A WEEK OF MIRACLES

Hello to all of my family and friends. :) This week has been so so so awesome. I can't wait to tell you about it. We have seen so many MIRACLES - truly, a week of miracles. The Lord continues to bless the work here. 

Yesterday I had one of the most powerful experiences of my entire life. It is next to impossible to put words to it. Jenny's husband recently passed away about a month ago. Sister Flynn, the member, gave Jenny's number to the Church headquarters, and they gave her our phone number. Jenny called us, and we told her that we were the Chinese missionaries. She wasn't even looking for or hadn't requested the Chinese missionaries, but was given our phone number. Jenny is from Shanghai, CHINA!! We went over to see Jenny with Sister Flynn and taught her about the Plan of Salvation. It was the most powerful thing testifying to her that she WILL see her husband again. The Lord is so aware of Jenny and her loss. After the lesson, we couldn't even drive before we stopped, prayed, and thanked Heavenly Father for that experience. Please pray for Jenny. We are so excited for her!

We spend any free time seeking with faith. We are looking and trying to find more people to teach! This week I gave a DDM training on receiving revelation through the Sabbath Day. It went pretty well! I am grateful to have this opportunity. On Tuesday night, we had a dinner appointment with Lorenzo, Jian, and their son Arthur. Lorenzo is Hispanic, and a less-active member of the Church. His wife, Jian, is Chinese, and has not been baptized! We ate dinner with them and shared a message with them about the importance of faith and prayer in our lives. So we now get to teach Jian and Arthur as new investigators and hope that Lorenzo might be strengthened in the process. It was so awesome. We are really excited for them as well.

Wednesday was really cool too! Wednesday night, Elder Crowther and I went down to Lake Elsinore, to be with Evangel as she had her next interview for baptism. She was interviewed by President Crippen, who is a member of the Mission Presidency, and Evangel was found WORTHY to be baptized!!! She will be baptized this upcoming Sunday the 18th. :) I love seeing those I love come closer to Christ.

Thursday we went down to Lake Elsinore again to teach Blair and Evangel. They are progressing so fast, and it is so awesome to see. That evening we were able to meet with Hank and Tina, and help them with their family history. We also reviewed the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. It was awesome. They are so strong and so full of faith. 

Elder Willes, Hank, Tina, and Elder Nelson

Saturday was such a special day! Hank and Tina went to the temple to do the baptisms and confirmations for their ancestors!!! Who even does that?! Find the missionaries, be taught, choose baptism, do your family history, and take family names to the temple. I am so proud of them. Elder Nelson and I had the opportunity of going with them to the temple, along with some members from the University Heights Ward. The Spirit was so strong. Elder Nelson baptized Hank for his grandfather, and I baptized Tina for her grandmother. It was amazing. At the end, Elder Nelson and I got to baptize each other. It was so so so amazing. It is a day I will never forget! I am so grateful for the work that goes on inside the temple! 

Sunday was also awesome. We had 3 investigators come to church - Evangel, Blair, and Jian all came! Sundays are always pretty hectic and busy, but super good and full. That afternoon, we had a lesson with a couple of former investigators, Winter and her mom Catherine. It was an awesome lesson. They are from Taiwan, and are super cool. Please pray for them!

This week has been amazing. I am so excited to continue to work hard, and labor in the Lord's vineyard. I love this work. Love you all have a great week! 

Elder Willes