Nov 7 - 2011

Family,

It was a great week that has come and gone! I have felt the blessings pour out upon me, and I had a lot more strength this week; physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I had a lot more fun this week too! Thank you for all your prayers, and thank you dad for thinking about me at the temple  That's right I have these cool emotions things too ha ha. If you could, this next week, could you put my branch president's name in the temple, his name is Stephean Ruffier-Meray. He has been branch president for 10 years, and he does a lot for the branch... he is very tired.

Like I told you, this week was so much better than last week! We had so much success, and things feel like they are moving again! We seen Johnny every day, and Daba a few; but we also invited Mr. Lissy to Baptism! He accepted, but we need to help him gain a solid testimony. He feels like the Catholic church and ours aren't very different... He is still very catholic, but a lot more receptive! The spirit is definitely working on him! Speaking of the spirit working on people! We also seen the Family Rubino again.

I have been praying for a very long time that the Family Rubino come around. We all have, and we have been searching and racking our brains on how to help them receive a testimony of the Restored Gospel. At Distric meeting on Thursday, we had a few minutes to talk about some of our investigators that are struggling. I have been here for almost 6 months, so I have presented the Rubinos several times... but I'd thought we'd give it another shot. Somebody reminded us of what Elder Caussé said in our Zone training, where we invite our investigator work with us for 3 weeks straight to help them to receive the answer from God that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. If at the end of the three weeks they don't receive the answer, oh well... they lost three weeks time. But if they receive it, and I know they will, it will change everything!

We started our Fast Saturday afternoon, and had the Rubinos scheduled for the evening. We prayed for the Lord's help; that their hearts would be softened, and that they would receive the Gospel. As we approached their gate, I stopped, and offered another prayer with my companion that the spirit would be present and help the Rubino's accept our invitation. When the time came to start our appointment, I asked Mr. Rubino to choose someone to pray. He replied that he would like to offer it; that is a first! 

What a humble man; his prayer was done in such humility and sincerity. He expressed immediately how he wanted to understand the Book of Mormon and why his son joined the Church. I have never heard a prayer like it, and it caused me to weep; my heart rejoicing because of the miracle that was taking place. I felt like Aaron when he was teaching Lamoni's father. He finished his prayer, and we asked them both if it was their sincere desire to understand that what we are teaching them is true. They answered affirmatively. Because of the love they have for their son, they are intrigued and what to know. Their son is very firm in his testimony, and is as they say, he doesn't move from what he believes in.

They accepted without hesitation our invitation. Mr. Rubino even began to discuss with his wife about how it would be possible to see us three times a week. He works a lot, and it will be very difficult; however he didn't look for excuses not to see us.. rather he was trying to solve the problem for how he could see us! He told us that he would have to make a schedule of his availability and get back to us. They accepted to follow the calendar we gave them as well, which has scriptures they can read each day. We discussed with them a few of their concerns, and after we ended with prayer on our knees. I walked out of that rendezvous thinking nothing but one word.  Miracle 

I have no doubt that the Lord prepared their hearts, and softened them sufficiently to receive our message. The Lord hears the prayers of his servants, I know that is true, I cannot deny it! I know why I'm out here, to bring souls to repentance and the knowledge of the only true God. I have no other purpose to live for! Last week, Satan tried to derail me, but I'm still on the tracks, charging forward with extra steam! I studied Lehi's dream again this week; I learned we must never let go of the Iron rod. However, even just keeping hold of it isn't enough. We must clench to the Iron Rod, which is the word of God. We cannot not expect to make it through this life to Eternal life if we do not study and apply the scriptures we have been given. When I was struggling, I realized because I clench to the Iron Rod, no matter the temptation, I can come off conquer. Every time I have had a trial of faith on my mission, I have always come off conquer. There are blessings in obedience; Clench to the Iron Rod!

Once again thank you for your prayers, and I thank my Heavenly Father who hears each and everyone of our prayers and brings us comfort and strength in our moments of difficulties!

There are actually only two weeks left in the transfer, and I probably won't be here next transfer. The transfer ends on the 20th. I'm sad that Bishop Toone will be moving, I haven't' written him very many letters... I love him and his family very much, and I will have to visit them when I get home. Also send my love to Sister Shirley and Johnny's mom. I have not much else to say. I love you all and I can't express what you all mean to me!   

Chou, Chou, GROS BISOUS!