How to go about this... - 6/23/14

Hmmmm........I think that there are not really many ways to describe this week except that it was exceedingly hard. First things just happened where investigators have been dropping us, and frustrations have been risen due to things in the ward. BUT! The baptism on Saturday was Awesome! Malie asked if I would do her baptism which was way cool. Elder Huata and Morley were able to do a couple from their branch, but sadly since Marsaline and Lucy have to meet with President Jacko before their baptism... They aren't getting baptized till July 5th. So Elder Midgley wasn't able to do one, but he was still gung ho and awesome about the entire thing. On Sunday Malie was confirmed, which was awesome....And then it just climaxed into probably one of the hardest moments that I have had on my mission. We found out that some of the recent converts and others that are planning on getting the Melchizedek priesthood when President Adams comes may have problems with the word of wisdom. On top of that we may have some of the leadership right now in our branch might also have problems with the word of wisdom.

When we found out this information....It just hurt a lot.... These people that we love so dearly, and did baptism interviews with them....might have just lied their way through, and come to church just because it's the thing to do in Madagascar. So we felt betrayed, hurt, discouraged, and most of all we were confronted with something that seemed to be bigger than any mountain I have ever climbed here. It seemed almost impossible to overcome.....so WHAT DID WE DO!? We did the only thing we could do and prayed. Each of us talking to our Heavenly Father about how we are feeling and about the problems that we faced. We don't know exactly what to do yet, but we were at least able to feel peace that the Lord will lead us and guide us to know how we can help these people.

Sorry about that rant, but at least I know that we are not alone here :)

On a much brighter note. We have been blessed in finding some more investigators and father led families for us to teach which I am very happy for. We have played a couple games of "Fidgly" With some of the kids in Marivo lanitra, and things are looking brighter. It's still really cold in the mornings, but we are still doing good here :)

Next time

Elder Lehr