This has been quite the week. Our whole apartment was sick basically all week. Except me :) But now I'm getting it.. :/

 

I got my companion Elder Gutierrez to come out with me in the mornings, but he only goes on bike. We race around our apartment complex, (him on bike, and me running). I beat him every time. I think he has a hernia.... hmmmm...

 

We went out to eat last week and had Culver's. That was good!!! Got a little trunky, but worth it for sure.

 

We have 5 or so new investigators! One couple who is older, maybe in their 70's. We got a referral for their son, but he moved to Mexico. They expressed their interest to learn with us, so we have been working with them. They are very nice and have a great desire to learn, but they haven't kept any committments.

 

Another family is great!! They took lessons from missionaries in the last place they lived, but haven't made the decision towards baptism for one reason or another. They are a very young family. In fact, Elder Gutierrez is older than them both. They have 3 kids and 1 on the way. Their oldest daughter has cancer, and they struggle with that quite a bit. They LOVE the way the gospel focuses on families. Their biggest problems are leaving bad habits behind. Coffee, which is one that has been affecting tons of members out here, alcohol, and smoking. I know they will be baptized at some point.

 

Our other new investigator is a 13 year old from Idaho. He is living with his grandma who is in our branch and helps the missionaries a lot. He had to come down here for his own safety, because his step dad was beating him. He has wanted to be baptized for a while now, and actually had a date with other missionaries in Idaho. Our first lesson, we set a date for this Saturday, the 25th!

 

Aaron is still progressing, but still pretty slow. They are expecting in the next week. I think he is scared of what his family will think of him. He's close though.

 

We did a lot of service this week! And helped with a few blessings. One lady we visited in the hospital had been basically in a coma. Not really, but hadn't woken up to anything for a long period of time. Her sister was there who isn't a member. She was pretty hesitant on letting us do it, but gave permission in the end. We gave the blessing, and within a minute, she woke up with a smile on her face and thanked us for helping her feel the Lord's love. Very cool!

 

Last thing I want to mention. I had been pretty scared to talk to people on the streets for the first few months in Arizona. People aren't very friendly here, if ya didn't know that. Most are homeless, drunk, or gay. (No offense if you fall into one of these categories). During a Zone Training Meeting we had, we were brought across the scripture Doctrine and Covenants, section 60, verses 2 and 3. That changed my entire way of thinking and actually scared me a little. Point is, I now have no fear in the people we talk to, but only in not opening my mouth.

 

I have one request for you if you aren't already doing it. Please pray for all those who are investigating the church. Every prayer helps.

 

PS. we found out that our former investigator Blanca and one of her daughters will be baptized this Saturday. We both will be doing baptisms between the three we have this weekend. Wish us luck! ;)

 

Elder Pilkington