Monday, September 22, 2014

This week Gladys was confirmed. Lots of good things happened, but many things didn't go quite so well. There's always room to improve. It's a miracle that people as weak as us can bring such change in the lives of people. But frequently it comes after a lot of work and disappointment.

Yesterday I think a friend of Gabriela got offended by a misunderstanding. I think she thought that we got offended when we were talking with her, and then misinterpreted a phone call to Judith thinking that we were saying negative things.

It pains me how much people reject the Book of Mormon. The invitation to "search, ponder and pray" is so simple and natural, yet of those who don't reject the book completely, few are willing to read it, and even fewer actually do end up reading, pondering and praying. But I have yet to meet someone who has followed the promise in Moroni 10:3-5, and has not received an answer. I know the Book of Mormon is true. Every time I follow this promise, my testimony deepens its roots and produces fruit, and the fruit is good.

Monday, September 15, 2014

This week Gladys was baptized. She's a granddaughter of a recent convert. There were about 5 people who were baptized that day in the Ward.

We went to a school with the Ward to do a service project. We painted tables that had been worn down by use and did a few other repairs to the buildings. The paint did not seem to be water-based because when I tried to wash my hands off, it just smeared all over my hands and the water formed droplets on top. So I washed my hands with paint-thinner.

We found a couple this week. They are very interested. We left as pamphlet and set an appointment because we didn't have time, and when we went, she said that she read it all and it all made sense. She said that she goes when she's invited to Evangelical churches and recieves everything that all the religions give out, but it doesn't make sense to her. All that we left and said did.

Gabriela and her family are causing problems in the area. Everyone knew that they were hardcore evangelicals, but now are openly Mormon. A pastor accused them of not believing in the Holy Ghost, while others say that they've seen a great change for good. Their family is much more unified. The grandma, despite having been a pastor defends their family and many things of the Church. "So there was a division among the people because of [them]." (John 7:43)

We'll be going to the Temple the Friday before conference.

I am constantly reminded by means both large and small that the Holy Ghost is what directs this work. Without the Holy Ghost, people simply would not be converted. I have seen so many people come to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that Joseph Smith saw Him and the Father, and that the Book of Mormon is true. Despite never having personally witnessed it they come to such a convincing knowledge that they speak as though they had.

Monday, September 8, 2014

I'm afraid this week wasn't very eventful. We had a Zone Meeting this week. We worked a lot this week, but we can work more. That's always the case. Sunday went extremely well. We took the Sacrament to a sister who was sick.

A granddaughter of a recent convert will be baptized this Sunday. The ward is growing very fast. There are a lot of new converts who are very strong.

The photos are from last week.

Monday, September 1, 2014

This Saturday Uriel was baptized, and he was confirmed the next day in Ward Conference along with Matias. Gabriela gave the opening prayer. Judith is asking questions about the mission. She wants to finish school first.

We're finding a lot of families, and Ricardo came to Church this Sunday. They're very interested, even though only he went. They already seem like members, except that they drink and smoke.

We went to Unicenter today, and nearly the whole Zone ended up there as well. We all ate at Wendy's.

Sorry for no photos, the internet place we usually go to isn't working.