This week as been really good. We are finally seeing all of our hard work over the last few weeks pay off. We have been struggling to get lessons and get new investigators. This week we have been able to get lots of lessons and also start teaching a new investigator named J. We ran into J while we were walking back from our church building after a zone meeting with Elder Ar. Elder Ar and I were on exchanges and saw J sitting on her porch in a rocking chair. We went up and started to talk with her. She was interested so we just started to teach her the restoration. The spirit was strong and she definitely was touched. She said that she would like to learn about what we know about Gods plan for us. We were so excited we finally found someone new to teach.
We found out this week that T one of our investigators was diagnosed with breast cancer. It has be hard for her and her family. She says that she is so grateful for everyone being so willing to help her out. We have been praying that she will be well. It is sad to see how much it has effected them.
One thing I realized this week is the power of prayer. It is so important to be able to communicate with our Father in Heaven. He provides us with so much. Prayer is a way that we can show our thanks that he deserves. We also are able to ask for help or anything we need. Our loving Heavenly Father has all these blessings waiting for us but they are conditional for us asking for them. He is simply waiting for us to ask and he will give us what we need. I remember that I would pray for a million dollars or even a limousine knowing that what ever I ask I would receive. However I have not had a million dollar check dropped of at my house or had a limo pick me up from work. He only provides us with what we need and sill not satisfy our selfish desires. He wants us to get on our knees and have a conversation with him. One of the most important aspects of prayer is waiting for the response. It is just as important to listen as it is to pray. We must be in a position free from distractions where we can listen to the still small voice and receive inspiration from God. Remember HE WILL NEVER FAIL YOU because he has never failed me. I may not have get and immediate answer or have things resolved they way that I would like. However God knows what is best for us and it will always work out. He doesn't give us challenges and trials to punish us. It is an opportunity to come closer to him through prayer. That is what I have had to rely on the last few weeks. The mission has been hard, and there are a lot of things that are out of our control. Lessons and baptism dates have been canceled, investigators have not been progressing. But the one thing we are in control of is our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I keep wondering what can I do to be a better missionary and to help the people of the Cardiff ward come closer to our Savior. I have been focused on me and what can I do. I should have been asking for the Lord what would he have me do. It finally hit me when I was listening again to Elder Ballard's latest Conference talk. He said that missionaries and members need to praying for investigators by their names, and to pray for missionary opportunities. Prayer is the answer, and the key to calling down the power of heaven to help you accomplish Gods will.
We have started to have the Cardiff ward pray specifically for our investigators by name and I would like to invite you to do the same. I know that every miracle starts by a prayer, and miracles will start by your prayers. You just simply have to ask. Please pray for our investigators, and for missionary opportunities in your own wards. I promise you that you will see miracles in your own life, and you wills see blessings that come from it.
Love
Elder Paget
