Week 85 – Happy Canada Day!

I can't believe it, time has been flying by and the weeks are getting shorter and shorter. Not sure what to do about that though, so I just keep the head down and plow through! We have had some really neat experiences lately. As of late, we have really been looking for that understanding of how we can really internalize our purpose, and by doing so how we can truly be purpose driven to find those that need to feel of our Savior's Atonement into their lives. There are two stories I feel impressed to share!

First was with Sister Santiago, she is a member returning to activity the last little while. We got in there and we really started to discuss what we do in our lives that hold us back from truly and fully partaking of the Atonement and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We had a really good discussion of what things hold her back in her life. But things led to another, scriptures really started to come to my mind about what she needs and my companion did the same. I absolutely love being able to testify, with absolute surety, that God loves us. That as a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father, we are entitled to blessings and experiences that we all desire in our lives. I love being able to then help them feel that love. Each time I get a glimpse of what it must be like for our Father. 

The next was just yesterday with Brother Tagabuan. He is such a good man. We shared our thoughts feelings about the Book of Mormon. He as well has not been able to attend church for a while now. As we got talking, he started opening to us about how he felt we were the answer to his prayers and he needed us there. That what we can bring to him was an absolute necessity in his life. But it made me think, regardless of our circumstance, there is always something we should be able to do, that is read from the scriptures and pray to our Father in Heaven, nobody can take those two blessings away from us except ourselves. He asked us to come over every week now and help him as he has been struggling spiritually. Well consider it done, even if it is a 30 minute drive! 

Do you remember the time I talked about a guy named Cedric? Well our bishop, Bishop Dorado, invited him over again and we had a nice get together this last weekend as well. We were able to get to know one another a lot better, and ended with a good message and discussion about the Book of Mormon. It is great to be working alongside the bishop while we move forward each and every day with him. He has a desire to learn, now we just have to do everything we can to give him those opportunities! 

Did some finding and teaching this week, the usual things. Things are coming around. I wish I had more of an update on Josephine. We taught her again this week and she is still accepting of the doctrine, I know she knows it is true. But she is just getting a real catch on some of the doctrines. Yes, membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is hard; we are required to give much, in fact all. We have so many tasks we may feel burdened with. But when we consider what we have been asked, and compare that to what our Savior went through to bring us the gift of salvation, I guess things don't seem so bad. Yes, we have to sacrifice, we must be obedient, but so did He. Salvation was not easy; neither should membership and activity in the only church that brings salvation and eternal life either.

I love you all! I'll talk to you soon! Oh and transfers call were today.. I am starting my 3rd to last transfer. Still up here with Elder Ustare... no surprise there! Should be good to finish off this training.

Love, Elder McFall

There are some real sights up in Chinatown.

The District