It's a matter of faith

Today and tomorrow is a mission wide fast, to bring more of the Lord's children to a knowledge of the church.  As I read the scripture (Священное Писание) I think if Isreal's constant warnings to be stay focused on the Lord, to be obedient and care for one another.

It amazing the same excuses/complaints/feelings are world wide: I have asked my neighbors and they are not interested. or You are the missionaires and you just expect us to do your work for you.

or from the missionaries:

 

No one in the branch wants to have lessons in their home

      (or is that just that they don't bother to ask them to have in their home cuz it's easier at the church?)

How do you expect us to find people when the members won't give us referrals?

Everyone I approach tells me no they are not interested.

Why do we need a number goal of baptism we are doing our best.

Or from inactives themselves they  are a whole other quandry: "I am inactive" as if we should know what exactly not to say or to say to respect their "inactive status".

I am coming to an understanding we are nothing, it's all in the Lords' hands and it a training ground for us to have a prayer in our heart at all times to try to do the necessary right approach, example, or statement of interest. We are the ones that need to learn and the Lord will place them in our paths when we and/or they are ready.

Elder Cannon is so good about making friends with our neighbors, he calls them by names, laughs and speaks Russian to the best of his ability, which is very limited. But the look out for us, they smile and laugh at and with us, they greet us warmly and that is a small example of beginning missionary work. Someday when they are prepared they will remember our badges, our attempts at neighborly love and they hopefully will see the Lords countenance in our faces and the faces of our young missionaires as they come and go from our apartment.

It is babysteps, it is love and it is slower than molasses progress. Is it enough? I don't know, I'm still back on trying to have a prayer in my heart and be ready, just in case there is a humble person looking for the Lord.

Sometimes I love it here, sometimes it is hard. if nothing else I am learning I am not in charge of others attitude only my own. How come I have to keep learning that over and over again?

I hope as you fast tomorrow for whatever purpose, you will include a prayer for the DONETSK Ukraine Mission that we can find the Lord's prepared people and bring them closer to the Lord through baptism.