Semana 10 (Amen Varon)

For anyone curious about my title this week, people here literally say "Amen" to everything about God or Jesus. But, then they say "Amen Varon" which sounds like baron. It essentially means "holy man." So to my fellow missionaries out there.... AMEN VARON!!! Keep preaching the word of God!!

What a good week everyone! I'm so happy to be here in Samaria preaching and testifying. I did have crazy neck pain this week. I couldn't turn my head at all. Satan, I think, just said "Well, I can't get to him mentally or emotionally, so I'm going to try physically." Well, if that was the case, then he clearly doesn't know me. Because some pain ain't gonna stop me from doing the Lord's work. It was funny though, because three different ladies saw I couldn't move my neck and they pointed at me and just said "vick." It sounded like they said "beak." We were so confused. But eventually it was explained that it was a product to rub on my neck, and so I did that, and boom, problem solved.

Anyways... This week was really good. I'll start off with intercambios. I didn't think I would have another one for a while. But I had to go to the city, so I went with my guy Elder Ramirez. (HaHa!). I knew that there was gonna be a story with this one. And there was. We had to take the metro. I got on, but for some reason he did not. So, I turn to see the doors close and him on the other side. And then the metro starts going. I just got off at the next stop. But still, it was hilarious. The first time I was alone in public... it was weird. In the city we went to immigrations, and I'm happy to announce that I am officially a citizen of Panama!!

Then, we had second intercambios with the APs. It was so awesome! In one day, we got 14 baptismal commitments. So in total right now we have 20. We've got a lot of work to do!!! But for me, it was cool because Elder Longhurst (the AP I was with) made me do everything. I led us where to go, planned everything, just everything, which I didn't think I could do, but apparently I can. I'm happy to say we didn't get lost!!!. This was surprising because my area is massive. We got a lot of baptismal dates, mostly because the scriptures just had such a powerful effect. We now call them the magic scriptures. Elder Longhurst also taught me a lot and told me some good things. Something that stuck with me was this. "I hope you realize what a grand blessing you've been given. Not many "3 weekers" can bear testimony in Spanish like that. Don't hide your gift or God will take it away." I was thinking about that a lot. We all have gifts from God and the best thing we can do is use them. I know I don't alway recognize them or sometimes feel like I don't have gifts. But I do. And I know all of you do too. The most precious gifts we have are our testimonies, the scriptures, and the Atonement. So use them. Use the gifts God has given you and He will give you more.

My other thought for the week came from when I was playing with some little kids. They were laughing and jumping all over me and it made me miss my nephew Diver. But instead of being sad, I was happy. At this moment, I remembered some important advice I was given. Enjoy the moment of things. Enjoy the people around you and what is happening. A lot of problems that I had in the past were caused by focusing on what I couldn't control. It overwhelmed everything. But when I focus on what I can control, on what is happening, and focus on Christ, then I find that I can be happy. I remember a talk that said something along the lines of "Focus on everything that you are able to do. And do everything you are able to do. But when you can't do more, hand it over to the Lord for the time being." What a blessing that is. I truly can testify that we can be happy when we focus on what's in our control. I testify that if we do what we can and try to align ourselves with God, that when we can't do more, He will help us through all things. He's there every step of the way. He loves you and wants what's best for you. We just need to focus on our part and trust that God will do what is best for us.

I love you all. Thank you for all the support and emails! I hope things are going well. Keep praying for me and my people!

Elder Lutze

E. Bray & E. Lutze in the rain again!

E. Bray & E. Lutze with some random kids

E. Longhurst (AP) & E. Lutze in Samaria on intercambios

E. Lutze with his dope Book of Mormon case and pamphlet holder

E. Lutze with my guy E. Ramirez

Elderes with Hermana Babb

Lasagna with rice (E. Lutze actually liked it which surprised us. He's refused to eat lasagna for at least 10 years since he got food poisoning after a ward party.)