7-9-2104 Happy Fourth of July

One and all,

Well this week went pretty well. We have started to meet with a great investigator named J---. He has come to church many times. I believe he might have a little hard time understanding certain things but the first time we met with him he said a beautiful prayer and said that he really wanted to get baptized. In the past when missionaries have met with him he hasn't had as much of a desire. But for the past few months he has been coming to church regularly and getting to know the members more and more. We are really excited to teach him the lessons and see where he progresses to. We don't really have any other good progressing investigators right now but we really believe that we will be able to find some good people this week. We are looking forward to meeting with at least 6 members this week and hope to be able to ask for referrals from them. The work can only go upward from here. 

All of our new converts are continuing to do well. We are so excited about the change stating that we are now responsible to teach the new member lessons. It has been put off for so long by the members and has been a real problem where we are serving. I believe this way the new converts are really going to get the attention that they need in order to continue on in the church. We have already been visiting them most of them ever week but will probably start to call and follow up with them more during the week to make sure they are following commitments and doing the things they need to be doing. One of our new converts, d-- j---, had to move because of family problems so we will only be able to see her on Sunday but she still is doing well. 

I have been reading the book of Acts with a specific focus on the apostle Saul/Paul. I feel like I have made some mistakes in my life but seeing how much a person can change and how incredibly quick it can occur has changed my perspective on a lot of things. I realize we are all super imperfect but the Lord is totally wanting us to forget all that stuff and just do the right thing. I want to be this way. I know i'll be happier and that I will be able to really focus on missionary work when I do so. 

It was so nice getting to visit the members from my first area this P-Day. They were so welcoming and nice. they made lunch for us and bought us a bunch of nice gifts and such. I'm really happy that I got to serve here in Ankang. I really miss these members and know they played any integral role in helping me become a good missionary. Being with my trainer here made it all the better. Having a blast! 

Love,

Elder Meeks