Saved by Grace and Goodbye Elder Glaus! August 19, 2013

Mamma Mia and Familia,

Wass up?!? How are you all?!? Is Noelle ready for school to start? Mom, what schools are you teaching at this year? Has Dad published any books yet?

This last week I've had some real neat-o experiences. And funny experiences. On Thursday we were talking to this crazy lady, Renae, on her porch. Renae used to be a drug dealer, homosexual, and was in prison in Alabama until she "saw Jesus and was saved". Haha it is a weird concept that people have that being "saved" is in the past tense rather than the present. They believe that once we accept Jesus, we are good to go and pretty much live a Hakuna Matata lifestyle. They believe our actions don't matter and that grace is all we need. But instead of being "saved by grace," we really should be "changed by grace". If we really believe in and want to follow Jesus Christ, each day we should be diligently working to become better people and become more Christ-like. The Gospel is about progression, not idly existing. Christ wants us to be exceptional, not mediocre. 

Anywho, as we continued talking to Renae we noticed that a bunch of people kept coming up to the apartment next to Renae's and knocking on the door. They would go inside for a few minutes, and then come back out looking slightly suspicious. About 6 or 7 people did this until we finally realized that this apartment was one of Florence's number 1 drug dealers!!! Hahaha oh dear. There is nothing better than sharing the Gospel while a drug deal is going on. Elder Glaus and I couldn't help but laugh after we left. 

We had transfer calls last night, and turns out I'm staying in Florence!!! Woo Hoo!!! I'm excited. But I'm bummed cause my comp Elder Glaus is leaving to become a Zone Leader. He really has taught me a ton. I'm very grateful that he was my trainer. Oh, and I'm training a new missionary starting on Tuesday. It's gonna be crazy. Definitely a lot of responsibility. But I think that I'm ready. 

Anyway, I hope everything is going well!!!! I love you all!!! Don't let your spiritual progression come to a halt; continually do everything you can to continue to develop your relationship with God!!! I know that God lives and that he loves us. I have seen miracles here. He knows us and knows the intents of our hearts. 

love xoxoxox

Elder Lambert