Hungry!

 

Yes, hungry. No, not food-wise- we had 6 dinners at members' houses this week- but hungry for the elected souls that Heavenly Father is preparing for us. We know they are in our area- the ones who will keep their commitments, who will come to church, who want to know the truth. Yes, our area is in a bit of a slump, as far as progressing investigators go, but Sister Baluyot and I are working like crazy to stir up referrals and find the elect! We spent quite a bit of time in members' homes this week, building them, encouraging them, and teaching them about their responsibilities as member missionaries. We earned quite a few referrals and a lot of appointments this week where the members will be working with us, so it's going to be a great week! :)

We have one super golden, really progressing investigator, Brother Roger. BUT.... he's leaving. He's going on vacation in Davao. For a month. booo. But it's okay. We know Heavenly Father has a plan for him and he will be baptized in His time. Brother Roger's wife is a recent convert and he has such a strong desire to be baptized too. He is in his 60's and has an amazing testimony! One of the coolest things about him is that he wants to do missionary work with us and he's not even baptized yet! We were asking him if he knew a referral that we received and he requested to come with us to the lesson! This is clear evidence that he's being converted. At the lesson with the referral, he gave the opening prayer and was just beaming afterwards. He is an adorable man. Sorry if that's a weird thing to say about an investigator, but he is just such a sweet guy. 

We have a less-active family in our area that really struggles. Brother Canlas is in a wheelchair from a stroke, the kids are always drunk and don't help out at home and the Canlas's grandkids really struggle in their situation. All of their financial and family problems fall on the shoulders of Sister Canlas and it shows. She always seems so worn down and looks as if the weight of the world is on her back. Sister Baluyot and I made a goal to find someone to serve this week and then on Friday we taught the Canlas Family. Sister C started crying during the lesson and we paused, trying to think of a way we could help them. And then my dear, wonderful inspired companion came up with the idea to give Sister C the day off. So on Friday, (her birthday!) we'll go to their house and do the cooking and cleaning while she takes a break. The look that came over her eyes when we told her that was amazing. There was a literal change in her posture and her tears changed from ones of sorrow to tears of gratitude. All she needed was someone to let her know they care and recognize her sacrifices for her family. I know Heavenly Father knows each of us and what we need, but often uses others to answer our prayers. Pray every day to be the answer to someone else's prayers and then look for the opportunities He will place in your path!

So we have a really busy week ahead: We need to plan a service project at the Canlas house, attend our tri-zone meeting all day on Wednesday, plan our branch missionary fireside for Friday and continue to find and teach and rescue and become. It's going to be a great week because every week is a great week in the mission, because the Atonement is real and the Gospel is true. 

I love you all!

Sister Gustafson :)

 

 We had lunch at a little place that sells Filipino-style shwarma

 with sisters Roberts and Kinikini :) masarap!