Rekindle the Flame

Hey everyone! A lot happened this week. We met a lady named Mrs. Koylass. She came in contact with missionaries 12 years ago. She has read the Book of Mormon but didn't quite know what it was. We explained and rekindled the flame. She read 150 pages in 2 days! She's probably done with it by now. But she came to church Sunday and sang louder than everyone even though the hymns were new to her! It was so awesome. She has a great relationship with God so I know she will feel the truthfulness of what we teach. She already has.

So basically the work continues to pick up but the Siparia branch is struggling. Everyone was late to church so it didn't start til 9:30 instead of 9. So Mrs. Koylass was like the 2nd one there. I am concerned about the members and leaders. If they don't shape up it will be hard for us to have success. So that's our focus right now. Other then that this week was pretty good. Still working with Cazim. He has a long way to go but I trust he will make it there.

Love you guys. Have a great week!

Sincerely, Elder Hale

Me and District Leader Harvey

Rasta Woman

Staying in Siparia

Hey folks! This week was one of the hardest weeks for me. Many investigators are ducking us. Ducking is the Trinidad word for avoiding. We had a great teaching pool but it has quickly diminished. We went to go see the Lawrence family and as we were riding up I saw the Grandmother Beene on the porch. When she saw us she quickly ran inside and shut the door! So we just turned around and left. I'm not going to force anyone to hear the beautiful message of the Gospel. People would be lining up to hear it if they truly knew what we have to offer. But I read through the section patience in Preach my Gospel and came across a scripture in Alma 26:27. The Lord tells the Sons of Mosiah that as long as they are patient in their afflictions they will have success. That is my test right now.

We did have some success this week though. We found a couple people who are very interested. And Casim is continuing to progress. We visit him about 4 to 5 times a week and he loves it. We also had stake conference and Russel M. Nelson spoke. It was awesome to see them speaking directly to the Caribbean. He showed 7 scriptures in the Book of Mormon where the Lord says he remembers those in the isles of the sea. He also said that the promised gathering of Israel would not take place without the Book of Mormon convincing evidence of the restoration. I love hearing the leaders of the church speak. It really helped lift my spirit with the hard week and all.

Oh yes and we got our transfer calls and we are both staying in Siparia. This transfer is going to be a 7 week transfer instead of 6. So I'm hoping that I will be able to have some success with all the time that I have here.

Good News from Grande

Hello everyone this week was fine and dandy. We have a progressing investigator named David with an interesting problem. He claims he used to have problems with demons possessing him and he still has them messing with his mind. He says he hears voices and stuff. He also said he went to the doctor and they said there was nothing wrong with him mentally. But since we have been teaching him his problem has been diminishing. He has accepted everything we teach and is really excited about it. Unfortunately he has not come to church for some strange reason. But I'm sure that once he comes 3 times he will be baptized.

Also good news from Grande. One of my investigators who Elder Whitlock and I found and taught got baptized on Saturday. Her name is Sister Val. So that was exciting to me that my seeds are still growing.

Transfer calls are this Friday. Time really seems to be moving quickly. I think I will stay another transfer in Siparia but anything is possible.

That's all for this week! Love you guys!

Love, Elder Hale

Bible Champ

Me and my boy Lall

Hello peeps! This week was good. I enjoyed New Years except for the part where I couldn't sleep from all the explosions going off! Our investigators are slowly progressing but everything is going in the right direction.

We are teaching this very intelligent man named King and he loves us. Mostly because my companion is a bible champ. But he invited us over to a friends house for dinner and it was very nice. There was a man there from Poland who sat in and listened. He seemed like the happiest guy in the world! But we talked about the fall of Adam and Eve the whole time because King has very different views on that particular point. He says he prayed about the Book of Mormon and knows it's true but he still won't except the doctrine that Adam had to fall...

We are having success with Casm and his wife but they couldn't come to church yesterday. I know there problem will be the word of wisdom but we haven't brought it up yet. We are first just building their testimonies and it's going very well.

Our testimony meeting in Penal this week was a grand 30 minutes! Our meetings don't have to last an hour because we are only a group.

Well I miss you guys. I wish I could've been with you for the New Year!

 Love, Elder Hale

Me and my comps at our Christmas brunch

caterpillar

Scenic view!