America!

September 22, 2014

Well this is unfortunate... I've had a week of experiences, seeing new things, meeting new people, working, and having fun.... and i don't remember any of it... 

I can't believe it's already been a week! I hope I can remember a few things to say to you guys. 

This week has been a fantastic week from a numbers point of view. Elder Bryant and I are leading the Zone in lessons taught! Yet almost none of our investigators are progressing. What is the point of numbers if the people don't progress? nothing. 

We got too focused on our goal to teach the most lessons this week, that we forgot about the people behind the numbers. So while the zone leaders are complementing us on our area, we feel like nothing was really accomplished this week. We must've tried to get 6 investigators to church. 0 came. We truly did plan our days to have success, we taught a lot of lessons, and we taught by the spirit, but we forgot one of the most important things. We didn't invite them to do anything. If we don't invite them to read, or pray, or repent, or come to church, or anything, chances are... they won't do it on their own. They need us to push them, they need our help, and we failed them by not giving them the invitation to act. Faith is useless without action. We can build their faith all day long by teaching with the spirit. But unless we invite and encourage them to act on that faith, they'll never get anywhere. 

There are a lot of things you learn on a mission. But the thing you learn time and time again, it's how you fall short. How you fall short as a missionary, as a teacher, and most discouragingly, as a person. 

This is where Christ steps in. This is the point where you turn to Heavenly Father, and say, "Help me". 

One of my favorite quotes i've heard is "when life gets too hard to stand, kneel." I've knelt in prayer many times to ask for help, or to give thanks, or just to talk. Thats right, just talk. Your relationship with your father in heaven is up to you. You can just talk to him, he can become your confidant, your best friend. What a blessing it can be to you, your family, and those you come in contact with, when your heavenly father is your best friend. 

"today's trial, is tomorrow's testimony." 

I know this Gospel is true. I know Heavenly Father answers prayers. 

Talk to you next week! 

-Elder DeFreese

1. America!!! Lewistown is full of these wall painting things, Abe is my favorite though.