Seek the kingdom of God

Hello, my name is Elder Pilling and I am serving in the great California Ventura Mission. In this mission we are consecrated servants of Jesus Christ

We show our love to God by obedience and hard work, 

We teach with power as the Saviour taught

We hasten His work by finding solutions 

and inspired by love, we bring souls to Christ. 

This week was a gooder. We went back to SLO for zone Conference on Tuesday, then Santa Barbara on Wednesday, and then Camarillo Thursday. And it was Elder Drury's bday on Thursday he turned 22:) we celebrated by going out to Woodranch. I am now broke hahaha 

Wednesday night was a highlight for sure. We had 1 hour to proselyte from 8-9 and we had a lesson with Jonathan. One of the best on my mission and the best part was it was so simple! We started by asking how his prayers have been going and he said, "They weren't what I was looking for".  We taught him about the importance to humbly kneel and ASK God. To find a quiet place and really open up our hearts. He felt he really needs a quiet place because he gets distracted easily. After we taught him the process of prayer we read where he was at in The Book Of Mormon. Which was Jacob 2. We read and emphasized vs 18:

18 But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God.

He is a hard working man who just really tries to help everyone. It really touched his and our hearts to see that God is first above all. "It's not about you, its about Jesus"

We asked him to close with prayer, which he had yet to do. He prayed vocally and people, it was one of the most humble and simple prayer said. It must have been similar to Joseph Smith's. After he prayed he started to weep. He was feeling the spirit of the Lord touch his heart that this was a good gospel and one that would bless his life forever. We said as he weeped, "Johnny we are going to leave now, you keep praying, we love you and we will see you soon." He just replied "Love yah Elders". I know the spirit was working on him and I was so anxious to see how that experience helped him out. The follow up lesson was equally good. He relayed to us that he continued to pray and he felt this powerful feeling. He knew without  a doubt it was from God. We taught about repentance and he said, "My goal here is to be baptized and become like Jesus". He understands this all so well. Truly we can all be like Johnny. Repenting daily and seeking for spiritual experiences in our life. God be thanked! 

Busy week ahead of us. It shall be good! Love you all. If you don't have a testimony read Joseph Smith history 1:7-14. Follow the example of Joseph Smith and read the scriptures, then pray and ask God. He will deliver upon faith on His name. 

Adios,

Elder P

3301 W Gonzales Rd, 
Oxnard CA  93036