Hello!
Yes this week we did get a bad storm, which caused temporary flash floods. So the storm came in the later part of the evening and we were on our way home and I kind of drove through a miniature river of water that covered part of the road. There was no way to get around, so I drove right through it, fast enough to make sure that no water got into the tail pipes of the car. Other than the miniature river it wasn't that bad.
I feel super tired, but yet I feel super happy about this week, we kept pretty busy. So right now we have 3 baptismal dates, 2 of which are scheduled for August 18. We gained 3 New Investigators and we had 14 members coming out with us last week. That's the highest total number of members helping this ward has ever seen. Usually there's only 2 members that help a week.The tides have definitely changed, we are seeing the hand of the Lord in our efforts as we strive to be EXACTLY obedient. This week we went on splits with a member of the Bishopric, Brother Bremer, and the Young Men's President, President Spencer. I went with Brother Bremer to see the Chaves Family (recently turned semi-less active) and Brother Stabley (a less active member, that is a old friend of Brother Bremer. I had never met Brother Stabley before). In our meeting with Brother Stabley the Spirit was definitely present and it guided me in my words and actions. I still don't really know what I said or what scriptures I shared with him. However, there was one point that I do remember in the lesson where there was a pause because Brother Stabley needed to go get something. And I turned to look at Brother Bremer and there were tears in his eyes and all he did was smile and faintly nod at me. On the car ride home, I asked Brother Bremer if I could have done anything better in the lesson. And he told me that the lesson was perfect, that it was exactly what he needed to hear (yet again I don't even know what I said) and that I apparently addressed Brother Stabley's concerns as if I had known him for some time (it was my first time meeting the guy). I was in complete awe. Brother Bremer later talked about how missionaries seem to always come and go. Then he said, 'Elder Escobar, I along with the rest of the ward will truly be grieved when you are gone.' He then explained that his vision for the Newport Ward is coming true. We had a very in-depth gospel conversation about the ward and how it is progressing. I share this event this week not to boast of my own strength, but to boast in the strength of the Lord. And to show that I just as anyone else can become instruments unto God, if our desires and efforts are meant to bring about His work.
I haven't heard from anyone in Liberty Ward lately, but I have heard from Sister Hayes (Beaumont Branch) and from Sister Sophia Gawu (who is in New Jersey serving her mission). Apparently I didn't make this connection before but Pres. Packard is Pres. and Sister Hayes's nephew and that Pres. and Sister Hayes will be serving in this mission in 2014. Interesting! But I have had a great time this week and we are shooting even higher. Stay busy, sounds like you already are. And yes please tell Matt & Kristin, 'Hello' for me. Hope that you enjoy the rest of summer.
Love,
Elder Everett Alan Escobar
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