Miracles

My Week,

This last week has been full of miracles! We taught Freddy and Anna, the less active member that just showed up to church with his girlfriend. We didn't know they were planning on feeding us, so we ate dinner at our apartment and went over to teach them. A few of the kids were eating when we got there, and we just assumed they were just finishing up. Nope! They sat us down and once we realized the food was for us, Elder Duke looked at me and gave me this panicked look, like he had no idea what we were going to do, but they gave us some of the best creamy chicken we have ever had, and although we were very stuffed, taught them about the restoration of the gospel and the lesson went very well.

Then, do you remember Martha? The lady that came running out of her house at the car accident? She and her husband James came to church yesterday! The Lord certainly had a hand in them getting to church, because that was the first time in a very long time James has had a Sunday off, and they were able to make it.

I have to say, Andrew Lucio, the man that joined the church a few months ago, and whose wife joined last week, is an all-star! He helped us a ton with one of our investigators who was kind of struggling this week. Daniel (14) had, after coming to church once decided he didn't want to participate in the lessons anymore, or come to church. He felt he had everything he needed in life, and that he didn't really see the need for God's help. Andrew was a little disheartened by this and when we went over to teach Daniel's siblings, Jade, Miles and Jordan, Andrew took Daniel back into his bedroom and had a heart to heart talk with him while we taught the others. We aren't really sure what was said back in that room, but Daniel was at church and SMILING on Sunday. Miracles DO happen!

Then, yesterday's miracles were teaching John, Leanne, and dinner with the Allen family. John and Leanne are so prepared. The Spanish elders, Elders Hansen and Willman tracted into them and told us to go by. Now these people are truly humble! They were like open books waiting for us to impart knowledge upon them. That was amazing to see how they welcomed everything we said. The Spirit was very strong in that lesson, and it was quite humbling for me to see such spiritually prepared people.

Then, at the Allen's home, first off, I have to say Brother Allen is one of my favorite members. we shared with them a little bit about the Liahona and how to be confident in missionary work, and even before we were able to leave a specific commitment, Brother Allen piped up and said "let's do it, let's find a family for the elders to teach!" He then told us that during their family home evening they would pray as a family and pick out a day for us to block out some time in our planner, and then they would pray and fast to fill that time slot with a family. TALK ABOUT FAITH! Brother Allen is such an example to me and I have learned a lot about the work from him. He has such a strong root in the gospel and he is really excited about blessing his friends with the knowledge of the restoration. He has definitely got a firm understanding of what all this is about.

This last week has just been amazing, and there are so many great things that have happened. Elder Duke and I are having great success, and I owe it to all the thoughts and prayers of those of you wonderful people supporting me. I love and thank you all!

Elder Riley Layton