Hermana Sherman in Honduras: when we obey with exactness, we will see miracles.

We didnt have transfers! But we kind of already knew that. Hermana Munoz and I were so excited to finally be able to work in our area for most of the week and it turned out that the power went out 4 times, each time starting at 6:30 pm. Most of our important appointments are at night and when there isnt power, we immediately have to go home. which is a bummer so we had to cancel a lot of appointments. Maybe we didnt get everything we wanted done. but we didnt miss out on having miracles this week.

Derian had a set baptismal date for last Friday. We had his interview Wednesday with our District Leader, but something held him up. It just happened that the Zone Leaders passed by the church and they were able to give Derian his interview. During his baptismal interview, he felt like he needed to wait to be baptized and when he came out of his interview he was a different person. The other ZL took him and did another interview and when he came out Derian was a completely different person. We gave him space for a couple days so he could think about his decision to be baptized. Ever since the first time i met Derian, I honestly felt like we were pushing way too hard and the only reason he did things was because we wanted him to. This past Sunday, he ended up going to church on his own and his attitiude completely changed. I know it wasnt just a coincidence that the ZLs were passing by the church and our DL was held up, but that Heavenly Father wanted Derian to talk with Elders Larson and Montenegro.

While Hna Munoz was sick, I got to look through our entire area book. I was looking at the old investigators from past missionaries that they had dropped. I came across one man named Homer. He was taught everything already and kept saying how awesome he was and that he already had his baptismal interview, but didnt end up getting baptized. It didnt really explain why or anything so we put his name on a list to contact. It turns out Homer lives 2 houses down from us and passed his house probably 4 times, but he was never home. One day this past week, all of our appointments fell through so we felt like it would be a good idea to pass by Homers house one more time. We said a prayer asking to find someone prepared to hear the gospel on the way to his house. We called out in front of his house and he immediately ran out and greeted us. It turns out he grew up with the Bishop and used to be really active in the church, but there was a misunderstanding with a member. He told us about the experience when he received his answer that the Church was true. What a tender mercy to have found him! We now have been visiting him regularly and its been a major blessing.

I have a talk in Sacrament meeting Sunday and it was on Elder Zivics talk "Lets not take the wrong way" One part I really like is when he says,"It would be wonderful to have a desire deep in our hearts to keep the commandments without anyone constantly reminding us and to have a firm conviction that if we follow the right path, we will have the blessings promised in the scriptures."

This reminded me of a scripture in D&C 58: 26-29

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

29 But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.

This made me think of my attitude towards why i do the things i do. Am I obeying mission rules and commandments to the minimum? Or am I giving my whole heart, mind, strength and own free will. When we obey, we will see blessings, when we obey with exactness, we will see miracles. God has everything in the world except one thing...our will. Ive learned that life is easier when we give up our will to do the will of Heavenly Father. I am learning to put my complete trust in Him and when I do, everything seems to work out ok.

I love you all! And hope you have a great week!

Love,

Hermana Sherman