MAR_11_19_GROUP_TOW

 HELLO everyone!

Boy, do I have a weekly email for you! Are you sitting comfortably? Got enough to eat? Used the bathroom? You're going to want to be spiritually and physically prepared for this one. 

Guys. This was one of the best weeks of my life. Of my LIFE. Not just my mission. I have felt the Spirit stronger in these past few days than I ever have before it's an indescribable feeling. But I'll try anyways.

I just feel... Good. I feel HAPPY. I feel joyful. Enlightened. Whole. It's an amazing feeling. 

It all started with Zone Conference on Wednesday. I felt spiritually filled, something I really needed. The Spirit was definitely there in that meeting. During Zone Conference, we as a mission resolved to just BE BETTER. Be fully obedient. To make sacrifices. To sacrifice something we enjoy for something SO MUCH BETTER. 

Elder Seeley and I resolved to do just that. Now, I like to consider myself a fairly Obedient missionary. But like everyone, I have weaknesses. Elder Seeley and I determined to make those weaknesses out strengths. We cut out the "flaxen chords" from our lives. 

Then, the windows of Heaven opened. 

You may remember me talking about Bill. Elder Foster and I have been teaching him for months. Since Elder Seeley came, we have continued to teach him. He was progressing, ever so slowly, but progressing. 

We had a lesson with him on Thursday that changed my life. Allow me to share an excerpt from my journal on that day:

"We taught Bill today through video chat. We taught him the 10 Commandments, and it couldn't have gone any better. The Spirit was definitely there. We talked about the Sacrament in conjunction with the Sabbath Day. We told him what it was, why it's important, etc. As I was testifying, he said, "I'm getting that feeling again. Those goosebumps." 

    BAM. He's recognizing the Spirit! Again. YASSSSS! 

    Then, at the end of the LESSON, Elder Seeley shares Doctrine and Covenants 6:22-24 with him (Elder Foster you'll recognize this verse). This is the scripture that talks about Oliver Cowdery, and the Lord telling him about the witness he's already received. Instantly, the Spirit fills the room. In a way I've never felt it before. We are silent for a second, then Bill tells us that he can feel the Spirit and he started tearing up. He starts bearing his testimony that he Loves God and Knows God loves him.

   Then Elder Seeley unleashes the boldness. He points out that he can feel feel the Spirit, and that Bill can. He asks Bill if he knows the church is true. Bill says yes.

   Then, I get the most amazing feeling I've ever felt in my life. I feel SO GOOD. I feel so HAPPY. I start crying. I start shaking. Never have I ever felt this to this degree. Elder Seeley and I were there to witness Bill recieving his testimony of the Book of Mormon. We were THERE. We saw the Spirit working on him. It was so powerful and is something I will never forget. "

Bill is now on Baptismal Date for April 27th. He is progressing like mad. He is bearing testimony to US during lessons, rather than the other way around. It's like a completely different person. 

Brothers and Sisters, I know that this church is true. I KNOW that now. Not believe. KNOW. I have no doubt in my mind. The Spirit has spoken it to my mind, and I cannot deny it. 

Other miracles have been wrought this week as well. Donald, Mason, and Cereneti, as well as Don's girlfriend ALL came to mutual on Wednesday and church yesterday. We are planning on putting them on Baptismal Date on Thursday when we see them again! Don, who initially had no interest in learning now wants to be taught. MIRACLE. 

Stu, who we've been meeting with for a while, is praying, reading the scriptures, and FASTING today to know if the Book of Mormon is true. He wants it to be true so badly. He wants God in his life, in the lives of his children. Elder Seeley and I will be meeting eith him tonight to conclude our fast and see what his experience was. His faith is sufficient. I have no doubt in my mind that he will recieve his answer.

Elder Foster and I worked SO HARD while we were together. We tracted nearly every day. We got pretty good at our door approaches. 

Stu, Bill, Mason, Cereneti, and Donald were ALL found through tracting. I know that there are people prepared in our areas, all around us, for the gospel. We just need to be actively looking for them, and bold and courageous enough to share what we know to be true. 

I love each of you! Thanks for being troopers and reading this email! Until next week! 

Elder Jake Gonzales

P. S. While I was in Lewisberry over a year ago, I had the privilege of teaching two young girls, Alyssa and Ariel. We were focusing on them, but the father, Charlie was listening in on the lessons and occasionally participating. On Saturday, March 9, Charlie was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Lattter Day Saints. His wife, and my dear friend, sent me pictures of his baptism. The Lord is hastening his work. My joy is full. 

1) Don, Mason, Cereneti, and Bri at CHURCH. 

2) Tender mercies, amiright? 

3)chuuubbbyyy cheeeeks

4) Charlie's baptism! 

5) Charlie LaFountain's family, one of my favorite families in the world.