A good week!

Dear Family,

I hope that you know that these letters do not even contain a hundredth part of the going-ons of the mission. I am just inept at writing them. I'm working on keeping a good journal, however that is an On again - Off again - back On again... process.

However, I am doing my best to get on it.

We have been having pretty good success here in Ceres. We were able to have a baptism last week in the Ceres English (from the english missionaries - Elder Hall & Elder Byington). As far as our own teaching pool, it has been slightly rocky for a few of our investigators due to the inherent problems which come from living here illegally. Now I hope that this isn't taken wrong in the slightest... I have nothing against these our beloved investigators. The problem is that they have a really difficult time getting married while trying to gain citizenship. If the DO get married, things get x100 more difficult (gaining citizenship-wise). We've definitely been learning a lot more about the laws of the land than I would have ever forecasted.

I have attached a picture of the history of our mission. I thought it was interesting to note. I have had such an amazing experience here.

We are excited for another baptism which will be taking place shortly. Yes... the last picture was of Christian Rojas. The upcoming picture will soon be of Brandon Obregon... followed shortly by Griselda Trevino(?)... that is the plan.

I'm super excited for what the future has to offer in December.

I love you all!!

Elder Ostler

PS~ I am attaching my letter to Pres. Gelwix, to you... I thought it would be appropriate. Love ya!

Letter to President

 President Gelwix,

Thank you for you letter of encouragement. We are writing you with many high hopes for this upcoming month. We have been working on becoming more organized (which in part, has to do with my ability to understand and stay on top of the Zone Leader responsibilities)... I have to admit... it has been slightly tricky... but there ARE going to be miracles here in Turlock - I can feel it.

Last week, we gave some training in a mini Zone Meeting on training which we received during Zone Leader Council from Sis. Liz Wiseman and Bro. Greg Pal... and then we had them read the story of "Coach Gelwix and the Team-Captains"... after which they were all rallied up.

We talked about the importance of Setting Goals for December and Following-up. The goals which they set in their personal areas of solid people to be baptized in the month of December... came to a total of 25 baptisms as for the Turlock zone. Nobody wanted to back down from it... but most importantly, that number didn't come from us - it was theirs.

So now our job become, following up on their efforts, counselling, encouraging, and training.

We know that the Lord is with us in this!

Love,

Elder Ostler