Romans 8:28

This scripture is one of the greatest. If you don't know it by heart, I would invite you to go read it right now! My week was super awesome. I learned so much and felt my testimony grow in countless ways. Through the highs and lows, there is always something to learn and apply in my life and the work of the Lord.

WEEK 1

We started the week with a lot of hype! We had a very big goal for baptisms at the end of the week. So with that energy, we had a lot of good meetings and prepared. They were all centered on resolving doubts and finding the deeper needs and concerns of our friends. It was super cool, and I learned a lot of things about myself and our friends! We met so many cool people this week as well, and they are progressing well!

Our friend Eric came to church with us this week. He hasn't been to a church in a long time but wanted to come see what was up. It was so cool to talk with him and see where he was at spiritually. After 2nd hour at church, he got caught by some members before he could leave. They proceeded to give him a Book of Mormon, bear amazingly powerful testimonies, and ask him if he's been baptized. I was so hyped!! He said no, but that he knows he needs to and wants to do it soon!! So everybody be on the lookout for a baptismal date for Eric.

Lucia came to church this week! She is literally the sweetest lady ever, probably 75-80 years old and just so down for Jesus Christ to change her life! She fits right in to our 60+ age group ward; it's so lit to see her talk to members and become friends with them. She should be baptized this coming Sunday!! We had a really cool experience with her just barely. We left her with the commitment to read some of the Book of Mormon. We came back to talk to her the next day, and she said she read a couple of pages!! We were elated and asked her what part was her favorite; she proceeded to flip through 7 chapters to find the verse she liked. THAT'S WHY SHE'S THE GOAT!! She has seen the power of the Book of Mormon in her life!!

Friday night there was a baptism for some of the missionaries in our ward! They asked me to play the piano, which was super fun. Shoutout to my time in Zapata and in Sis Searles' basement practicing. I was just playing some interlude music, and one of these little girls came up to me. She was the younger daughter of the family getting baptized; she is 6 years old. She came up to me and asked if I would play "When I am baptized." As I was playing it, she started to sing, I joined in, and we sang the whole song in Spanish. I felt the spirit so strong!! I was on the verge of tears because of the peace that I was feeling. Music can bring such an amazing spirit into our lives!!

On Saturday, we had the chance to go to the temple with some of the ward!! It was such a next experience to be inside of this special temple again. We drove down with some members and our recent convert Vicki!! It was already amazing to see a lot of recent converts at the temple from our ward. I was feeling a little bit out of sorts on the drive down. I was feeling anxious and a little bit stressed, but the moment we got into the temple, I felt at home. There is so much peace and love in the temple. Me and Elder Slavens were asked to do confirmations, so we didn't get into clothing to do the baptisms. I was pretty bummed out about it, but then while we were waiting, I was able to see my friends Hugo and Margarita from Zapata!! It was such a tender mercy to see them; Hugo was baptized while I was in Zapata. It is amazing to see someone start the path and continue on!!

I testify of the importance and power of the covenants we make. During the confirmations, I could feel the gratitude of the people we did it for. As we make and keep our covenants, we bind ourselves to the Savior. We become true followers of him. I know he lives and loves us; his atonement is what makes everything possible!!

WEEK 2

Well, the week started off kinda funny. We had finished P-day and were going to go work. About an hour into working, we received a call from the bike elders...Elder Crowther hit his head and it was hurting pretty bad. The mission nurse told him to go to urgent care. So, they called us, and we took them to urgent care. Fast forward to 10:00 pm...we finally get to leave urgent care. It was a very long night.

Tuesday was super normal, had some meetings, prosed in the heat, and ate a lot of Mexican food. We talked to Lucia during the nighttime, and it was super fun to be with her. When we showed up to her house, we gave her a phone call to have her come open the gate. She answered the phone and said she was in South Padre Island...not gonna lie I almost started crying. She said she wouldn't be back until May; I was so sad!! Then she walked out her door and just laughed at us!! It was the funniest thing ever, just all the unnecessary stress and nervous laughter.

We had our last district council of the transfer this week!! It was fun, and me and Elder Orton decided to combine for our trainings and role-plays. It was hype, and I felt super edified and excited to work!!

In the morning on Saturday, we had a special zoom with Elder Palmer of the 70, which was inspirational and helped me see a couple of things I needed to work on. I love that we have leaders that can help us always stay aligned with our Father in Heaven and Savior! This church is true; I know the power and authority of God are here on the earth today!

In the afternoon on Saturday, Lucia got baptized! It was amazing to be with her and to see her desires grow!! She truly is the goat!! She has been taught for a really long time, and something always held her back. It was super cool to see that now was her timing and nothing was going to stop her. She had some trouble with water but overcame it to be fully immersed and complete her baptism. I was able to be a part of her confirmation, and that was so cool!

Sunday was gas as well!! We had our friends Eric and Yasar come to church with us!! Absolute legends those guys are! Obispo Orozco was released as bishop which is so sad. He was the best!! But Obispo Espinoza is gonna do some good work with this ward!! He made some really good chicken after our baptism on Saturday.

I have been reading a lot in the New Testament lately. Trying to learn more about my Savior and as well prepare for this amazing holy week we are about to have. I was reading in Mark 11 and found some cool stuff! These are my favorite verses!!

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 

23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 

24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

There is so much power in our faith. When we center it on Jesus Christ, we can do amazing things! This week, as we prepare for Easter, I invite you to turn to Him and think of Him more.

Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again for each of us! I know He lives and guides this church. I testify of the redeeming and enabling power of His Atonement. Through Him, truly all things are possible. I can't stress it enough.

I love you all! I'd love to hear from you all! (Sorry, I'm bad at responding).

Love, Elder Lefler