How do you get 32 lessons in a week? (3/16/14)

Dear Family and Friends,

This week has been busier than ever. We didn't have to do anything for transfers, so we were able to devote our whole week to just working! We got 30 lessons this week. The standard of excellence for the mission is 32, and Elder D and I are doing everything that we can to hit that standard. So in answer to my title, the way to get 32 is to plan for at least 40 lessons. We planned this week for 41. We still have lots of work to do to hit that goal, but we can do it. We are exercising our faith in every way that we can and striving to be exactly and strictly obedient. And we have seen the some fruit come from our efforts.

The one of the biggest results of our efforts is that we had 9 investigators at sacrament meeting this week. 7 of them are progressing towards baptism in the next 3 weeks and we are hoping to have a nice harvest in the coming weeks. Myra has her interview for baptism on Friday and then Ju, Mas, Ci, Cas, N and S are all moving towards baptism on April 5. They have all been coming to Church faithfully. N has had a hard time in the past overcoming her trials, but the Lord has shown her that he will provide miracles in exchange for her obedience and faith. She just had a dream that has really boosted her confidence and resolve to follow through on her commitment to follow Jesus Christ through baptism. I have seen all of their lives change as they understand and live true doctrine.

One of the not progressing ones, is El and he is the hardest investigator that I have ever taught because he believes everything that we teach,but he has one serious concern. He doesn't believe that Jesus Christ is the name of the Savior. We are doing all that we can to help him overcome it. When we taught him on Saturday, we invited him to ask Heavenly Father in the name of Christ if the Book of Mormon is true. He will not ask in the name of Christ, He contradicted himself in his explanation, but he refuses to try even once. He loves it when we teach him, but he is stuck on the name. He came to church, which we have been working for for a long time. Luckily, he doesn't try to debate us anymore.  

We also had great success in finding new investigators and working with referrals, We found 11 new investigators and contacted 5 referrals, some who will become new investigators this week. One of the new investigators that we found is Leo out in Villa Leonora. He is a barangay kagawad (like a city council member) and he knows our recent converts in Villa Leonora. We shared with him about the Book of Mormon, which was all new to him and he accepted the copy of the Book of Mormon. We also found a young man, K, who is very receptive and wants us to share with his family also. 

We got a really important referral on Saturday. One of President Barrientos' counselors was here in Buguey doing interviews and he gave us a referral. He had talked with the mayor of Buguey and the mayor agreed to have us over to share with him. Yeah! I know right! The mayor lives right next to the chapel and Elder D and I are going to try everyday to contact him. If nothing else, he will let us in just to be rid of us (Parable of the Importunate Widow), but we have faith that he will invite us in to hear what we have to share and that the Lord will soften his heart so that he will accept the restored Gospel. 

The work of the Lord is moving forward at an undeterred pace all around the world. I am just a piece of this massive rock that is filling the Earth. I know that the Lord is blessing all of his servants around the world and is preparing the hearts of his children to receive the restored gospel. We just had a new branch president called here and he is very energetic and has good plans to help the branch progress. I know that the Lord has his hand in his work. As we do as Abinadi and teach redemption, repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the Spirit will touch the hearts of others and they will receive salvation through the Atonement of Christ, the Eternal Father, and Son of God. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and he has paid the price of our sins. If we will accept and live his Gospel, we will gain eternal life. I know that this Church is true and is lead by a living prophet. God bless you all! Mahal kita!

Love,

Elder R Wood