Dramatic!

My companion is just the greatest guy ever. Elder Bethers rocks. We worked our tails off this week, and really want to continue doing that for a really long time. A few days ago we had been teaching, contacting and working like mad, but we still felt like we were lacking something, and actually felt a lack of power in our message. This troubled us for a while, and has made us reflect on our efforts. We feel that it is because the commitment is what allows for one to become converted, and we need to concentrate our efforts more on the Spirit´s power to bring out inner commitments. Due to the fact that María got baptized really fast and still hasn´t come to church, we figured that this Sunday we were in for one with the Bishop because he was wary of acting so fast. Well, it turns out that this man really really has a very deep love and appreciation for all of God´s children, coupled with a grand understanding of how to help them, and where I subconsciously gave in to the temptation to say that all has been done, he simply told us to pass by with all of the leaders in the ward to figure out what she needs, temporally and spiritually. This we will do, and your prayers will be greatly appreciated as well. Last night, we contacted this older gentleman, and as we tried to explain to him the importance of the message he ended up just rejecting us and hardening his heart. I ended up just looking him straight in the eyes and praying to the Lord that he could understand how much he is missing out on. That is when the Spirit testified of our message. I wish that I had done that earlier in the contact before trying to convince him with my words. The Lord will provide for him at a later date. In church we had a double miracle. None of our investigators had come, and we went outside to call them, to think out loud for a while and to seek the Lord´s guidance. As we sat outside discussing what we could do, Hugo walked over. Contacted a few days ago, this great soul had humbly showed up to see us and to seek guidance in his life as well. He appears different, but lives and loves like each of God´s Children. He couldn´t stay the whole time, but he got to know a little bit and has some goals this week before he comes back the next weekend. Also, a girl that has a great friend bringing her to church is just rearing to go. Her name is Victoria, and we didn´t see her due to the fact that she usually wears glasses, and that she went calmly to primary where we usually don´t look for newcomers. What miracles we had! Truman G. Madsen has some great advice concerning missionary work. He says "let THEM say no" or in other words, give people the benefit of the doubt. I have been applying this principle this week, and it has let me show more faith and help more people commit to learning more about the gospel and applying the eternal principles of salvation. In place of saying something like "hey, we don´t want to waste too much of your time, so we are just gonna give you a card, say a quick prayer and walk away", something more heartfelt and bold is what will make the difference. "I have been thinking about you and the struggles that you have had in your life, and do you know what? I would like to take a few minutes and explain how my baptism changed my life, and then I would like to invite you to do the same by following the example of Christ and joining yourself with His church. Think it through before you let me tell it, because if you let me do so you will feel the Spirit of the Lord telling you that this is what you want in your life, and you may well end up a Mormon in three weeks. May I continue with this message?" I really liked how brother Madsen gave multiple examples of such experiences and that they worked, though I paraphrased a little bit. Y´all get the idea. This is the Lord´s church, and we can all feel it upon praying about it. I love prayer, the heart´s sincere desire, and I often pray for each of y´all who received this message.