Hello Everyone!
The work here is moving forward! We are really on a speeding train that is shooting through the mists of opportunity. I know without a doubt that this branch has a destiny, and that destiny is to be a strong, thriving ward. I believe that reality is in the near future, not a glimmering light in the distance as some still seem to think. I have never been more grateful to be a missionary.
Speaking of being a missionary, last Saturday night was Mormon night at The Trop so we got to go. They may as well have called it Mormon Missionary Night as there were so many missionaries there. The picture was taken there.
We started an English class on Tuesday nights. It has been tried in the past and failed because of lack of participation from investigators. We were worried about this at first, but instead of starting one and hoping for the best, we brought the issue before the Branch Council. In our combined meeting last week President Lopez went around the room and asked every single member which day they could commit to coming on...with Tuesday being the over-whelming majority. So, with faith and lots of prayers, we arrived Tuesday evening to plan and prepare. One by one they came, three recent converts and one long-time member to learn, grow, and support our efforts. It was a crowning success and all had a great time learning together.
That may be the biggest difference I have seen, the change in attitude in our Branch. Members of our branch are excited to come to church each week. They fight for the chance to bear their testimonies. They sign up to feed us and have us in their homes. (That’s nice!) They support our monthly activity, other activities and special events. It is such an honor to be a part of this work.
This week we have five new investigators, none of which came through the tired old way of missionary work...knocking on doors. Four are members of families who have a church member in the home. One moved here a few months ago and decided that she wanted a fresh start, including a return to the Church. Her mother and husband want that light too. Two are the parents of a recent convert. When first questioned three weeks ago, they were not at all receptive. They were Catholic, proud of it, and just wanted to visit and support their son. We still gave them copies of the Book of Mormon, which they have started to read. They came to church on Sunday and we have a lesson with them on Wednesday. It is amazing what that little blue book can do!
We are so grateful for Elder Davis and Elder Taveras. Hermana Dollahite and I were just talking about how we never got the work done with just the two of us. There are too many people, too many miles, and not enough hours to do it all. That is the thing that occasionally keeps me up at night...there isn't enough time. How do we do it all? The only answer I have found is to give it to the Lord. Give him all of your burdens, your worries, your dreams, your hopes, your desires, your struggles. He knows what to do with them. He knows what to do with His work and His faithful servants. I am blessed with His love and guidance in my life. I am grateful for His son Jesus Christ. I am so honored to be His missionary.
With Honor,
Hermana Levanger
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