March 4, 2013

Hey,

So this week we worked super hard to help our investigators progress.

Juan Peralta, who we've been teaching for about a month, had had some problems, and that is why he didn't show to church last week. The first time we met Juan, it was an interesting experience. One of those experiences that really only happens in the mission. Our lesson was, to say the least, not very normal. The only thing we managed to teach him was that he needed to read the Book of Mormon and pray. If we tried to talk about prophets or Christ, he just wouldn't have it. Yet slowly, Juan began to change. His faith grew as his knowledge increased. We could see the change in his very face, which in a way shined with light and hope. He went to church three times and loved it, telling us he would walk home with a huge grin on his face not even knowing why. And then fell. He hit rock bottom. A 180 degree change from one day to another.

We did whatever we could think of but there was no change. He didn't make it to church even though he said he'd go anyway. And since then, we have been helping him, one step at a time, and the reality is that now he is doing even better than before. He has overcome all of his addictions and is fighting hard to resist temptation because he continues to feel the cravings. He is reading the Book of Mormon daily, whole chapters or more, and went to church on Sunday. Elder Furlong and I have really seen miracles in the life of Juan but now what he needs is that last push to have his baptismal interview and make it to his baptism.

We have firm faith that if we are obedient and if Juan does his part by continually and faithfully reading and praying on a daily basis and does not give in to temptation, that he will make it. Please pray for him! He needs it.

Other than that, no one else seems to progress so we are going to continue finding new people to teach this week. We have to give it our all.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is the Savior of the world. If we build upon Him, a sure foundation, we will not fall. His church is on this earth. As is His Priesthood power. The more I study and live the doctrine, the more I come to know that it is true. I testify that the scriptures bear testimony of His divinity and the reality of His mission as our Redeemer.

Thanks for all the support!

Love,

Elder Garrison