January 14, 2013

Dear Everyone,

I'm sending new pictures of baptisms. This week we taught the rest of the lessons to Alejandra Contreras, had our district leader travel in from Pedro Luro to take her interview, and set up her baptism. So yesterday at six in the evening, she was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ. She was super happy and the members really helped out so that she felt comfortable. One gave her a gift and others made sure that there was food to share for after. The baptismal service was short and simple and very spiritual so Elder Furlong and I are super happy.

The Lord has His plan. He works miracles. And as long as we are obedient and follow His will, we will see those miracles in our personal lives. Who would have thought that so long ago, when on the bus, I felt impressed to hand out pass-along cards, the woman who later stopped us in the street to thank us for the card would have then, through a long process of trials and temptations, eventually enter into the waters of baptism and follow the Savior`s example. In fact, I would never have done that had I not first seen Elder Arias do so on the way to District Meeting the first Tuesday of last transfer. I love being part of the Lord`s work because it really is His and He is has all power. It reminds me of what the Stake President in Santa Rosa said when he came to our Zone Conference saying that this work is a work of miracles. We choose to be part of it or not.

This week Elder Furlong and I worked very hard. We had a training meeting with the District Leaders so that they could be more efficient and fulfill their assignment in the best way possible. We then had a Zone Meeting with all the missionaries and taught them how to achieve doctrinal conversion with those that they teach, basing everything we taught on the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. We also did splits with one of the District Leaders later on in the week. We learned a lot from each other and were able to help him take more initiative, be more bold, and testify with power and authority. The Zone is doing great so we are super happy. We are hoping to have 15 baptisms this month. So far we have had 5. We should hit our goal.

Elder Furlong and I were also asked to give talks in Sacrament Meeting about the missionary work and I decided to share what Elder Holland shared with the missionaries of the MTC two years ago, a talk that really helped change my perspective when I was in Pehuajó. I think it was a big success because many of the returned missionary members showed up to our baptism that evening.

So I am loving it here and I thank everyone for writing and supporting me. Please pray for my investigators.

Love,

Elder Garrison