Elder Jonathan Engle 02/25/2014 11:51 Short 'n' Sweet

Elder Jonathan Engle 02/25/2014 11:51

Short 'n' Sweet

Dear People of Earth,

A few weeks ago I mentioned spraining my wrist (I believe I mentioned it...) when I fell off my bike ('twas graceful indeed). I'm currently typing with a wonderful brace on my right wrist, so I'll keep it brief.

When we first arrived in this area, we had one investigator that one of the sisters continued to teach, so we had none that we could teach. Now we have nearly twenty. Something very inspirational to me is that every time our plans fall through, my companion and I say a prayer asking to know what is God's will for us at that time. Without fail, every single time we are guided in some small way to bring about great things. We've found so many people that are prepared for our message when all our plans cancel on us. It's humbling to know that this is truly His work.

This week's message that has resonated with me is found in Alma 26, the entire chapter. The Lord counsels them to suffer patiently through their afflictions in order to see success. Every time they waver, they are counseled to have patience. After having much patience, Alma 26 is them glorying in God. I love the example of Ammon and will gladly echo his praise and joy to God.

I will boast in my God forever. It is through Him that we do this work and can do all things. I love this work. It's Him that we serve and follow. Alma 26:12 stands forever strong: "Yea, I know that I am ^anothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will ^bnot boast of myself, but I will ^cboast of my God, for in his ^dstrength I can do all ^ethings; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."

A mission isn't easy, but if you're doing all you can, then it's always worth it. Life is hard, but the Gospel is easy.

Love,

Elder Engle

Elder Jonathan Engle 2/18/2014 Diligence pays off in two ways.

Elder Jonathan Engle 2/18/2014

Diligence pays off in two ways.

Dear World,

Story #1: We met a golden investigator a few weeks ago. He's extremely muscular and very prepared for the Gospel. Just as things started to roll with him, he was arrested for 5 traffic violations he hadn't ever paid in an old town. Now he's going to lose everything, including his chance to listen to receive the Restored Gospel, for now. It's sad to see him losing so much, but I hope that missionaries will find him again after he's gone through his next refiner's fire.

Story #2: This week our area's exploded. Abbreviated miracle story time: We had awesome plans for Tuesday nights. Two great set appointments were lined up. About five minutes before the first one, they both canceled. As we pondered what to do, we immediately knew where we needed to go. We went to the home we had been prompted to. In our very first lesson with these two wonderful people, they both committed to baptismal dates for April 12th. The entire lesson was inspired.

It's been a miraculous time here in Albuquerque. There have been many challenges and it's been HARD WORK, but I'm actually kind of afraid to go to Brazil right now. If I leave too soon, I'm going to miss all the amazing people here in this area and all the amazing things that are happening. So many people have been prepared to receive the Gospel here. We are humble instruments in the Lord's hands here in the Academy Heights North area.

I love you all wish you best of luck in all your endeavors.

Love,

Elder Engle

Elder Jonathan Engle 2/11/2014 11:57 Albuquerque with the Watermelon Mountains

Elder Jonathan Engle 2/11/2014 11:57

Albuquerque with the Watermelon Mountains

Dear World,

This has been a miraculous week in our area. What was once a nearly-dead area is turning into a plentiful spring of appointments and kind people to visit and love. We've seen so many miracles.

Funny story:

Being in a bike area, we get a lot more tired by the end of the day. Last week, I was so exhausted from one of our first few days of biking. When we were pulling up the curb at our apartment complex, I was so tired that my brain just kind of shut off. I hit the curb and flopped on the ground, actually spraining my right wrist (I'm really good at that). That definitely woke me up and I complained about how stupid it was. In reflection, it's kind of hilarious.

Spiritual stuff:

Yesterday we had the most focused and well-planned weekly planning session of my mission. We filled up a lot of our calendar. The Spirit helped us to focus as a companionship. Also, we had four lessons yesterday. Each of them was very spiritual and really helped people to progress. We picked up three new investigators, all of them part-member families. It's exciting to be able to complete families in their knowledge of the truth.

This Saturday we have a baptism coming up for Mi'-me. The past sisters before us have done essentially all the work, but we're glad to be humble onlookers as we see more and more miracles in our area given to us from our Father in Heaven.

Lately in my study I've been learning more about the early history of the Church. I feel the testimonies of those heroic saints as they gave so much to have the truth. I'm humbled to be able to carry on the legacy.

Love,

Elder Engle