Merry Christmas!

 

 

Christmas tree that is actually a smokestack on top of a building with lights

 

Well, we're all still here. I guess the world didn't end, after all. =P

Things were a lot better this week - our numbers in a few categories are the highest they've been since I've been serving in Lowell. Elder Butters and I are both really excited about that, and we're happy to report that the Lord is blessing us to turn this area around; slowly, but surely.

I think part of our beginnings of success has been our improved planning. This last week, our weekly planning session was MUCH more effective than any planning session I've had in my mission thus far. Not only were we able to figure out what would be best to teach the individuals and families we're working with, but we were able to truly determine what will help bring them closer unto Christ. We were more open to revelation and inspiration from our Heavenly Father through the Spirit, and after all, He's the one that knows them (and their needs) the best.
We have a very small handful of investigators who would be attending the Lowell ward but don't have much, if any, real intent to change their lives. Elder Butters and I have decided (after counseling with Elder Maldonado, our district leader) that we should shift our focus to the Heritage Park YSA ward. Our efforts there are going well, and while no "harvesting" has yet occured, we feel that we're on the verge of something incredible.
I truly feel like the Lord has been humbling me these past few weeks. Serving in Lowell has been a trial of my faith, and I realized that I was not "sufficiently humble" for the Lord to work through me. I then asked Him to help in humbling me, and He definitely delivered. Through this I have come to trust Him in an even deeper manner than before, and I've also developed a greater determination to work hard and give Him my all each and every moment as I serve Him.

On a side note, I had REAL maple syrup for the first time this week. That "Aunt Jemima" and "Mrs. Buttersworth" stuff is all fake! I had no idea what I've been missing out on my whole life. I feel like I've been cheated. I've since gotten over it and have come to appreciate the enlightenment. =]

We had a great experience the other night at Chili's - one of the members gave us gift cards for a Christmas present to feed us on one of the nights when we didn't have dinner on the calendar. So the four of us went, and naturally, four young men in suits and nametags is going to raise questions. We had a few really great conversations with our waiter. Needless to say, we left him a mormon.org card with his tip. =D

I don't think it hit me until yesterday that Christmas is coming so soon. Elder Butters and I sang in BOTH ward choirs as part of the Christmas programs in their sacrament meetings, and that was really great. For the Heritage Park ward, in addition to being in the choir, I sang a duet of "O Holy Night" with the sister who was coordinating the program, and got a lot of compliments. I'm so glad that by me bearing my testimony through music and using the talents God has given me, I can bless the lives of others. Both programs turned out well, and the Spirit was so strong yesterday during both blocks of meetings. I'm so grateful for this beautiful season and wonderful time of the year, and I'm even more grateful to be serving Him of whose birth we celebrate.
Merry Christmas!!!
With love,
Elder DeLong