Week 24 - "Harden not their heart"

January 30, 2018

Familia y amigos!

I forgot my old agenda this week so we'll see what I can remember. This week went really good. We are trying to focus more on the investigators we have to help them llegar al bautismo. (arrive at baptism.) I have really high hopes for them in the next few weeks!

The zone!

We had two lessons with Luis this week, and he is really starting to progress. We talked about the Word of Wisdom again and he said it was really hard to follow and didn't understand why all the laws or rules are necessary and said it's something he's done for 30 years so how could he just stop? So I told him if he followed through I would give up chocolate. Now listen, before the mish I didn't love chocolate all that much, but somehow here I have developed a strong love for it, don't know how (I even try to stay far away from it!). But I think he saw the sacrfice involved, so he said yes! And we shook on it. And this lesson he said he really wanted to read and start doing the things that will help him grow his faith. 

Baptism of Daniela! (the girl to the left of me is Paulina, our investigator!)

Well fast forward like 3 days, he didn't end up going to church or the baptism we had this weekend he said he would go to. Yesterday we had a lesson, and he started talking about science and theories and he would read the bible like it was just another book, not really the word of God that talks about Jesus Christ, who is really just another man and that everybody has faith in what they believe in then back to the not understanding why the Word of Wisdom is so necessary and saying that he wasn't really sure what he believed. What?! I couldn't believe it, it seemed like everything we had taught him was falling apart. Then Hna Vasquez shared a scripture, Alma 12:9-11 that was too perfect. It was when Alma talked with Zeezrom, who was an anti-Christ. I could paraphrase but it wouldn't have the same effect! It says: 

9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.

10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he knoweth them in full.

11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.

The "gringo" trio.

Those that harden their heart will never know the truth of these things. Those who do not give heed and diligence will not be given the mysteries of God. Those that harden their hearts will be given a lesser portion, until they know nothing because they doubt everything. BUT those that do not harden their heart will know the mysteries of God in FULL, according to their heed and diligence. He started to understand after this and his head actually kinda turned and I could see him thinking all of this through in his mind. 

Hermana Halling from back home, who is returning home soon!

Then, (wait it gets better), there's a doorbell. He goes up to get it and who is is?? Yep, the Elders Quorum president and his first counselor!! Woohhoo!! The ward counsel pep talk from the bishop worked and they were coming by to visit him because he broke both his arms. They are so great. At first I thought that this was real tacky that now there were 4 of us here but then the spirit whispered to me don't worry, I've got this all under control, just trust me, this is my work. So I did. We asked them to share their conversion story (because they both are converts, what are the odds!) and they told about their drug addictions and how the gospel completely changed their lives and allll the blessings they've seen from it and AH it was literally perfect. They walked in right at the precise time and shared exactly what Luis needed. After he told us that the visit meant a lot because not even one of his friends dropped by to see how he was doing with his arms. He told us that sometimes it's good to have this type of discussion because it can change the way you think about things. Anyway, in case you haven't had examples enough, God's plan is always- ALWAYS better than our own. Always. aaand he's got everything under control, just trust him. 

The yellow brick squad (who recently got separated from cambios today:'(

Paulina is also progressing a lot! She came to the baptism we had in our ward Saturday of the mom of a super cute family (the husband is a member) and she came to church and loved it. She's already planning on getting baptized and is so incredibly prepared.

I hope you all know how much our Heavenly Father loves you. His plan is perfect, just keep trying and give the best you know how. God will help you with the rest. Now get up and go do some good!!

Mucho mucho amor,

Hermana Briggs