#67 信心 xìnxīn (Faith)

Hello everyone! Pretty average week here in Camarillo! Here is an update on those we are teaching!

 

 

The Martins: the Martins have been super hard to get in contact with and we think we may be smothering them a little bit, so we are going to back off this week in hopes that taking the pressure off will help them come back.

 

 

Jordan: We had maybe one of the best lessons ever on Friday night and we taught her the Plan of Salvation over the phone, the spirit was super strong and we were all teary eyed by the end of the lesson. We asked her if she had any questions and her response was the best she said "You two just answered every question ever". That made me laugh and it made me a whole lot more grateful for the knowledge that we have.

 

 

And now for the title of this week's email. While we were walking around the park on Friday we ran into our friend Barney, who we had invited to church but never showed up. We told him that we missed him at church and things kind of went downhill from there. I realized quickly that this man was just looking for a reason to argue with us and with religion in general. And he brought up some questions I had not considered before. It honestly and truthfully shook my foundation a little. I walked around the rest of the day feeling rather sick with these questions on my mind. Then I read a quote from Elder Holland that changed my day, my mission, and my life.

 

 

"Honestly and openly take your questions before God, but first and forever more fan the flame of your faith"

 

 

This quote pierced my soul, much like I am sure Joseph Smith felt when he read James 1:5. And had me realizing I don't have to know the answers to every question, I don't have to know the insides, outsides and every square inch of doctrine. All I need to know is that I believe. Much like the stripling warriors who said "We do not doubt, our Mothers knew it" (Alma 56:48).

 

 

I would like to make something clear before you all and before God. I know this church is true. I know our savior lives. I know that we are led by a prophet of God and I know that I believe.

 

 

Funny story for the week: This week we were about to start our street contact, as we sat in the car we watched two little brothers fighting, then the older (I assume) reached down his brother's pants and gave him the largest wedgie I have ever seen in my life. It was rather impressive. Anyway, we sat in the car laughing our heads off for about 10 minutes.

 

 

You all are the best

 

 

Pictures!

1. Our lamp friend, Li Hua

2. Our halloween cake (It was all we had)