September 12, 2009

This week started out so wonderfully. We had been teaching a man named Ariel, about 45 years old. He came to church, and really liked it. He decided to stop smoking, and to prepare himself to be baptized on the 20th of this month( that's next Sunday). Elder Astorga and I went to his house early this week, and as we arrived, he walked out with his cigarrette in hand, and told us he was done. He said, ¨I am not going to keep going with this thing. I have talked to the family, and well, its just too much for me, and I really just want to keep being Catholic.¨ We tried to reason with him, and as much as we reminded him of his feelings he felt, he turned us away and told us not to come back anymore. It was a serious blow to us. There was very little hope inside of us at that moment. IT hurt, and we just love Ariel so much that it sucked pretty bad. Knowing how much he really is missing out on.As we continued walking, I began praying in my heart, that My Savior could comfort us, and give us the strength to keep going. Then, one of my favorite scriptures came to mind. Alma 26:27 ¨27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.¨We began to whistle ¨There is sunshine in my soul today.¨ as we continued in the street. As we were then walking we went to knock a door, and the man outside waved us in before we even knocked. We went inside and began to get to know them. Alejandra and Jonathan, and their children. We taught them about families, Prophets, the Ministry of Jesus Christ, and of the Restoration of His Gospel. As we were coming to the end, and we spoke of the power of prayer, and how they can come to know of the truth of these things. They became the investigators of every missionary´s dream. Alejandra told us, ¨We have been looking for the true church of Jesus Christ for years. I have been baptized in 5 churches, but I don't feel right about any of them. I feel something different about you. You missionaries may be the answer to our prayers.¨The tough days always exist, but as we learn from Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, ...¨If we endure it well, we shall be exalted.¨ It is how we learn from our hard times, and how we choose to accept them. I was able to return to Punta Alta again this week. Last night actually to have 7 baptismal interviews. A family that is getting baptized together. Children from the Primary, Young Women, Young Men, Relief Society. Even the grandmother. It truly was incredible to hear their conversion stories as well. It is true that our Heavenly Father is preparing his Children for all the blessings he has for them. We just have to be in tune with the spirit, and ready to help them along their way to those blessings. This is my last week in the office, and I am determined to make it my best one. I would be lying if I didn't tell you all that I am anxious to know where I am going.My companion, Elder Astorga, and I are working hard, and we are building this area, and setting it up to have a lot of success.Thank you all so much for your support, prayers, emails and letters. I love you so much.With love,Elder Andy
¨Lo haré siempre, y cada vez mejor!¨