9-29-24 DOESNT STOP THE RAIN, HE LIGHTS THE FIRE

Magandang araw senyong lahat! Another great week as a missionary, stoked to see the Lords hand very much present, in his work daily. We were blessed to see a few of our friends come to Church, and a few of our friends getting baptized this past Saturday. I do love this work, and out of all the experiences this past week, I'll share one! The experience I want to share happened this past week as we went searching for a house in a further area known as Quezon, with two of our members. Looking for a place, for hopefully future missionaries to open the area, we were stopped under a roof, as it pounded rain. In this situation, just as missionaries, there is no problem, but because members were present, we needed to be accomadable hehe. As we stayed, knowing we had limited time to find an apartment, we gathered and said a prayer. Asking for the Lord to stop the pouring rain, and then expressing our willingness to press forward, even if it doesnt. Immediately after the prayer, it was our member, who looked up and took the first step into the rain, as we followed. The Lord worked in a marvelous way in this experience. I know, he heard our prayer, yet he did not choose to stop the rain, but to build the fire within this member, and us, to continue through the pouring rain and adversities, taking the first step. I imagine, how much more often the Lord does these. Although, very often do the large miracles occur, the Lord gives us the grace to endure, rather than stopping the storms in our lives. As we ask, he gives us the courage to take the first step. I am grateful, and will be eternally, for the opportunities to learn grow and love, that I gain while on my mission, and will continue to endure, smiling while doing it. James 5:11 “Behold, we count them happy which endure” I am a proud missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we jahs gotta trahs! ELDER ISHIBASHI