I can hardly believe that it is already February! The time sure does go by quickly. This week was great. D........ didnt end up feeling ready for baptism so we will continue working with her, but we have seen other miracles occur here in our sector. Thursday we had a conference with our Mission President and a few other zones. We talked about the importance of working with members and having our goals align with those of the ward. Our mission is really raising the bar and we continue to work harder every day. It is so true that this work could not be possible without the testimonies and help of each member. After the classes in the conference President Arrignton told us that he had a suprise for us. He explained that the church sent Meet the Mormons to our mission and gave us permission to watch it! I thought is was so great. How cool that it was in theaters over in the States. Hopefully it had a really good impression on people. I wish I could show it to my investigators here. It is a good way to remember that in our every day lives we are all examples to everyone we interact with. Someone is always watching.
On Sunday we saw so many beautiful miracles. J....., who was baptized about a month ago, came to church for the first time since after his baptism. He has been working a lot and I was getting really discouraged with his progress because his work has been interfereing a lot. But he and his wife are really excited to attend church more frequently and work towards the temple trip in May. Also, another recent convert of ours named Andres finally received the Preisthood! We have been preparing him for such a long time and I am so grateful he was able to make that next step, I know it is going to help him progress spritually and provide many opportunities for him to serve. His is now ready to receive a calling.
We have been teaching someone named O.....for about a month now who is a member of the church but has been inactive for about 3 years. This last week he was able to have an interview with the Bishop and on Sunday he received a calling! It has been incredible to see his progress. The first few visits he would always tell us he didnt have time and Sunday morning he would never get up for church, but now he is once again active and contributing in our ward. I think the joy I feel for him is just as great or even greater than I have felt for a baptism.
I have seen many wonderful miracles here in Talcauahno and I am so grateful for the time I have to serve here. I learn more about my Savior every day and how I can become more like him. The refining process is often frustrating and requires patience, but it is amazing to look back and see how far I progressed. I love my mission!
I hope you all know how much I love this gospel. It is true! Joseph Smith restored the exact church with the Priesthood power that Jesus established when he was here on the Earth. We can return back to God through our faith in Christ, repenting, being baptized and taking the sacrament every week to renew our baptisimal covent, being guided by the holy ghost, and enduring to the end. I know we can be with our families forever when we fulfill our part here on Earth. We can find happiness through this gospel regardless of our hardships because their is always hope in christ.
Have a wonderful week! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Con amor,
Hermana Parkin