The Rainy Season for Real

Not bad for Mexican pizza

This week has been rainy about every day, but it's ok, because I like the rain. This week was a little rough for missionary work. We had two investigators that were absolutely sure that they were going to come to church and we had checked with them every day this week, then they had just woken up when we came on Sunday. Dang it. Finding is still difficult, as well. I still really feel like we won't see any real success until the members start working with us to find the elect. Mom, the question "Are you interested in doing missionary work?" is really just "Do you want to reach exaltation?" George Albert Smith taught that unless we share the Gospel, we will not be able to be exalted. I'm going to speak about that on Sunday, but with love. It always comes off sounding like chastisement, but "the wicked taketh the truth to be hard" (not that I'm calling you wicked, but it's the same principle). A good missionary will invite the members to do what they should already be doing because he is concerned for their well-being and that of those who aren't members and need the help of those members to find the blessings of the Gospel. Missionary work is essential for the salvation of every one of God's children, not just those who don't have the Gospel already.

So I forgot to mention it last week, but happy birthday to Grandpa Sumner, and happy anniversary to Grandma and Grandpa.

So this week, we took a wrong bus and ended up going to a prison and being lost for a little before finding our way back into Querétaro. The ward mission leader said I look like Luke Skywalker, which makes three completely unrelated occurrences of people telling me that. The first was in the MTC, the second was in Salt Lake, and now here. I'm an international Mark Hammil look-alike.

We did have a good experience this week, though. While planning on Wednesday night, I felt like we needed to visit a member that we don't see very often and whose husband is usually not home at the time that I felt like we should see them. We decided to go with them after seeing some members close by who had already told us about a referral they had. That family apparently went to Pachuca (Hidalgo) this week, so we didn't find them and went with this other family. Upon arriving, it turns out the husband was just finishing his lunch break and had about 10 minutes before he had to leave. I shared the beginning of Moroni 6:7 with them about how the people strived to not sin and how much we are blessed for doing the same. We asked them for a referral, and they started telling us about their neighbor whom they don't know. In the house where they live, there have been members for the last 10 years, including the bishop and relief society president, but with those same neighbors. The Spirit testified to me that this person was now ready and needed this specific member's help to finally accept the Gospel. I told them that and they committed to talk to their neighbor. I know that the Lord guided us to that family so that their neighbor could accept the Gospel. Unfortunately, they still haven't talked to their neighbor yet. Hopefully we'll get results this week.

Also, there are some twins in the ward that are recent converts without a mom and a very threatening older brother who has just showed up to take their house essentially. We visit them because they love the elders and to help them feel a little better and get ready to serve a mission (they turn 18 in November and finish high school in July. You can leave on a mission at 18 in Mexico if you've finished high school). I had printed off the talk "Sunday Will Come" by Elder Wirthlin because I felt inspired to, and it was good for me, but I think it was really preparation to know what to share to help them out. It talks about both the resurrection and overcoming trials, which is just what they need. It was another good way that the Lord used me as an instrument in His hands this week.

That's fun that Manuel went to Peru again and that the grandparents are helping you guys out. Mexican parents aren't the same way, Lys, just so you know. It sounds like all the grandkids are still quite entertaining and learning new tricks and what not. That's crazy that Canyon's starting kindergarten, but funny that he's all nervous about his evaluation test. Mom, that's fun that you got to talk to Ashley. I'm glad to hear she's doing well. A family just moved into our ward from Topeka and their last name is Taylor, but he said they don't have relatives in Utah. Alyssa had told me that Callie was dating someone, so that's fun that they're going to get married. I actually dreamed last night that everyone started get married all of a sudden and it was really weird. Was it a dream or a prophetic vision?! Helaman 6:3 is a good member-missionary scripture, and there are plenty of others, but it really all springs from a personal desire to do missionary work and be exalted. That's fun that Brig is finally going to college. Also it's funny that Jodi is starting at the same time as him. Good work, bro. Also, a family in the ward told me that their uncle talked with Elder Lewis in his area in Valle Dorado (edo. de Mexico), and they knew you from Cuernavaca. It's the Flores Chabarrilla family, and they said they gave you food at least once.

I know that this is the Lord's work. I know that God is our Father in Heaven and that He is always watching over us. He knows us perfectly and knows how to succor us in times of trial. He hears and answers our sincere prayers, and will grant all of our righteous desires as we pray with faith according to His will. I know that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins and ensure our salvation based on obedience to the Gospel. I know that this is the only true church on the face of the earth. No other organization has the fulness of the Gospel nor the priesthood authority necessary to administer it. Without this church and the restored Gospel, no man can be saved in the kingdom of God. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and that he restored to earth the fulness of the everlasting Gospel. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and contains that Gospel. I know that as we obey and live the Gospel, the Lord blesses us and all of those around us. It is the only way to happiness, and "the power of God unto salvation".

Elder Facer