It has been SO COLD here in Angola! We had our first snow already,
and some kind branch members have lent me an overcoat to use while I'm
here, since I was expecting to be in Brazil by now :)
We really did our best to teach as much as possible! There is
something worldwide for missionaries called "The Standard of Excellence"
which sets goals for how much we should be teaching/how many
investigators come to church etc. Angola in the past has been open,
then closed, then re-opened because of it's minimal growth, but Elder
Phillips and I are really trying to teach teach teach! One of our
Mission President's favorite quotes is, "There is no such thing as a dry
area. Just dry missionaries", so we're taking that to heart and doing
our best to fill our time meaningfully!
We had A BUNCH of appointments set up this week including a
chapel tour! We were so excited to teach these people that Heavenly
Father has prepared. BUT, SIX of them flaked! Last-minute literally 6
appointments cancelled on us! There are few things more frustrating
than planning for hours for specific people with specific needs, then
having them flake out last minute... We even made breakfast and took it
over to an investigator to get them to church on time. Didn't work out
haha... Satan is really trying to slow down progression here... We are
NOT getting discouraged though! We were able to stay busy, and make
some more solid return appointments, and most importantly, TEACH
people! We're trying to do some more less-active work and a lot of
finding.
On a brighter note, we got C___ on date for baptism for November
23rd! He's shown a higher commitment level and desire to make
appropriate changes in his life, so we're meeting with him twice/week
and helping him overcome a few things. Twink wanted us to come by, so we
did, but she was sick, so we left her with a Book of Mormon, and a
Finding Faith in Christ DVD. We'll be going back later to check in.
We had the car this week (we share with another set of Elders) so
we got out to the outskirts of our area some! It was really fun!
There's a lot of "Hoosier" pride in Indiana, but no one can really tell
us what a "hoosier" is.... They all say the word "wash" pronounced like
"worsh" which always makes me laugh. I FINALLY FOUND A COMPUTER THAT
WILL UPLOAD PICTURES, so I'll send some pictures of Angola and the
country. It's really pretty!
When you're not out trying to contact and teach people as a
missionary, you're either asleep or you're studying. We get the
privilege of studying a lot which has proved to be a precious gift.
What really stuck out to me in my personal studies was Alma 37:45-46:
45 And now I say, is there not a type
in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our
fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words
of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of
sorrow into a far better land of promise.
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
The way to eternal life is PREPARED for us. It is so simple. All
we have to do is keep the commandments, and listen to our Heavenly
Father's loving guidance. The scriptures, especially the Book of
Mormon, are for us in our day. Just as the Liahona guided Lehi and his
family through the wilderness, the scriptures are our guide and compass
in our time. They lay out so clearly for us the way to return to our
Father in Heaven. Time and time again we are presented with examples of
faithful obedience that lead to prosperous times and joy, juxtaposed
with examples of pride and turmoil and despair. The difference?
Keeping the simple commandments that Heavenly Father has given us for
our HAPPINESS. It's all there for us to see. It is laid out and
prepared. Just as it says in Alma, the way is "easy".
I have such testimony that the way truly is prepared for all of
God's children. It is simple. Heavenly Father designed His plan for us
to succeed. I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to share with
others my testimony of the Gospel and show them how the way has been
"...prepared for them".
There is so much joy and happiness in following the commandments
and emulating Christ. I love you all so very, very much! Let us all
press on, and remember that the way is indeed prepared for us, and that
we have been given the tools we need to succeed!
Love always,
Elder Jason Allred
Elder Jason Allred
PICTURES:
1. The back of our apartment... Looks a little sketch, right? I love it!
2. The heart of Angola (right outside our apartment)
3. CORN!
4. A view of city center at night (you can kind of see our apartment's front)
5. More corn! The trees are pretty, too. This is where we are most of the time!
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