December 26, 2017
Querido familia y amigos,
This week went by so fast like always. Hermana Vasquez and I's first lession was with Jesse and David. David has a hard time with faith, especially acting on his faith. He always says that he thinks our faith is really 'bonita' but he has his religion in his heart. Well, Hermana Vasquez told him straight up that Christ said we have to be baptized to enter into the reigna de Dios, and to have this sealed in heaven as well it has to be done by the proper authority like Christ had to seach for John the Baptist for the right athority, so we have to find the church that has the right authority and be baptized or basically we can't be saved, then live by the precepts of that church- which will be the true church of Christ. David couldn't disagree with any of that and it basically disproved his theory of how he can live forever with his faith in his heart. Her testimony was so strong, and she said it in the most loving and humble way possible. It was direct and powerful, and since then I have seen that same directness and power not offend people, but help them understand more clearly. I also found it was in this way that the Savior taught. Directly with power and love. I have already learned so much from my new compañera and know she is teaching me wayy more than I could ever teach her!
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| My new companion, Hermana Vasquez! |
We taught Renee this week, who was a contact from a few weeks ago. But he had so many questions about the book of mormon and is so eager to learn and is really prepared. I am really excited for his progress! We also found Lizandro, another one of our contacts from a few weeks ago who told us he wants to make changes in his life, not for us, but for himself and he knows that we can help him. His pareja is really interested as well and wants to introduce us to her son as well! We also felt prompted to visit Shelah, one of our old investigators, and in her house we found another new investigator who has definitely been prepared to be receptive to the gospel! She is haitiana and works 4 hours from here, but on the weekends she comes back to live at her sisters house which is why we haven't met her before because we never visited Shelah on the weekends. She said she hasn't gone to a church since she moved here but feels she lacks it in her life and wants to learn more!
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| My first and second companions! |
Sunday I felt so strongly we should visit Genesis y Tomas, even though we didn't have an appointment and it was about time to go to the Christmas Devotional, but we went anyway. Normally it is pretty hard to find them, but they were home! I shared Mosiah 2:41 with them (which is almost my all time fav) and words just came out of my mouth to tell them. Hermana Vasquez knew hardly anything about their situation and her words were inspired and perfect. It was a short visit but I know it was inspired and I'm grateful for the Spirit to guide.
This week has been really busy and I haven't had much time to think and evaluate but I have learned so much, from being a trainer and from Hermana Vasquez who is so patient and willing and ready to work. I can already see some of the new things I'm going to need to learn and am excited to trust more in the Lord and 'lean not to my own understanding.'
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| Best Christmas present ever! |
Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! With all the gift giving, think of a gift you can give to the Savior this year(:
con mucho amor,
Hermana Briggs
