I can start off by testifying that God is a God of miracles who loves each and everyone of his children here on earth. He doesn't want to see any of his kids hurt or miss the opportunity to return to live with him. We’ve seen this come true in this past month with these two milagros that we saw this past week. Because of these miracles and because of the love the Lord has we reached our goal of fourteen for the month of June. In may the zone baptized seven but that wasn't our potential and we double it in the month of june.
As of wednesday one of our baptisms for the month of June said that she would have to wait till the first week in July because her Dad wasn't going to be able to come down from his work. Jackie, the daughter being baptized, and her Mom both didn't want to push the baptism back, but as well they wanted the non-member Dad to be there. We agreed that he should be there and we told her we would push the baptism back till the third, and we received this news on thursday. Friday night we received a text from Erica, the mom, saying that Albert, the Dad was going to be coming down after all and he would make it this Sunday. She then asked us if we could please still do the baptism this (past) weekend. We said of course and prepared the baptism. The baptism happened and it was great, It was a great step for Albert to see both of his daughters enter the waters of baptism. After the service, he told us why the plans had changed. The guy that Albert works with who has the car and usually drives, was laid off. So with this happening, they had to come down and pick up another car to take back up to work. Albert took this opportunity to come down. The baptism was great and we are going to really start working hard with Albert.
The other milagro que vimos was with the sisters in their area. We received a text from them Saturday saying that a girl they were teaching, Jackie, whose baptism was already pushed back a week, was not going to be able to be baptized. The sisters said that Jackie's Dad said no and as they tried to talk with him he wouldn't listen and he would argue or just get up and walk away as the sisters were speaking. They were lost on what to do and called us with this. One of the sisters broke down on the phone Saturday and was very upset, she had no idea what to do. We suggested a fast and the sisters agreed and we as well decided to go to the girl's house with them on Sunday to see if the Dad would listen to us. As we knelt to pray, we felt the Spirit tell us that this is what we should do. We started our fast and as the time came we headed to meet the sisters at Jackie's house. We went over and talked to the Dad, or we didn't but Sister Villalobos did. We just went for support. At first the Dad was being stubborn and was not going to let the daughter get baptized. We stood out there for an hour talking with him. As we were talking, we had prayers in our hearts and at the end of the conversation the Lord softened his heart and he agreed to her baptism. The father didn't come but he dropped Jackie off for the baptism and she was baptized. Two great milagros that we saw this past month. As we put our faith in the Lord, the Lord provides, after we do all we can, and we did.
As well this past week we had something called mini missionaries. It’s where youth from the stake, ages 15-19, come on a mission for a week. I had it last year and it helped me grow a ton! This year, I learned a lot again and grew a lot. The youth come out with us everyday all day. At night they sleep at a member’s house, but they leave their phones and ipods y todo. Our area is a little ghetto and one of the mini missionaries almost got bitten by a dog four times. He got a little discouraged, but we tried our best to help him along and keep him going strong. He made it to the end of the week and said he loved it.
Yesterday we had two baptisms, which was great, from a part member family. As well, Elder Vasquez and I gave talks in sacrament meeting in the English ward. We talked on gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ and how this testimony changes lives. Everyone said we did well, and hopefully we set the standard for the ward. As well, we had seven people come to church. A family that we've been working with finally came to church. It’s a big family. The Dad is a member but the five older daughters aren't yet. They are all preparing to be baptized in July on the 17th. We'll keep you updated.
We got called about transfers. My comp. Elder Vasquez got called to be assistant to the president. He's a great missionary, the top of the top. My companion now is Elder Simmons. Everyone says he's a great missionary and I’m super excited to start working with him in this zone. We have big vision for the zone for the month of July. And bigger for the month of August. But there is no doubt that we can accomplish this. Something President Trayner said is that we need to pray as if it all depends on the Lord and then work as if it all depends on us. Remember that!
I love you and I miss you all a lot!
-Elder Stone
