Oh man I don't know where to
start. This week was so full of miracles. I have been learning so much here.
Definitely a life changing experience. So ok I guess I can start with elder
Ochoa. He taught us so many things. I`m not sure exactly why but this
conference struck me really as one of the most powerful I have had in the
mission. That back to back with the conference with Elder Cook so my testimony
has been fed well these past few days.
Elder Ochoa talked about a lot of
things. The thing that struck me the most was when he talked about the faith.
We all know that the faith are things hoped for that aren't seen but his
conference helped me look at it a bit differently. He said we don't have real
faith until we act. "Faith is a principle of action". That`s so true.
Sometimes we believe something but we don't do it. If I want to find more
people to teach I have to get out there and start looking.
But something
interesting was when he talked about the seed. He said we are really not asked
to do much. As members of the church the only thing we can do is plant the
seed. Maybe put a little water on it and everything but we can't do anything
else. The only person who has the power to actually make the seed grow is God.
Sometimes do do everything possible to force the seed to grow but we can`t For
example sometimes as missionaries we try explaining everything in detail so the
people understand and then we use scriptures to almost in a way convince them
that these things are true. It`s not like that. We have to just go to their
house and help them feel the Spirit so that seed may grow. We missionaries
don`t have that power. Only as they feel the Spirit when we are with them will
their faith grow. So yeah that`s something I liked. Hope it all makes sense I`m
trying to write fast to get everything in.
My companion and I have been
focusing this week a lot in finding a new family to teach because now we don't
have anybody almost! Man we just had to baptize everyone....Haha no but
seriously we had the coolest baptism!! The Flores Family was baptized and confirmed
this Saturday and Sunday. They progressed literally as fast as possible. They
have such strong testimonies too which is awesome.
Before being baptized I was
waiting for the Dad, Juan Manuel, to leave the bathroom. I went in to see if he
was ready and he was in his white clothes kneeled on the floor praying. I`m not
sure if I have ever seen a happier man. I baptized him and he came out crying
and gave me a big hug. I will never forget that moment.
Last night we had a
very good lesson with them and they started to tell us about all the changes
they have made. They were talking about how angry he used to always be. We
were confused because we had never seen him like that. They told us from the
first time he talked to us he completely changed and has been making changes
ever since. I am so grateful for having been a part of his conversion and of
the entire family. It has been something amazing. I should mention that they
almost have nothing. They live in a tiny little room and don't even have a bed,
just a little mattress for all 6 of them. So anyways I couldn't tear the smile
off my face when he came to church yesterday with his new white shirt, black
pants, and to top it all off we got him a tie. Future Bishop. I`m totally
predicting it. Moments like this make me happy to be here. It makes it all
worth it.
So really that is what I have
time to tell you guys. Really it`s the most important. I can't really explain
it but in such a short time my testimony has grown like crazy. I feel so happy
to be here preaching the Gospel as a representative of Jesus Christ. I will
never forget the importance of this time in my life. It is definitely forming
me to be the man that my Heavenly Father needs me to be one day. I`m far from
perfect but hey at this rate give me a couple weeks. Haha ok kidding.
Love you guys and hope you have a good week. Remember that this Gospel is true. I have no doubt. Live it fully in your lives. Never let anything stand in the way of your obedience. That is what I have learned.
Love you guys and hope you have a good week. Remember that this Gospel is true. I have no doubt. Live it fully in your lives. Never let anything stand in the way of your obedience. That is what I have learned.
ADIOS
