Days Left: 16 - His Grace is Sufficient

Dearest dear dear loving kind family who loves me,

We had the coolest finding opportunity this morning!!!! One of our awesome Relief Society members (sister Morales) recently just started working as a office worker for the police station. Last week we dropped by to meet Sister Morales there, but she wasn't there. Instead we ended up talking to the police there. THEN, we were invited by the Chief of Police in Can-Avid to attend the conference for all the police this morning after the flag raising ceremony! he asked us to share a message to improve the moral standards of the policemen!! So this morning we had planned on teaching about prophets and the Word of Wisdom. But as we started the lesson we told them to feel free to ask questions. Right away, the chief of police asked us about the Book of Mormon. The officers were all very intrigued in our message and asked question after question. When we finished, they were disappointed that it was over and asked us when we'll return. :) yayayayay potential priesthood holders!!!! The only problem will be getting them to attend church on Sundays because of their work schedule.

Brother Aquino Irasga continues to be awesome. This Sunday he was ordained to the office of a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and gave a talk about obedience in Sacrament Meeting. And he has plans to go to Cebu Temple with or without the branch. He's determined to go as soon as possible and he's super excited about family history!!

Glenn's wife is completely against his baptism. And he can no longer attend the lessons or church. He's really upset. He relapsed drinking again. Maybe that will show his wife that he won't be able to progress spiritually unless he lives the standards of this church. We haven't been able to contact him for this past week, but we text him daily. We also had a fast for him with the members in Can-Avid. His faith is really being tested.

I know that God lives. He is a God of MIRACLES! I know that He is an active God. He is not just sitting back and watching His plan unfold. Rather, He is working alongside us. I like to think of the parable of the olive trees in Jacob 5. He is busy working and laboring for our happiness. Everything we do is not of our own strength or credit. Everything good we do, whether we acknowledge it or not, is because of Christ. Because of His enabling power. Truly we are less than the dust of the earth without Christ. Despite all our weaknesses, His grace is sufficient if we continue in the straight and narrow way. All He asks of us is progression, not perfection in this life. I know that everything happens for our good. Yes, everything. Like we heard in last General Conference, every trial is an opportunity for us to look up, and say "I know what this is: a chance to prove myself."

I LOVE YOU FAM!

Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith