Week 96

Hola Everyone!

It's been a great week here in good ol' Juchitan, Oaxaca. You gotta love it!! No, we didn't see any baptisms this change, but my companion and I were talking about the last six weeks we've had and really how many miracles we've seen here together. It's been such an amazing ride - it really has!! We've also been working sooooo hard and helping to prepare so many to be baptized. I will finish up my mission here in this awesome area, so I sure hope we can see the fruits of our labors these next six week and see many people enter into the waters of baptism!!

This week one of the biggest miracles we saw after working hard the entire week was we were able to have four investigators come to church on Sunday! My goodness, you guys should have seen our faces as they came through the doors. My companion and I were just smiling like crazy!! Three of the four that went to church are ready to be baptized - they just have to make the right decision and be baptized!!

As you know we definitely don't obligate the people here to be baptized. But we invite them as Jesus Christ himself would invite them! But as you also know, when Jesus Christ himself was here teaching the people, there were many who didn't accept his teachings. Goodness, it sure does hurt so bad to see so many AMAZING people that could be awesome members of the church when they don't accept the gospel in their lives. Through my mission I have come to know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every single one of His children and his time is PERFECT!!

I have also come to know that even as a missionary and representative of Jesus Christ I am FAR from perfect. But I know without a doubt that He sees when we are striving to do what's right and to be better people and He blesses us because of that!! I've come to learn that He doesn't expect any more out of us than our very BEST!! This is the Church of Jesus Christ. He is the leader! and He speaks to President Nelson face to face!! I know that He lives and that He loves us and that if WE as FAMILIES do ALL we can in this life, we WILL return to live with him again!! Just remember like President Nelson taught us, "Salvation is a personal matter. Exaltation is a FAMILY matter!"

I love you all so dang much. I'm so grateful to be here teaching our brothers and sisters "the Lamanites" in Oaxaca. WHAT A BLESSING!! Have an amazing week everyone!!!!

Elder Blake