Fasting Works!

Maray na ukto po sa indong gabos!

My favorite thing about Filipinos is that even if you acknowledge that you have a fruit tree, they will pick some of theirs and give in to you. Most of the time they don't want to listen to us, but will kindly reject us by giving us rambutan, mangos, dragon fruit, guava, and gouabano. 

One miracle we had this week was Adrian's baptism. It was the most well put together baptism that we've had on my mission, thanks to our amazing ward. Adrian's mother was there, she isn't a member but had a great experience. When he bore his testimony, it really touched my heart. The moment when you see your people bearing testimony and feeling the spirit makes all the stress, prayers, hot days, sore feet, and countless rejections worth it! 

On Sunday we were blessed with a fasting miracle! Even though we committed people to come to church throughout the week, by Sunday morning we never really know who will show up, because our church is at 8 am! On Sunday morning, no one would answer their phones and we were sure they were all asleep.  Lo and behold, Tatay Allen was there before anyone else, setting up chairs! Two amazing sisters that we found a few days ago came 45 min early along with Adrian's WHOLE family! (including his dad who has only recently started letting us share with him). A part-member family showed up as well with a woman who is close to joining her family in entering the waters of baptism. We were so ecstatic about everyone coming to church! We know that it was because of our prayers and fasting that we have been blessed with so many amazing people in just 2 weeks of opening area. 

I know that as we "join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God," we will call down the powers of heaven to help those that have not received the gospel. Please keep praying for those people. Your prayers are powerful and I have seen the effects firsthand.

The two sisters that came to church have a pet pig named "Bigs." He has black spots and plays with our feet as we teach.

And here is a ridiculously happy, chubby baby.

I love you all!

-Sister Gray