rain can't get us down :)

Dearest Family,

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and Mom and Dad for the package. I love the CTR pen :). Oh, and when elections get close don't forget my absentee ballot!

Today's been pouring rain off and on. But it's not gonna get us down!

Our greatest challenge right now is helping people progress. As we watched some of the videos that are part of our training yesterday we were able to see some areas where we can improve. The main one was to focus our lessons again on commitments--on what the person is to do. I think we have been getting caught up in the message we are sharing and not enough in what they should do as a result of that message. We also want to pray more during lessons and write out more specified lesson plans, as guided by the spirit. And we have already seen the fruit of it.

Last night we taught Geronimo. As our thoughts and focus were on the things he needed to do and as we prayed for the spirit throughout the lesson, we were able to testify with power and the spirit was strong. Even though he only accepted part of the commitment (to read and pray but not baptism), we invited and it turned out to be one of our best lessons yet. I am excited to continue to go in this direction, to put more effectively into practice the six steps for raising the bar given to us by our mission president, and to see God's children progress to baptism. There are people here who are ready, but we must invite them to do something before they can do it!

I am grateful for the Lord and the patience He has given us, for all the people he has put in our path. Sometimes I wonder why He trusts us so much, but I know He qualifies those whom He calls. In Him I can do all things, but I must do my part for it says that there are many called but few are chosen. I know as I put my trust in Him and listen, He will guide us and teach us how to do His work in His way according to His will.

Yours,

Hna. Cottam