So on Saturday we had a mission community outreach service project
at our church building. All the missionaries went through their
apartments and they gave away stuff they didn't need and then we invited
less actives, non members, and members who are less fortunate and ALL
of the stuff was free. We were outside for about 4 hours and I got soooo
sun burnt! haha I couldn't believe how hot it was on November 10th.....
But today we are all freezing to death cause it's 60 degrees. Yes, I
know that is probably hot for y'all but I am sooo cold! haha It's funny
to see how whimpy the people are here with the cold. People are walking
around in HUGE down coats and boots.
It was cool though because at the service project there was a man
named Magic that came. He came and was trying to speak to me.... he is
from Iraq and has a hard time speaking english.... but he said he was so
impressed with this Christian church that would just give this stuff
out for free to those who need it. He told us he wanted to come visit
church, and sure enough he came to church on sunday! We are meeting with
him tonight to start lessons. :) If we as members of the church just
live and act the way our Savior does people notice the difference. I
know this service project was inspired by our president for a reason.
Anyways, things are going well! We are here at the library and one
of our investigators, Daniel-- who is getting baptized in a few weeks,
just came up and scared us! haha He is so cool. We are so excited for
his progress and the changes he is making in his life right now. He
reads the Book of Mormon for 2-3 hours a day and does all of the studies
we give him in the backs of the pamplets. I love being able to do
missionary work the way it should be done, through the members of the
church! The Mennears (the couple that gave us Daniel as a referral) have
made all the difference in his progress. On Saturday he came to a
baptism with us and the Mennears and he told the bishop there that he is
looking forward to his baptism! :)
At church on sunday he participated just like he were already a
member of the church, and seriously every time we see him you can
literally see a change in his countenace. On Saturday at the baptism he
came in with a white shirt and tie, and then on sunday he had a suit on.
We could hardly recognize him! Please keep him in y'alls prayers. :)
Another investigator who is doing great is named Paula! She is from
Camaroon Africa and she has been to church 2 times now, and on Sunday
night she came with us to a Relief Society meeting where the stake
presidency spoke about covenants. When we got in the car to go home the
first thing she asked us is how often we hold baptismal services! :) She
loves the people at church, and she knows we as missionaries were sent
to her for a purpose. Paula is very prepared!
On sunday we saw miracle after miracle happen as we were sitting in
sacrament meeting! Sister Moreno and I had 15 less active, non members,
and recent converts at church that we've been working with! Our
district leader has felt very strong lately that 100 less actives in our
ward are ready to come back to church, so we've been on the rescue. By
the end of next transfer our goal is to split the ward! We have over 700
on our rolls at church, and only about 250 active, so we'll be busy
bringing those lost souls back! I can't wait. I just hope I can stay
here to see it happen. I had an interview with President yesterday for
my school application and he said I may stay, but he may need me
somewhere else.... :( But I'll go where I'm needed.
We are teaching some amazing people right now, and it's been so
cool to watch their progess. Sister Moreno and I have been talking a lot
about how these are the last days. There are signs EVERYWHERE.... but
one in particular is that last night we went with President Centeno (a
member of the mission presidency) to 2 lessons with muslim
investigators! The muslim investigators have to be interviewed by a
member of the presidency becuase of the danger they can face from family
or people in their home country for changing their beliefs, and so we
were able to have him come with us last night. Gona and Sirvan from Iran
are both new investigators, and they really want to come to church on
sunday and do service with us. We are so excited, and it is so cool to
be here in Houston and see the gospel literally being preached to people
from every corner of the earth.
Tomorrow is zone conference and Sister Moreno and I have been
recruited for the mission choir, so we'll be singing at it! We know
someone is coming, but they won't tell us who.... Last night when we
were at the lessons with President Centeno he just smiled and said,
"President showed me the text with the name on it and said for your eyes
only!" haha And one of the senior sister missionaries that works in the
office told us to look our best. So I'll have to tell y'all next week
who it is that is coming. :)
Thank you for all that you do for me. I can feel your prayers! I
pray for y'all daily and I know the Lord is watching out for you. :)
Love you!!!!!
Erianne
D&C 136:27-33
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