Dear family,
We had a wonderful fireside last night. Sis. Padron (stake relief society pres.) and her husband came over and spoke on the Book of Mormon. Our most recent convert, Ernesto, bore his testimony along with two other members. There was a sweet spirit there, and although we ourselves didn't find anyone new through it, Some of the other missionaries did :). This next week we are looking forward to our movie in the park! We got word today that it has been approved by Salt Lake for this Saturday. We have a lot of work to do, but we are supper excited.
Jose we have not been able to contact, but we found 3 new people to teach this week. One is Rene. He's a member refferal (yay!) and is looking good for getting baptized this month :) We also started teaching a man named Hugo. We saw him at the bus stop and brought him with us to church. He stayed the whole 3 hours and we set a date with him! The other is Teresa. She's a cute little cat lady from Ecuador. She's going through some tough times right now, but as we left her with a prayer, she seemed more calm. She will get baptized this month :)
Maria and Ricardo still refuse to come to church, so we may be dropping them this week. It's really sad because Ricardo beleives that Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ, the spirit was so strong as we showed them the video, but he just can't get over his previous experiences with church. He feels that the church is with him as he sits down to read from the Bible and pray.
The Diaz family have not come to church recently, but Sis. Diaz is reading and praying so we haven't given up hope on seeing them baptized in the near future.
I was reading the story of Ester today and realized that it has missionary applications. Ester had to have great faith. She knew the law and that she might lose her life to go before the king uncalled, but she fasted and asked others to join her in her fast, and then went. Even though she faced the possibility of rejection, she had the faith to ask, to go and do. She couldn't stand still. Too much was at stake. It is the same in this work. We must go forth with faith, faith that the Lord will soften their hearts to recieve the message you bring. And many times this faith comes with prayer and fasting. It was a priviledge yesterday to fast for our mission-wide goal for baptisms in June and more specifically for the people who are preparing within our district. It won't be easy and we may be rejected again and again, but I know that as we are obediant and faithful and diligent, we call down the blessing of the Lord. If we are not, we are left with out His help. We must be obediant and have faith. We must seek opportunities to grow and learn and serve and help others, to share God's love with them. There is nothing more important in this world than the Lord's work. I know this is the Lord's work and not mine, and I am grateful for the trust He has put in me. I hope I can live up to it.
Go forth with faith. Doubt not. Fear not. The Lord will be with you.
Sincerely,
Hna. Cottam
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