the BEST new year's resolution

We had a wonderful Christmas here on the mission.We had a Branch Christmas party with dinner, dancing, the children singing, and of course a pinata. We had 115 people come! It was like the old Manila Wards' parties. So many investigators and less active members came too!  On Christmas day we had a home full of missionaries since they were allowed to use our computers to skype their families this year and then share a Christmas dinner with us.

Also, Christmas week we had three baptisms!  Maria and Sergio, her 21 year old son, were baptized plus another older sister with a beautiful spirit. We are starting to see great growth in our little Branch.


At this time of year when we all start thinking about improving ourselves and making new goals and becoming better people, we have learned on this mission an amazing way to be much, much better in forty days!  We can guarantee that it works and have a strong testimony of its value in our lives.  It is called the Purification Challenge that we are encouraged to do as missionaries, and we recommend it to you.

1) You pick a day to start.  Then you fast for that day in the attitude of fasting and prayer (a fast Sunday or any Sunday works well).
2) Make a list of every behavior that 'pokes' at your spirit.(at least ten things)
3) Once you have made your list, then go to the Lord.
4) Covenant with the Lord that you will fast from the things on your list for 40 days. In other words, for 40 days you will do nothing that appears on that list.

You cannot just stop the old behavior and start the new ones.  You need the help of the Lord.
1) Each morning go to the Lord and specifically promise Him that you will avoid each item on your list.
2) Ask for His help so you can have extra strength.
3) At night go over the list with the Lord, if you have failed on some items, figure out why.
4) Tell the Lord.
5) Ask for more strength the next day.

Go through the process for 40 days.  If you do, you will find that your most basic desires have changed.  Your spirit will flourish and the Holy Ghost will become your constant companion.

There is no limit to what you can do if you and the Lord believe that you can.  If you look to Him for your strength and are willing to make the sacrifice, all things are possible.