We visited Pablo Thomas and
right before we started talking about Joseph Smith we asked him how old he is.
He said 14. He felt like he could relate to Joseph Smith when we explained that
he, too, was 14 and his parents had different faiths and he wanted to know the
truth. He said that he would do the same as Joseph Smith and pray and ask God.
We
went to Peumo! My companion is doing so great and working so hard. We said a
prayer and felt like we should head to a neighborhood to start contacting. We
“knocked” on the door and a lady came out. Super nice, but 100% ready to tell
us she’s “way busy right now.” But before she could, I told her we are doing a
quick 10 question survey and asked if she could help us out. She was like, “Um…
I guess… maybe.” And so we said, “Great! Thank you!” And started walking
towards the opening of the gate, and sure enough, she invited us in! We were
able to learn about their family but as we tried to ask them more or expound on
the survey questions, they were closed off. They completed the survey but
missed the point. It’s sad to see people so closed off sometimes. As we left,
my companion asked if that was a waste. I told her that not everyone is ready
to accept the gospel, and even though it looks like nothing changed in them,
this was just one more necessary step in their conversion. It was all part of
God’s plan for them.
On
Wednesday (Happy Birthday Michael!!) we set a goal to give out a Book of Mormon
before lunch. So we promised God that we would and we felt a burst of energy as
we left the house. We walked by a pet shop and noticed a worker standing
outside by the animal truck. Something took over my legs and walked me right in
front of him. My 1st thought was, “Him? No he’s working. Probably
busy.” But then a quote from Preach My Gospel flashed across my mind that says
that we don’t know who is ready, but God does. So who was I to say no for him?
So I just opened my mouth. It’s true that it’s a bit awkward at first for a
random stranger suddenly have interest in your personal life, but in the end,
no one remembers or dwells upon the fact that it was odd in the beginning of
the conversation. But anyways, his name is Diego. He is 22. He is slowly losing
his belief in God because of all of the apostasy and crimes that are happening
within Catholic and Evangelic church leaders. He wants to believe that God
exists but he finds it hard when so many churches are corrupted and so many bad
things happen. We mentioned agency and how everyone is free to choose. God
won’t control us. Then we invited him to use his agency and ask God if God
Himself exists. We marked part of the Book of Mormon and promised him that if
he read this book and prayed to ask God, God would answer him. When he heard
that he was like, “Really? You promise?” And I was like, “YES DIEGO! I promise.”
And he just looked at the Book of Mormon and said, “Wow, thank you so much. I
will. Thank you.” Ah it was so wonderful!
And
Thursday we passed by his pet store and he said that he read and prayed. He
said that he still doesn’t feel like he has received an answer but that he’s
going to keep praying and keep asking! And he asked us to mark something new to
read. GOLDEN. We’ll keep praying for him to receive his answer and recognize
it.
We
had intercambios with the Hermana Leaders and Hermana Morril came with me! We
saw two teenagers in the park on a bench talking pictures of each other. We
walked over and offered to take a picture of both of them. They agreed! Then we
started talking to them and ended up teaching the Plan of Salvation! They were
so excited to hear about the pre-mortal life and that we chose to be here and
that we are here to fulfill a purpose.
Saturday
we had a service project with Hermano Jimenez. We had to move super heavy
cement blocks, and cut firewood! They taught me how to use an axe which was
sweet. Not gonna like, I felt like the lumberjack from Hoodwinked but its fine
because if you need firewood, I’m your girl. J
We
had a SUPER spiritual lesson with Theresa. She told us that when she asked God
if she should get baptized, she was overcome with peace. She said, “I know that
was a yes.” She accepted the date of September 2nd to work towards
baptism.
Congrats on the September 2nd baptism date!
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