Jacob - July 17, 2017

Hey Family, so for this week, i'm not too sure what to write about. It
was a good week, we definitely are working hard, but we aren't seeing
a ton of results from the labors we are putting in. Not sure if we are
just using the wrong tools or maybe not using our tools right. We
don't have a ton of people we are teaching. The people we are trying
to work with are pretty mas o menos too. Doesn't seem like many people
are willing to put in the work, to commit. So we will see what happens
with them as we try to follow up with them. I'm going to be reading in
chapter 9 to think of some more ideas to find the people that are
willing to listen to us. We have an activity coming up this Friday (if
all goes well), we are going to have food at the church and lots of
small "minute to win it" sort of games. I'm sort of skeptical on it,
because there has been zero announcements for it. I think chances are
it'll be moved to another day in these following weeks. Something good
that is going on is that we are developing more relationships with the
members in our area. We have been able to visit a few of them and so
that's going well. We are also working with the young men and women
too. We have plans to take one of them out tonight and to do some
follow up/finding in a neighborhood close to them. hopefully that goes
well. Something, sort of random, but I figure you all like it when i
write more, regardless of what I have to say. Anyways i've been
teaching about faith in the "how to begin teaching" with the people
that we meet with. Such a big difference. I feel like the sooner we
understand that Faith is a principle of action and power, the more
quicker we are to understand the need for obedience and commitment. It
is through our actions and obedience that our faith increases. Faith
in the bible dictionary says that it is a trust in something or
someone. Faith can be in many things, but Faith in Christ is the only
Absolute Assurance, nothing else can bring greater peace, joy and hope
that He can provide. I feel like the sooner we understand faith, the
clearer our purpose becomes. After all, faith is the first principle
of the gospel. I like to think of it as the "motivator," the reason
why we act. That was kind of a rant, but i've noticed a difference of
understanding between us and missionaries and the people we teach as
I've mentioned this precious principle. People have come to understand
out purpose far greater than I have noticed at any other time in my
mission. I guess some lessons are learned later than sooner, but
nonetheless, I'm grateful for them. But just want you to all know that
I love you. Hope all is well in all that you do. You are always in my
prayers.

Elder Baer