The Lord is Raining Down Miracles

Hey!

I don't know what happened! This week has been incredible. The Lord is truly blessing the mission right now! We are hearing miracles stories left and right and we are feeling it as well in our own efforts. This week we were on exchanges for 3 of the 6 days. We went up to Wenatchee to go on exchanges with Elder Haws and Elder Spackman, the Zone Leaders. Also, Elder Smith my recent companion lives up there in the same apartment so that was awesome as well. Anyways, the exchange that we were able to go on was incredible. We were out contacting potentials which eventually lead to some tracking like usual. We were lead to this house that was in the middle of this orchard, had a long driveway, and looked pretty homey. Just comfy you know. So we knock and this big bald guy comes outside and I was a little scared, I've got to admit. It is kind of like Jason but without his soft side. But luckily that day i did my push ups from me saying a filler word. Quick note: Every time I say "OH YEAH?!" I have to do 25 push ups and I'm getting in a little shape. So as we got to know Rex my fear subsided. As we continued to talk a little bit he expressed that he wasn't interested. But as we continued to ask him questions, being genuinely interested in him and his life he began to open up about who he is and what he believed. He felt something. Maybe safety, peace, comfort, that allowed him to be open to having us. He felt the spirit or the Light of Christ. Telling him that this is good. Or pay attention, either one. As we shared the restoration with him he was glued to what we were saying. Adding his input and loving every bit of it. As we shared the story of Joseph Smith and also the book of Mormon, we gave him a book and he held that book like it was a newly born baby. It was so powerful to see that as he pondered about the message we shared and the possibilities that would follow. After we left him with a prayer that day, he changed. From not wanting to talk further to having us back this Tuesday. I love what it talks about in Mosiah 5:2. It mentions these people that were listening to King Benjamin and he gave his final sermon. It states: 

"2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

As the words were able to sink deep into his heart he changed. Large or small the words changed him into something better than before.

I feel like this email is never going to end because of all the miracles that have been happening! 

A quick one until next week. Rocky Marquartz is planning on being baptized this upcoming Saturday. He had his interview this past weekend and he is all ready to go. Every time we go over to see him I can't help but think of my dad. Saying to myself, "This is probably who my dad would be if he hadn't had the gospel." And then in Rocky's case, the progression and change that will come into his life will be electric. The Lord has plans for Rocky as he continues to be faithful and I can't wait to see where he ends up. This Saturday is going to be an incredible day here in Yakima. The Lord is Raining Down Miracles!

Love,

E. Archibald