Miracles

Elder Burgos came to this mission from the Dominican Republic.  His parents are divorced and his records indicate both are nonmembers and to not contact them.  He is a sweet missionary, and his time to return home is nearing.  Since he came on his mission, his mother has moved to Philadelphia.  It has been decided that Elder Burgos will not go back to the Dominican Republic, but will go to Philadelphia.  President Castro was able to determine who the stake president will be and made a call to him.  He left a message.  The stake president returned the call and during the conversation the two learned that they had served together and even lived in the same apartment together on their missions.  This stake president was, in fact, a zone leader to President Castro.  How amazing is that!  This world is truly small - especially when you are a member of the Church!  You can be sure that Elder Burgos will be in good hands when he goes to Philadelphia!

The Great California Ventura Mission set a goal the beginning of this month to have 50 baptisms.  That's huge. Each week we have seen the numbers grow.  With one week to go, we were still 15 short.  Well, here is a part of President Castro's email to the missionaries on Monday. 

"Dear Elders and Sisters,  Sister Castro, Samuel, Hannah and I had the privilege of attending the baptismal service of Joseph, Susan, and their daughter Missy [I've changed the names] at ___ in Newbury Park on Sunday, June 30th.  The baptism and confirmation of this wonderful family took place in the evening hours of the last day of the month, and they became the 48th, 49th, and 50th worthy converts to join the Church within our mission during the month of June.  It was a simple, beautiful, and well-attended baptismal service.  When the service concluded, we were filled with reverence and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for 'granting unto [our mission] according to the desire of our hearts [baptismal goal]' (Alma 29:4).  As we met the baptismal goal for June with His divine assistance, we felt honored and humbled to witness what we could originally behold only 'with an eye of faith' (Alma 32:40) at the beginning of the month.  Now we could notice and more fully recognize 'the evidence of things not seen' (Hebrews 11:1).  My joy was full.

". . . We know that we truly live in a day of miracles.  It has been reaffirmed to us that 'with God nothing [is] impossible' (Luke 1:37).  Let us thank our Heavenly Father for His intervention in our behalf."

As I was able to view the baptism pictures for the month, it was wonderful to see several families come into the Church together.  The Lord is blessing the missionaries in this area with great success.

I love serving here!  I love seeing the hand of the Lord in the work!