Monday, March 18, 2013

Another week...

Hola Everyone!

This past week has been one of the stressful weeks, but one of the most rewarding weeks of my mission!  The lord truly does answer our prayers and helps us achieve our goals.

So this past week we had a baptism planned.  We needed to teach the Law of Chastity, Tithing, Prophets, and they needed to get married (and $3700 pesos to pay for it), and have a baptism interview all between Monday and Friday.  They were super busy on Monday and Tuesday.  So we then had Weds, Thurs, and Fri. to get all of this accomplished.  This is where the miracles started happening.  We taught Chastity on Weds.  Thursday afternoon they got married.  Bladimir could only come up with $1500 pesos, so the leaders and us missionaries helped pitch in the rest!  It was super stressful getting the papers, money, and time set for the marriage, but it all finally happend late afternoon Thursday.  Thursday night, we stopped by and taught Tithing, and Following the Prophet.  They both agreed to follow these commandments.  Friday afternoon they had their interviews with the District Leader and passed.  So we prepared for Saturday.  Showed up to the church Saturday morning; no water!  Luckily, we were able to use the well to pump enough water to fill the baptismal font.  Then Saturday night, Bladimir and Bilari both got baptized and started their journey towards the temple.  It was a very beautiful baptism and my companion and I both agreed it was a miracle that it happened.  So yeah, that's the exciting, stressful, awesome week in Fantino for Elder Jensen.

Things continue to continue forward in Fantino.  My companion and I are talking with the branch leaders on a new mission plan.  We feel that we need to strengthen the members and less-actives before we can really help investigators.  Like Moroni in the Book of Mormon; we need to strengthen the inner defenses and strenghen ourselves before we can talk on the world and battle the Lamanites.  So we're really starting to work hard on the members and creating a strong branch with a desire to build the kingdom and help others come to the fold.  Sometimes, we as members feel that we can't do a whole lot to help the ward grow.  However, striving to fulfill home teaching assignments, and callings strengthens the inner defenses of the ward and helps prepare the members to take on the world.  I know that's when the really progress will happen.  I know that the church is true, and that all of us have a role to play in building up the kingdom of God.  Jesus Christ lives, and he loves and wants to help each of us.  We as members of the church have a message like no other.  Let's not hesitate to share it!  It changes the world, and strengthens us too!  En el nombre de Jesucristo, Amen.

Have an excellent week!  And Keep on Swimming!

Love,
Elder Jensen

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