To the missionaries of the Great Texas Houston Mission,
I wish each of you could have had the opportunity that I've had to read all of your reports this week. As you have become more focused on your purpose and have committed to be bold in trying to extend baptismal invitations daily, remarkable miracles have happened and they've happened throughout the mission in incredible numbers! So many of you have found people who are so prepared that it's almost as if they've been waiting for you. That's not coincidental.
As I've read your letters this week my mind has turned to Joseph Smith's prophetic statement from Liberty Jail when he said:
"For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." (D&C 123:12).
As Elder Corbridge mentioned when he was here, there are many in the "gray" area who, while they may not be actively looking, will respond to truth when and if it is presented to them accompanied by the power of God. We are seeing it!
We have been so inspired by the faith of so many of you have are committed to teaching the restoration daily and inviting people to be baptized. Many are accepting.
One companionship in particular has been inviting someone to be baptized daily for two weeks. They now have more than 12 people committed to be baptized and who are progressing. They called Sister Mortensen yesterday because one of them came down with the stomach flu. Sister Mortensen told them they needed to stay in and rest in order to get better. They were disappointed. My first thought was, that's too bad; they've worked so hard to keep this streak alive. To my surprise, last night I received a text from them saying that because they were told to stay in, they started calling every former investigator from their area book. They got a hold of one of man who had quit progressing, taught him over the phone, invited him to be baptized and he accepted. Would this have happened if this companionship wasn't so committed to fulfilling their purpose? Obviously not.
May we all elevate our vision to the potential that lies within each of us to be able to lead the children of God to His message of hope and happiness and experience the fulfillment of Joseph Smith declaration when he declares,
"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."
We love you and we are honored to be serving with you in this great cause!
Love,
President and Sister Mortensen
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| Missionaries at a recent baptism |
And the Winner of the Special Zone Activity is.....
The Houston North Spanish Zone
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| Bocce Babes |
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| Touch Football |
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| Sand Volleyball |
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| Ultimate Frisbee |
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| We enjoyed the warm weather and playing outside together. Great job! |