July 8: Finding the Elect

This week we contacted a small part of our sector. We didn't have too much luck, but later in the week, we felt prompted to knock a few of the same doors again. We knocked into a gal named Lucy, who when we found her was watching a 55-minute Youtube video about god. She explained to us that she loves watching videos about God and learning more about him. She told us that she has been through some very hard times and is looking for a church to attend. We were able to testify that there is peace in Christ. Anyway, we taught her 3 times last week, she was 15 minutes early to church (which never happens here haha) and absolutely loved it. We have a visit with her tonight, and well see what happens.

We have been finding the most prepared people in my time here in this new sector. I was so sad when I found out I was closing my golden sector and moving to the sector with nobody progressing or coming to church. When we started this transfer we committed to working hard, having a positive attitude, and putting the goal that we are going to baptize. Our dedication and attitude have helped us change this sector. We have found more than 15 people each week and had new people coming to church every single week who have the biggest desires to continue learning. The Lord knows what is best, for all of us. Even when we don't understand one bit, he knows. He has a perfect plan that we don't often understand, but he does. 

The scripture for this week is Moroni 7:42-45

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

Something I have been studying this week is charity is the pure love of Christ. For some reason, this Christlike attribute is the hardest, and longest to develop. As human beings, we are very prideful, in many things. We think we are better than others, stronger, better looking, smarter but we're not. We are all alike. If we read about the life of Jesus and his ministry, he didn't spend his time only with the rich, or with the good looking, but he spent his time ministering and loving every person. He doesn't just invite the smart people, or the people in the United States to partake of his salvation but his invitation is for everybody. I hope we can all look at others as beloved children of God and find opportunities to love and serve them. Because without charity we are nothing.

Love Elder Rich

Pictures:

1. my Friend Jon 

2. Elder Binda from Brazil

3. this one looks better

4. thank you mother

5. MCDONALDS