2. Last night we were visiting Rosio and Rojelio. So Rojelio previously has not been interested in coming to church or listening to us but he has opened up more and more lately and last night, HE ASKED US to come by on Sunday morning so that he can follow us to church. WHAT?! Sooo cool! He also said the closing prayer, with a little bit of help, but still a huge step forward!
3. I was on exchanges in Simi Valley with Hermana Mulloy (SHE'S SO COOL!) and really wanted to try calling a former investigator, Julio, that I had taught when I was there. Everyone had told me that it was impossible to contact him now, but we called anyway, and HE ANSWERED! We didn't get the chance to meet with him because
4. We are planning an AMAZING Iron Rod activity with the ward. It's been so amazing to see the ward's support and excitement about helping us prepare and participate. I learned a neat lesson about counseling this week as Hermana Brown, me, our ward mission leader, and some of the other missionaries coordinated our efforts. We were talking about what members would be best to give some short classes and it was amazing how we came to the same conclusions and really reached out to the right people to help them grow and make an amazing program. I'm excited!!
5. Exchanges with Hermana Johnson--I LOVE HER! We had lots of fun "scattering sunshine" (ha, yes, cheesey, I know) and just learning together. I am so proud of her, she has become such an amazing, powerful, loving missionary. Oh my. I might be a little biased...but she's the best!
6. This week we did service at the Rain Project and another volunteer was there to clean the fryers. He's from Thousand Oaks and said that his neighbor is a member of our church. It's ironic, he commented, various random missionaries have stopped by to visit him over the last few years.....little does he know about referrals and member missionary work... haha:) But he had very good things to say about his neighbors and all the missionaries who have stopped by. He said, "You are always glowing!" I guess we stand out a little bit, for more than just sweaty, shiney faces :)Anyway, it was a great week, missionary work is still the best! This week I spent a lot of time thinking about 3 Nephi 18:32, which says:
32 Nevertheless, ye shall not cast him out of your synagogues, or your places of worship, for unto such shall ye continue to minister; for ye know not but what they will return and repent, and come unto me with full purpose of heart, and I shall heal them; and ye shall be the means of bringing salvation unto them.
I love the open invitation that the Lord gives to all of His children. On top of that, He gives us the opportunity to receive some of the joy of His work. When we reach out to others in love to minister unto them, we don't heal them, but we are a means to help the Lord bring about His purposes. The Lord heals them. I am so grateful for the healing love I have felt in my life. This area has been very special in terms of working with less active members. I think this scripture especially applies to them and I am grateful to have seen them take steps to returning and repenting so that they, too, can feel the healing love of Christ.
LOVE
Hermana Clark