Monday, May 23, 2011 "Light At The End of the Tunnel..."

But we're still looking for it; haha. Our District is doing much better, but didn't meet our May goal - apparently, the entire Zone didn't either so I have to go to a meeting with the other District Leader and the Zone Leader and discuss what we can do to improve things. In all honesty, things have been very hard. Since April, baptisms have been grinding to a halt, and it seems to be all over the mission. I have some ideas as to why, but we'll have to discuss those in private and see what we can do to fix it. I pray that it will pick up.

This week was somehow eventful. We extended 9 dates, while losing every single one that was there when I came; half of them shouldn't have had dates, anyways. We did get one investigator to Church! Her name is Lydia. She's come 4 times, but they still haven't taught her about Joseph Smith nor the Book of Mormon, so we have a lot of teaching to do before she can be baptized.

We also met Augustine and her son, Theo. Man, that kid is smart! He can read just about anything in the Book of Mormon and understand it - and he's only 13! It's amazing; he reads and reasons like a 20+ yr old. It's truly incredible. I really hope that he and his family are baptized. It all depends on whether they do their part to know the Truth.

Which brings me to my next point. I implore, exhort, plead, and beg all of you - every single person who reads this - to read the Book of Mormon every day. Even if you just get one verse in, read from it every day. You will be strengthened, you will be happier, you will draw closer to God, and you will be given a testimony of its Truth. Please, read it, ponder over it, and pray. Ask God, in the name of Jesus Christ, if it is True. Then look at how you feel. I don't care how many times you've done this; I don't even care how many times you've gotten an answer that it is. Do it again! Strengthen your testimony; fortify your resolve. True happiness, peace, and direction comes by reading the scriptures, especially Book of Mormon. If you need any direction in life; if you don't know what to do or where to go; if you need guidance, peace, comfort, or support; if you need anything at all, read the Book of Mormon. Read it every single day. And then pray. I testify to you that you will receive a greater strength of Spirit than you have ever felt before in your life, and that strength will only continue to grow, day by day.

I know these things are True. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the World. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the True Church, the Only True Church of Jesus Christ upon the face of the whole earth, and the only place wherein the Priesthood authority necessary for the saving ordinances can be found. I know these things are True. And you can know them too, if you will but search, ponder, and pray to know the Truth of the Book of Mormon.

I love you all. I hope all is going well with you. I ran out of paper for letters, so it'll be a while before I can pick up writing again; they don't have paper here, really. Only printing paper, and that doesn't send in the mail very well. I apologize once again. Take care, and God bless!

--Elder Collings