Mom & Dad,
It's crazy to think that we are still in the same country. The Ohio weather is so different. Lots of rain and humidity. There are also so many trees here, and they are all green leafy trees. I feel more like I am in the jungle.
The work continues to go forward. My companions and I are working like crazy and have found great results. We found 7 investigators last week. Some people are so ready to hear the gospel while others are quick to reject. Here, everyone is part of some form of Christian religion.The most common response that we get is "I already have a church."
As I have learned to be myself out here, I have been able to speak more during the lessons and I am able to feel more. It is very important to forget about your teaching skills and simply trust the Spirit will speak through you. There have been some lessons where things are said that I feel take away from the Spirit but the investigators are so much more receptive to the Spirit and they remember more of how they feel than the actual lesson.
I bore my testimony on Sunday. I felt I needed to and I told the members that they are bigger missionaries than we full-time missionaries are. Yesterday I felt so spiritually strong. My patriarchal blessing tells me that I should bear my testimony because it will strengthen the saints and I will come to better know who I am. It is so true. I felt so happy last night and I realized it is because of this great work which I have the priviledge to be a part of. Nothing brings more joy in this life than giving your all for others. I know that this is God's work. I know that this church is the same church which was established by Christ when he was on the earth. How can I possibly deny this blessing in my life. I encourage the family to take part in this great work; not because it will bless your life, which it will, but because of the love you have of the people. If you truly have charity in your heart, then you will have the desire to share the message of the restored gospel, to those who have not yet accepted it. I love you all. I look forward to seeing you again in 2 years when my work is done, and I will return home with no regrets because I give unto this great work everything I am capable of.
Love your son,
Elder Beutler
