November 19, 2012

Dear Everyone,

This week we had trials. There will always be trials. There needs to be opposition in all things because if not, there is no progress, nothing is learned, and nothing is gained. The Lord has blessed me with an amazing companion that is an example to me. We have been become closer and more unified as teachers and had dozens of spiritual experiences this week. Through dedicated obedience, hard studies, and diligent work in the street we have overcome many challenges and seen many miracles. I have never had such powerful lessons in my mission. The Spirit has been very present in our lessons and is guiding our steps in each moment. The trials have helped us grow, and we are super excited for this week because we are going to give it our all.

Our main focus is a family that my companion found on splits here in the area. I was in another area with a District Leader from Nicaragua named Elder Galan and while gone, my companion found a family named the Gutierrez family. They are named Luis and Elsa and their sons are Ezequiel and Damian. The husband was baptized 31 years ago, but his wife and son are not members because he fell away from the church after his teenage years. We have had very powerful lessons with the family this week and have a lot of hope for them! They do need to get married but miracles will happen. Their confidence in us is slowly growing as is their understanding of the doctrine. We called several members and set up appointments with them so that this week we can pass by the Gutierrez family with them. That will help them get excited about attending church and overcome social barriers. Please pray for them.

This week we have lots of plans for the zone and for the area so that we can have lots of success. The zone is on fire, and we are on track to achieve our goal of 20 baptisms this month, something almost never seen here in Bahìa Blanca. The Lord has been merciful with us and is blessing us as we continue obediently dedicated to His work.

A scripture that I liked this week was Alma 42:29. Alma tells his son that he must worry about his own sins so that they will lead him to repentance. I think that too often we focus on the weaknesses of those that surround us and fail to recognize our own mistakes. May we all be humble and recognize our own weakness. Through Jesus Christ we can overcome them and become strong. Of that I can bear testimony.

Thank you all for your letters, prayers, and support!

Love,

Elder Garrison