Hna. Martinez primary fear is her two sons with autism at Church. We spoke to the primary president and she said there is no issue. There are many special needs children. We are praying a lot for them.
We worked with a lot of less actives. Hna. Jimenez committed and followed through on her committment to come to Church. I know that as she set forth an example to her husband, he too will reactivate. I do not know when, but I know that his time will come. She came to Church and loved it!
It was a tough week with many challenges, but I saw many more miracles than challeneges.
I did indeed get the letter and card from the hancock's and replied as well. The package from The Ryser's has still not arrived. Our new mission office secretary is still getting in the hang of things!
I love you all so much. I hope you have an amazing week! I know I will!
Elder Pearson
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