It is starting to get hot here again...it`s in the high 80`s low 90`s. I think we might have missed Spring entirely. We did a ton of service. As a zone, we helped a church clean up part of their lot and are helping them to build their chapel. The Zone is going back again this week to help finish the work. It was fun to work with everyone. Feels good to have the sun back on me...I officially like the heat.
We had a cool experience this week. Following my guidebook for training, Elder Sarceno was supposed to invite someone to be baptized, so we planned on with a lady named Fresia who we have invited before, but she always says "in my time I will be." I got finished saying my part, and it just got silent. Elder Sarceno knew it was his turn, but was scared. After about 30 seconds of near silence, he mustered up his strength, bore his testimony, and invited her to be baptized. She accepted before he even finished! We promised her blessings and that her life would never be the same. It was such an amazing experience...I am very proud of Elder Sarceno for overcoming his fears and allowing the spirit to prompt him and guide him. We can plan ahead of time all we want, but if the Spirit doesn’t bear witness at the very moment it is uttered, then we just have to move on.
This week, I realized something during companionship study. I am the "trainer" in the companionship, but I`M THE ONE BEING TRAINED! I realized that there are some simple truths that I have overlooked in the big picture of everything. These things were brought to my attention during this companionship study. It`s funny how such little truths can have such dramatic impacts on people. This experience has helped me to open my mind to how the Lord really works. It`s so true that "God uses the weak to lead the strong." I really feel like Elder Sarceno is training me! I am by no means a "powerhouse" of a missionary, "the fourth missionary", or a great missionary....but, I am the BEST MISSIONARY THAT I CAN BE. I am doing my best to continue growing every day...learning from my mistakes, rejoicing in our success and learning to love our Savior deeper and more passionately daily.
I am so thankful for my mission. I am thankful for the people who have helped get me here, my companions, and for my Heavenly Father`s guidance I don`t know where I`d be without it all...probably in a bad place. I know that our Heavenly Father is watching over all of us. We just have to humble ourselves sufficiently to see it, hear it, receive it, and apply the teachings. I testify of this simple truths, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ.
Con Amor,
Elder Jackson
