Los Deseos Divinos e Inspirados

Hey Guys,

I feel like time is really flying right now in the mission because we just had another mission council with the zone leaders.  It has been a great experience seeing some many of these leaders grow and really learn to achieve their goals through righteous leadership.  Elder Azueta and I were able to speak directly to these leaders, challenging them to continue to set the example for their missionaries.  We also reminded them about when we experienced changes in the mission about six months ago.  When we had the changes, we were confident that they were inspired and that we would see a lot more success and baptisms in the mission once we got everything organized and ready.  Well, after a few months of hard work, we have gotten used to the changes and NOW is the time to baptize more and to be better missionaries.  We challenged them to "accomplish their desires" (Alma 57:8) as soon as possible in their zones.  The Spirit was strong and we are excited for the coming results in the mission.  We also had our first of five zone conferences for the month this past week.  We enjoyed training the missionaries about asking inspired questions in the lessons to help the investigators realize the testimonies they have developed as they have read the Book of Mormon, prayed, and attended church.  We are excited for two other zone conferences for this week in Cuautla and Acapulco.  We finally taught that young woman from the Caribbean.  It was the one of the hardest lessons of my mission.  The lesson was in three different languages (French, English, and Spanish) so it was a little harder to understand, especially for my companion.  The hardest part of the lesson was teachign to and trying to help someone who has a completely different culture and background than anyone else we have ever taught.  Her doubts were all different, her reactions were all different.  We didnt feel too good leaving the lesson but the good part was that several young sisters went to the lesson with us so she now has friends in the ward.  I think she will be able to progress but we will have to plan out the lessons well and rely wholly on the Spirit.  A miracle occurred in the ward right next to us this past week.  There is a family of three where the mom and son are members of about 5 years.  The son is currently on a mission and the dad has been investigating the church for 5 years.  This past week he finally made the decision to be baptized.  He asked President Kusch to baptize him.  The service was incredibly spiritual and this humble man was able to make the best decision of his life.  He is looking forward to being sealed with his family in a year once his son gets back.  We are hoping and praying for a similar miracle in our ward.  An elder just left from our ward this past week.  His parents are not members but his two sisters are.  His parents have always been pretty closed minded about it and havent wanted to learn from the missionaries in the past.  Well, wwith his departure and testimony, the hearts of his parents have been softened and we are now teaching them.  A miracle occurred in the second lesson when we asked the mom if she prayed about the Book of Mormon to know if this is the true church.  She began to cry and told us that she prayed while worrying a lot about her son after he left.  When she paryed and asked about the church, she felt an overwhelming peace come over her and knew she had recieved an answer.  We challenged her to be baptized and she accepted.  Our current obstacle is that she wants to wait till her son returns to do so.  So we are working with her so that she will develop those desires to be baptized so that when her son gets back, they can be sealed as a family.  As far as the other investigators go, everything has basically fell.  It is a mix of peoples agency and our lack of time due to our travels but we accept the trial and are ready to do our best this week and leave the rest at the feet of our Savior.  We received a great reboost of strength this Sunday when the bishop called us into his office, telling us he needed to give us something.  When we went in, we knew what it was.  When we had the conference with Elder Zivic, he challenged us to ask priesthood blessings from our bishops to receive extra strength and help the bishop feel more committed to helping us.  Well, with our busy schedule we totoally forgot about the challenge and our bishop beat us to it!  He gave us beautiful blessings that will help us continue forward.  My small thought today is about divine and inspired desires.  I simply know that our desires, if righteous, will always be fulfilled if we work to acheive them.  For example, the three nephites worked, worked, and worked, and when they were done, they asked the Savior for more work and that is why their desires were fulfilled to bring many souls to Christ (3 Nephi 28:29).  I am so grateful for the time that has been given to me to preach the Gospel 24/7.  Due to that charge the Savior has given to me, I invite all to experience the sweet redeeming love that Christ offers through His Gospel.  I promise you happiness and peace as you do so.  Love you all!!!

Elder Stutz