Learned a few things

This week Elder Pilling travels, teaches, and is taught. 

Tuesday we got up a little early and traveled to Santa Maria. We really do have a beautiful mission along the coast. And it's finally been sunny this week! You see, Oxnard is always over cast for some reason. Something to do with being right on the coast I guess hahaha can't complain.

I learned a few things this week. 

1. God cares very much about this work, so much so that His spirit testifies and confirms truth over and over and over for ALL His missionaries as long as they are worthy. We had zone Conferences and at each Conference the spirit was strong, and at each conference the spirit directed the teachers to teach what the missionaries needed. The Spirit is what formed the zone conferences to be what it needed to be.

2. President and Sister Nakken care very much about their missionaries. Of course I knew this before because I've witnessed it as they've ministered to me over the last 18 months, but it is so neat to see the effort and care that goes into each companionship.

3. The difference between God and man is that God knows how to love. Think about that. Love is a sign of selflessness, love is a sign of patience, love is a sign of obedience, love is so much more than I thought.

Here's what Elder Drury and I talked about at zone Conference: God will not be mocked, ignorance is not an excuse for disobedience, and the importance to qualify for the spirit.

As we break this down, we used thoughts from Elder Holland's words in 2011 entitled, "We Are All Enlisted" and a video based on it called, "Stay within the lines".  There is a need to be exactly Christ-like obedient. We cannot qualify for the miracles of baptism without the Christ-like characteristic of obedience. I would highly suggest you watch the video, "Stay Within the Lines".  Great power.

In terms of our work, it's been going so well! Here are the highlights:

First Jose. He's a major hunter, and he has a lot of trophy on his wall. He is a single guy in his late 30's who is anticipating more knowledge and a better lifestyle.

Next Jonathan.  He's so wonderful. Humble man that's for sure. Turns out he's been living in a member home for 22 years and has never met with the Elders. Only have had one lesson but it was so strong. I believe he will progress quickly to following the Saviour.

Oh my goodness I almost forgot. So the Pillings crushed it this week. Father Brad and brother Luke crushed it with provincial champ titles. And Elder P over here on the mish had a whirlwind of a lesson with Joel. We taught him about covenants, the word of wisdom, and God's overall love (he really likes love) and then we wrote on a napkin and committed him to be baptized on July 27th. That is Elder Goodman, and Elder Drury's last Saturday in the great California Ventura Mission. Our Bishop said, "I'm speechless"!  it was an exciting time and a big hurdle that we got over. He will need prayers tho.

That's all.  Oh and the Dyson is doing great. Cleaned all the filters and everything so she's ready.