Good Week Woohoo!

This week went pretty well! We had a lesson after writing home last Monday with some new investigators who have been previously to church. We invited them to be baptized for September 23, which they accepted, but they didn't make it to church yesterday. It is a little hard though, because its about an hour bus ride, the chapel right now is far away, because the one we usually attend is being remodeled, but it's all good. We had 3 investigators in church yesterday.

On Tuesday, we had divisions with the assistants, and it went VERY well. Elder Marshall came with me to Pradera for 24 hours. We ate with released Temple Presidents of Tuxla Gutierrez. We ate very well, and we had a very spiritual message with them. Normally we share a scripture with the families after eating, but I had the thought to have each one of us share our testimonies. Both of theirs were very powerful, I got a couple tears in my eyes. But the divisions went super well, we felt the spirit, we contacted 50 people, worked hard and enjoyed ourselves!

The area is progressing. I'm sure we're going to baptize this change, we've got 4 more weeks, and we're going to focus a bit more on the investigators we have right now. We have one that we found the first week, Juan Manuel. He's progressing very well, and he came with us to church yesterday, all ready! And he absolutely loved it. It honestly fills my soul up with so much joy. Being able to preach the gospel to my very own brothers and sisters and see their progress is so pleasing.

I love you all and truly hope you have a wonderful week!!! EXITO!!!

Love,

Elder Russon

First Week in Padera

The Ward seems like it's a good Ward, they're friendly members, with some great families who love us a lot. However, this week was rather difficult as far as the missionary work goes. I've only met about 3 of the 20 investigators we have, because some are on vacation, and others have not been available. But we were able to find 4 new investigators and strengthen a recent convert family who are amazing converts. They were baptized 2’3 months ago, and they've given us lots of food just in one week.

So majority of the week was spent walking under the blistering sun trying to find anyone to teach, we contacted several people in the Street and knocked tons of doors. I got a bit sun burnt and let me tell ya, it ain't easy to go day by day without a real set appointment to visit, lots of time outside on your feet walking around. But it's all good, Elder Reyes and I both want to baptize a lot, 6 this change, so I know something good Will happen. They've recently baptized several in the área, but we need to find several new investigators to be able to baptize more. Things are going well, Reyes and I get along quite well, and the zone seems to be improving right along.

Love,

Elder Russon

Changes to Pradera!

Well, we got the changes last Saturday night at 8. I was a little nervous that I might go all the way to Irapauto, but I didn't. I got changed here close in Queretaro. I'm now in the ward Pradera as zone leader with Elder Reyes, a very good elder almost about to finish. He finishes in December, and I finish in March, crazy stuff, haha!

My last week in the beloved ward of Colinas went very well. We finished bringing 10 investigators to church, which was a record for me, it was so awesome. The ward and the work there is really progressing. It was a little hard to leave the area, one of the investigators named Carlos didn't want me to leave at all. I told him I was leaving tomorrow, and he was shocked telling me that I need to speak with who ever was in charge and tell them to have me stay with Elder Leon. He doesn't want to accept anyone else to visit him. But I explained to him how it works, and I hope he likes the new elder well, Elder Rubio - which I'm sure he will.

The mission is going very well. I'm pumped to work hard this change with Elder Reyes, get to know the people and work well with them. We already put the goal to baptize 6 this change. I know I'm gonna learn a lot this change with Elder Reyes, I'm excited!!!

I wish you ALL a great week!!!

Love,

Elder Russon

Gold Investigator

On Sunday, a member brought his friend to church, Carlos, who enjoyed the church services very well! We met with Carlos on Tuesday and invited him to baptism for August 19, which he accepted. I also gave him Alma 5 which is a long chapter in the BOM to read, which he read the whole thing that very night. On Thursday, we taught him the Restoration, which he understood well, and we decided that he is progressing very well, so we invited him to be baptized August 12, which is this very upcoming Saturday. There's a chance that if all goes well he'll be baptized. We're gonna meet with him tonight in the chapel. He’s already friends with the bishop and various leaders in the ward, which really goes to show how important the work of members is! It’s so awesome to be apart of this great work!

Other than that, the missionary work is really starting to pick up in the ward here, and the members are starting to notice! We also had a super Viernes activity on Friday for investigators and members to get to know each other and make friends. We brought about 7 investigators, and played several game of basketball with all of us, and it turned out very well!

Things are going well. The end of this week are changes again, and this time it’s probably my turn to leave the area. I’ve been here since the beginning of March, so well see what happens! The mission is going quite well, love you all!

Love,

Elder Russon