One thing I can say for sure that we have accomplished here is success with our less actives. It has been so awesome! We found a lady in the street, she said she was already a member and we asked if we could come visit. This was back at the beginning of my transfer with Hermana Laursen. We went and saw her and her husband tried to push us away, saying he didn’t believe in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. Then we asked for his wife and she let us in. Come to find out they had both been baptized many years ago, went inactive (obviously). It was as if they weren’t even members. They have a daughter who is 8 and needs to be baptized. So we have been working with them. It was rough with them at first. Her husband didn’t want us to come at first, but then we won over his trust. Because of the doctrine we were teaching at one visit, we caused them to argue in a lesson and he left mad. Oops! We felt really bad, but we then had the opportunity to talk with the wife alone about everything. She said she wanted to go back to church as a family, but he refuses. She loves the church and knows it’s true. We said she needs to set the example and take her two little kids to church and later he might follow, but she then realized the importance of going without him. She showed up last week to church. It was awesome. Since then we had decided her daughter will get baptized, even though it won’t count for the mission. It’s technically a ward baptism since they are both members and she’s 8.
A visit to Punta.... Ahhh!Then with Elder Arnold being here we asked the bishop to go visit them and so Elder Arnold sent them over. The husband made some friends, they worked miracles, gave a blessing to their daughter who had major tooth pains and now they all want to come to church and get back. It’s been a miracle in the working, but a miracle nonetheless. The timing worked out so perfect. We are giving them their set of scriptures today as a family. Hermana Hite sent me a Bible and triple combination so we are excited. They came to conference yesterday and it was awesome. Their names are Gladys and Jose. And their kids are Jose and Loana. I will let you know when she gets baptized but, it’s in the hands of the bishop.
In the meantime, Nataly is getting baptized October 29th. We have been trying to get all the youth involved in the program. I hope it goes without flaw. She had a blast listening to Elder Arnold. He is so great, has such a great sense of humor and love about him. Nataly loved it. Conference was energizing and it was great being around so many fantastic leaders. It always is. We got to talk with president a lot and he laid down the law with all the members about missionary work. So did Elder Arnold : ) I hope we can all be better at that. They also talked about the temple a lot which is good. I haven’t been for so long. I can’t wait. Next Tuesday... it’s gonna be awesome.
One thing that has been reiterated to me on the mish… There is so much good in every person. As missionaries, we get to go into the homes and see the hearts of people right off. Whether it be less actives, non-members or members. We see their challenges, efforts and progress each week and we get to watch them overcome them. We rejoice with them when they do. It’s so wonderful. The problem that so often occurs is we, as members, don’t get to see that because we don’t give them the time of day. I encourage all to do so. They are such good people.
I love this gospel. I talked to a convert who said, "Yeah this gospel is good. It’s a part of me." I just stared and said, "This gospel IS me." I love it with all my soul and heart. That’s why I’m here... it’s really hard doing what I am, but I do love it. I love my area. Can you believe I will have been here for a third of my mission when I’m done here? Six months, that’s crazy. Good thing I love it.
I love you all. Be good. Be an example of the believers. I love you sooooo much. Big hugs from me. Until next week... Love, Ash.
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