August 4th

Hey Everyone-
We had such a great week, our entire zone has been focusing on finding new investigators, and we have been fasting and praying with a lot of faith to accomplish it. We had a goal of 20 new people to find which might not seem like a lot but for Bellevue South it stretches us! Usually we average about 6. In a couple of our companionships we truly saw the Lord bless us, Elder Stapley and I found 7 and it was amazing! Another companionship had a family of 5 come to church yesterday and then had a lesson later that night and the entire family is now on date for baptism! Ingalisa came home from Girls Camp on Saturday; she had so much fun and really grew spiritually. She told us she felt like she needed to share her testimony in front of hundreds of girls and from what Bishop told us, it was great (she is very shy too). I couldn’t have been happier to here that. She is very excited for her baptism and her mother is now coming to church and reading her scriptures with her!
These were just a couple of the highlights of this past week! I realized that the Lord always wants to bless us, and when we come to him with our righteous desires, it can only be accomplished through our diligence and faith and through mighty prayer, and then we can witness Miracles!
It has been a lot of fun having Bro. Adams with us for the entire day! He is learning so much and he will have an amazing advantage because he will know what being a missionary is all about. We had two District meetings this week, which I love going to! We also had leadership training, which feels like a reunion with all the leaders! I love hearing the words of President Moffat and to feel the spirit when I am in his presence. He truly does lead with love! I went on exchanges with one of our District leaders Elder Ross; he is from a small town in Texas and has 11 kids in his family! We had a great day and I was able to him in areas he needs to work on. Although, I still find it hard to critique the missionaries in my Zone on things they need to improve on I try to follow President Moffat example and do it with love. I am much better at seeing all the things they do well! Sunday was very busy but I loved going to church!
Things are going amazing and I am so happy with the improvements we are having as a Zone! I am constantly thinking of how I can improve it while focusing on the individual missionaries! This truly is the Lords work and I am grateful I can be a part of it, and see the Joy that it brings not only me but everyone we teach! I love all of you so much!! Have a great week!
Elder Jason Russell