Week 76 - Reactivation is equal of importance.

This past week? NUTS.

Our zone was involved with so many different things throughout the week, it called for chaos. But nonetheless, our zone had a great week! Our zone should be having a few baptisms this week and the following weeks too!

Throughout the time we did have to do proselyting work, Elder Hughes and I did an 'appointment with the Lord' which is one of my favorite finding ideas. We set a place and a time with the good man above, and when we went there, there was people that walked inside after seeing us, along with this one guy who looked about 20, walked inside after seeing us walk over. Meh. We knocked anyways. He came out and we had a good talk with him and have taught him about the Book of Mormon and prayer since we met him! His roommate sat in on one of the lessons and was really receptive too! We'll have to pass him off since he has a kid, but that is aaaaokay with God. A couple days later, someone was shot and raped in the same apt. complex....yikes. We're watched over though, no doubt.

We've also been trying to work around a recent convert's schedule, Quintana, to teach her the new member discussions. Quintana rocks. Suuuuper sarcastic, so she's hard to read sometimes haha. You're very gullible as a missionary...you sort of have to be. One night we went over there with John and taught about the Book of Mormon. The spirit was definitely there and they committed to read everyday for 10 minutes, and she came to church!! It was so awesome. It was a good day for returning members coming to church yesterday. Their reactivation is equal of importance as a non-member entering the waters of baptism.

We've done other lessons of course, and was able to give a couple referrals out, but we're excited for this week, because it's, for the most part, a normal missionary proselyting week which we haven't seen in over a month. That's why this scripture came to mind:

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

Although people aren't lining up at the font, I know and have no doubt in my mind that what we're doing is preparing blessings for when students start coming back. I'm not focused that that is when the only time work will happen, because we're still finding people, but it's just a prompting I've had for a while. Can't wait to see what happens to this area in the future.

Onto the chaos:

Monday was pday where an Elder had to get stitches from playing glow in the dark dodgeball...it was fun while it lasted. 

Tuesday was Zone Meeting and went very well! Great feedback from what we've heard. The spirit was there during the near 3 hour zone meeting. President Passey spent the night with us Tuesday night which was a neat experience. We had some really good talks. He arrived at night, and left before studies, but it was fun to have him for the brief time.

Wednesday was interviews with President Passey - they were great. It's great to feel trust from you mission President from the feedback from the zone.

Thursday we had a practice for the Variety show.

Friday we weekly planned *shutter* and sang in the variety show. The last musical number, we walked down the aisles with all the missionaries and sang the last verse of "They, the Builders of the Nation." 

Waiting for our time to go up and sing away

Saturday we helped set up for pancakes at 5:30am, we moved tables and chairs around, then later we were all in the Gila Valley parade and then went to the event afterwards since the entire Valley was there. So fun! 

Up and at it for the pancake breakfast the YSA's were in charge of. 

You may have seen us in the Gila Valley Pioneer parade..it reminded me when I was growing up, always doing something in the parade.

Sunday was another 6 hours of church! :D woohoo! I was asked a few days earlier to speak in the YSA wards, so I talked on "Preparing for a Mission" where I focused on 1) Importance of Preparation and 2) Charity - it naturally leads us to do missionary work. The sacrament meeting was great and Kari and Ethan both gave awesome talks.

And here we are today! :D

You take a break, any second you have.

We can finally take a breathe for a little while before they start picking up again.

D&c138:58-->2Nephi17:11

"We need charity more than anything else in our mission."

Some missionaries in our zone after doing our morning Crossfit WOD, and doing service for Aaron our coach. The missionaries in the other zone all asked if they could come too... it helps us! Plus, it's place for missionary opportunities.

It was a great week up here in the Gila Valley, and our zone continues to see miracles even though a lot of them are out in the boonies. The church is true and God is good. I'm grateful to serve our God who gave us everything. I know we are led by a Prophet for Christ's church. I know that charity helps us see why and how people act the way they do so we can understand them more and want to help them. I'll never forget the time a couple months ago when someone paid for my contacts....it stuck in me and I'll never forget it. Just like when we're charitable towards other people :D

I love this gospel.

Love all y'all!!

-Elder Hales