Jan 27: Noches de Hogar

We figured the way to help this branch out is by getting the members on board. As of right now they don't do absolutely anything but argue between themselves and cause problems with us haha. So we planned 8 different Noches de Hogar which in English is translated to Family Home Evenings, with our intentions to get their spirits up and get into this work. So every day we scheduled different Noches de Hogar with different families in the branch and let our Branch President know so he could send a message to all the members so they could come. But he never would send out the messages, or he would forget. We also talked to each family and set plans and goals so that they could invite their friends over.

It actually worked out super well. Out of all the Noches de Hogar we did,  the members brought in a total of 12 people, 3 of which came to church. So that will be our plan this week, keep visiting the ward members so they can get their heads back on track. 

The other Elders in Puyo got emergency transferred so we have to open up their sector and maintain a city of 30,000 people just the two of us.

A scripture that helped me this week is in first Nephi chapter 17

1 And it came to pass that we did again take our journey in the wilderness; and we did travel nearly eastward from that time forth. And we did travel and wade through much affliction in the wilderness; and our women did bear children in the wilderness.

2 And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began to bear their journeyings without murmurings.

3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

This is probably my favorite story in the Book of Mormon. I love how Nephi explains how, even being directed to a promised land, they passed for so much affliction, but so great were the blessings they received. That by even eating raw meat their women had the strength to continue and give enough milk to their kids. Although we may not be eating raw meat in the wilderness, we still have problems but so great are the blessings we receive from the Lord every day that he provides the means for us to accomplish what he needs us to do. 

There is no place that I'd rather be.

Love Elder Rich

Pictures

1. good memories
2. the Noches de Hogar
3. when it rains it really pours
4. good photos
5. no one here goes to church with suit coats