the Lord's work

Dear Family,

This week was amazing.

On last Sunday, we ran into Maribel, a woman who had been attending church for a while, but then stopped coming. She came back on Sunday, and there we set an appointment for her on that same day. We visited her with her member friend, Magnolia (a member of the primary presidency), and invited her to pray - once and for all - to know if the church is true.

On Monday we came back, and Maribel told us that she had prayed and felt that it was right. We invited her to pray again and ask if she should be baptized this week. On Tuesday, she told us that again she had felt the peaceful response that she should join the church. On Wednesday, we reviewed some of the teachings she had received back when she investigated the church before. On Thursday, both she and her daughter, Yanina, were interviewed for baptism. Both of them were baptized on Saturday, along with Laura Romero, the Branch President's sister. All of her family are already members of the church. Her husband was a little less active, but he's excited to come back and they're preparing together to go to the temple.

In May, seven people were baptized in our area; thirteen in total in the branch (there's another companionship in the branch). It was a miracle. At the beginning of the month, we had set a goal for seven. We didn't know who or how until the Lord brought the people into our path. It was a miracle. We simply trusted in the promise that God really does answer sincere prayers.

Yesterday afternoon we had a similar experience. We went out and decided to go to a referral from the other companionship of missionaries in our branch; when we showed up, a recent convert (Diana) walked out of the house. I was confused for a minute, but my companion explained to me that she was dating the man we were looking for. It all came together. We had a few minutes to share a message with the person in question. Roberto has come to church several times, and he even stopped drinking entirely about 2 months ago. We invited him to be baptized this Saturday, and he also accepted.

Personally, I find it a little hard to explain what's going on here. The numbers just don't add up. Yet somehow, the Spirit moves us to find those people who really want to be members of the church. They're willing to pray and make the changes in their lives necessary to come closer to Christ. It's humbling. It's not my work, I know.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. I've seen how just a tiny bit of faith in Him can work mighty miracles. I know that His true church is on the earth. There are living prophets and apostles who guide and direct it. What an amazing time to be alive!

Love,
Elder Withers