Dear family and friends,
This week has been one of great joy, but struggle as well. It seems that missionary work, or life for that matter, always has its ups and downs. But despite the ups and downs of life, I have always found that the positives far outweigh the negatives. There is so much more joy to be found in the world than there is sorrow. God has placed so many glorious things around us, we just need to learn to see them and be filled with gratitude for all that we have truly been given.
This week we ended up losing our investigator Ariel. Her mom told her that she is no longer allowed to meet with us, and that she doesn't want her to have any part in our church. It was really hard to have to see someone deprived from the gospel because of another's decision. I hope and pray that when she turns eighteen that she will find the church again and will then wish to again accept the teachings.
Belinda has been progressing really well and has a great desire to come unto the Lord. She loves our Father in Heaven and she has told us that she knows that the church is true. She has asked us when she can become a member of the church. She also prayed with us this week. It was great to hear her pray and to ask the Lord for peace and guidance in her life. Sadly she is moving to Indiana and will be gone by the first of the month. Elder Montgomery and I were able to help her move. It was hard to see someone you have come to care so much about leave. We have already referred her to her new missionaries and she has already met with them and she still plans of investigating the church. We hope and pray that all goes well for her as she is moves to a new state and starts a new chapter in her life.
Jill is doing great as well! She love the church and hasn't missed a Sunday in a long time. She has said that she loves the spirit that is felt and that she knows that the church is true. She is very excited for her baptism is April. Sadly, it will be hard to move her date up because she won't be married until then. She and her fiancé are both living together right now. It seems that this happens a lot out here. She was also really touched by the spirit at church and started to cry, telling us that she knows that this is the truth that she has been looking for all of her life. Cindy hasn't progressed too much but she still shows interest so we will continue to teach her and help her with coming unto Christ.
This Sunday the ward put on their primary program. That was truly amazing and the children all bore such sweet and powerful testimonies of our Heavenly Father's love. I was very touched by the program and loved it so much. The sprit was very strong and up lifting. After the great program we had the opportunity to teach the primary how they can all be missionaries. I loved being able to be back with the kids and to teach them. Their kindness and innocence reminded me of why I have chosen to be a teacher. It truly is amazing the lessons that we can learn from children.
My missionary tip of the week is to remember that we are all children of God. We are very loved and are dear to Him. We all have such great potential to become like Him. Learn to love your brothers and sisters and remember how important they are to God. Learn to love yourself as well and to see yourself as God sees you. We are truly all children, and are never alone, for we are loved and watched over by our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Elder Brown
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