January 21, 2012

January 21, 2012

Dear Family and Friends,

      This was a week full of interviews for President with the missionaries in half of the zones from around Asuncion. We started the week though with normal Monday meetings and then on Tuesday we went to the first EFY held in Paraguay. There were 400 young men and women gathered at a hotel in San Bernadino to spend a week being taught and having some wonderful experiences. The young adults and returned missionaries were there to be counselors. We were among eight couples invited to teach the classes. We had two different classes that we taught two times each with about 60 youth in each class. We were impressed with the youth and their desire to listen and participate and learn. They had to qualify to attend through interviews and promises to dress appropriately and also the young men had to have their hair cut appropriately.  We taught about how to build our faith in Christ and how to be preparing to be a Preach My Gospel missionary.   We will return the next two weeks for two more sessions and teach the same classes for the next groups.  It was so good for the youth to see so many other youths who are trying to live the gospel . The youth programs in small branches and wards here many times are pretty much nonexistent so it was good for them to see that there are so many other young people here in the church.

     Wednesday , Thursday and Friday we spent with Mark interviewing  all the missionaries in Zones 3,5 and 6. We enjoy seeing each companionship and seeing how they are all doing.  We love seeing their smiling faces and asking about the work in their areas. We also handed out the photo calenders for the new year and reminded everyone of the importance of keeping their apartments clean (a constant need)!  There are many companionships who are working so well together and finding the joy of the work and also some that are working to improve. Missionary work is work and some missionaries are still learning how to do hard things! It is so nice to see the joy that comes though as they catch the vision and desire to do the work with all their hearts.

   We are seeing an increase in the members here preparing for and leaving as missionaries from Paraguay, which is nice. Hermana Farias from Paraguari left for her mission in Peru and another young man came to the temple in Asuncion  this weekend to receive his endowment in preparation for his mission in Chile.

   The schedule is full and the pace seems to be picking up..is that possible? Somehow the Lord helps us accomplish many things each day even though we never feel like we are getting everything done.  We are grateful for the time with all of our missionaries !

    We hope you all have a great week!                                                   Love, Mark and Sandy