This week has been so busy and tiring, but so fulfilling all at the same time. It has been wonderful and inspiring in so many ways. The Lord is truly opening up the windows of heaven here in Kisumu and pouring us out blessings. We have been focusing much on teaching the message of the restoration and the spirit has been so powerful in the lessons. I won't talk about all our teaching appointments this week, but I will cover some of the progress that we are seeing in some of those we are teaching.
So on Tuesday we went up to Busia early in the morning to have exchanges so that Elder Griffiths would know the area better there and be able to have a sort of feel for the work that is being done there. We arose early in the morning and jumped on the 7:00 bus and so that we would arrive there around 9:30 or 10:00. We got there right on time and started exchanges. I was with Elder Ntsele for the day. We had a good day of teaching, we went many different places and walked a ton, it was pretty awesome. I am noticing that my kiswahili is much better now days because I can understand almost everything that people are saying, but then to speak back to them is more difficult. We had some powerful lessons during the day and made it a successful day. When we returned home for the day, my companion and I sat down and discussed how we felt about the work and the day from what we saw, then we sat down and talked with the Busia Elders as to how things can improve and more unity be seen within the companionship so that the blessings can be poured out to them in the work of the church in Busia.
Wednesday morning we got up early and headed back to Kisumu so that we would be there in time to have DDM with the Sisters and so that we could also have a full proselyting day. We had a powerful DDM in which my companion shared about the focus of the mission and we discussed what needs to be our focus in teaching. 1. Kingdom builders and families, 2. Member Present Lessons, 3. Ask referrals from everyone, 4. Teach for Conversion. If we are able to focus on these 4 things with obedience and diligence then the Lord will do the rest. After DDM we got lunch and then went and had some teaching appointments.
Thursday was another full teaching day and we were able to teach many people within the day. We met with many of the referrals who we had not yet contacted yet. We met with a man named David, he is previous Pastor, but is very interested in the church and good friends with the Branch President. We had a great lesson with him and feel that if we can help him to gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon and modern prophets, then everything else will come together.
Friday we went with the couples to find "the Lost group of Homa Bay" we traveled there really not expecting what we would find. It was a group of saints that were brought together by one man who had gained a testimony of the church many years ago and was unable to be baptized yet, but none the less had taught the people in the village round about and in doing so has prepared many to receive the gospel. It was a really awesome experience. They have a whole library filled with old church materials that they use on Sundays to teach and inspire one another. One day the Lord will open a way for the church to be closer to them, but for the time being that is not the plan, so we taught them to hold on and keep praying in faith and that one day, when the Lord sees fit, He will establish a church there for them to attend and be baptized. Really an awesome experience. It's definitely a different experience having four Americans together driving places. After returning home we cleaned up the flat a bit and then the bug exterminators came to spray the flat. We had a total cockroach infestation and ants, and then while he was spraying our beds, he found big bed bugs! They have been sucking our blood all these nights. I have been noticing blood spots but had no clue what they were until now! I guess it goes to show its true, "Dont let the bed bugs bite!"
Saturday was a packed teaching day. We literally went from one side of the Kisumu area all the way over to the other end teaching. It was awesome though, some really powerful lessons. We have been working with brother Wafula, he is the husband of a less active member named Catherine. We had a powerful lesson with them about the First Vision and it really came down to us testifying to them of the truth and allowing for the spirit to teach them and work within. At the end of the lesson, it was evident that they felt the spirit. Catherine was totally changed and had a new determination to have her family together in the gospel. Brother Wafula is at the wall of faith that all of us come to at one point where we must choose to make our stand and he knows the truth. It's just making that change from the beliefs of his family that is holding him back. He is powerful though. The love that family has for each other is amazing, I can just see them together as an eternal family, they need it.
Sunday was a great Sunday, we had a baptism after church. It was a child and it was great for those who had come to visit for the day. After church we did our weekly planning because we had been so busy for the week, and then the Busia Elders arrived for ZTM which we will have on Tuesday.
Well thank you for the support and love. I love you all and am grateful for all that you do for me and the church and your families.
The church is true, I may not know a lot but I do know that!
Love always,
Elder Rushton Jay Hiltbrand
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