Hey peoples!!
I hope you all are loving the summer up
there while it is a good solid 40 degrees down here. I had to use my
jacket for the first time this week. Oh well. This week was a super
interesting week because in terms of people that came to church or
people that we taught or things like that, we didnt have much success,
but we had a lot of small miracles that cant be counted by numbers. It
honestly was a pretty good week.
Miracles:
- The biggest miracle was that we found a family!! Now that may not sound like much but for us it was probably the biggest miracle that I have seen in this city. Because literally 60% of the population of this city is retired people. There are three people, the mom, Marcia, the daughter Kamilly, and the 8 year old son Erik. They are the BEST!!! The first time we got the chance to teach them, we said a prayer to start and the mom was already tearing up because she felt the Spirit. When we told the story of Joseph Smith, and talked about the First Vision, they said that they really felt a peace and a lifting feeling. That Sunday (yesterday) they all came to church (other miracle, they have a car) and while they were all in separate classes, they all asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon. After, when we went to talk to this family, it was amazing to see all three of them literally hugging the Book of Mormon that they had gotten. God is good. Even if he doesnt give us the miracles we want when we want, He always has blessings waiting for us.
- After our Zone Conference this week, I made a goal to really study more about the true depth of the Atonement and while I wont share everything, I can share my testimony that the Atonement works in ALL circumstances. It does not only work for those who are perfect, or those who are trying their hardest, in fact, it was made for those who are less than perfect. For those who are just trying to survive today. For those who want to be better but dont know how just yet. For those who are trying to create good spiritual habits and for those who want more love in their lives. I testify that Jesus Christ is anxious to forgive and bless us. He just needs one simple step of faith, one hopeful prayer or one act of service. He loves you more than you can know, and more than I can know. Just trust in the INFINITE power of the Atonement.
- The non member husband of the Relief Society President came and listened to the message at lunch which, according to his wife, is the first time in 4 years that he has listened to a message from the missionaries.
One Random Thought:
- One man we are teaching said that he knows a little bit of English. So he decided to test in on me. He tried to say Bom Dia, Boa Tarde, and Boa Noite which in normal English would be Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good Night. This is what he said Gooj Mormon (we had just finished teaching about the Book of Mormon) Gooj Offerternon and Gooj Nich. It took all my will power to not laugh my head off. Not because he didnt know but because I was trying to imagine what an offerternon would be.
I
know that Heavenly Father loves you and that He knows your struggles
and He is waiting to help you. He just need that first little effort of
faith. So take that first step.
Love,
Elder Allen
