There were a few other interesting announcements about
rules and things to change. We are going to focus even more on the
repentance process in every commandment and teaching from the Book of
Mormon. I really love studying the Book of Mormon, and the rest of the
Mission Library--Our Heritage, Our Search for Happiness, True to the
Faith, and Jesus the Christ. Each of those books is full of great
doctrine and things to apply to missionary work. I also love the For the
Strenght of Youth Pamphlet! I usually read those books during breakfast
or other short times, and I try to focus my peronsal study on the
scriptures and Preach My Gospel. I have found one of the most effective
ways to study is to just write questions and doubts that investigators,
members, or missionaries have, and look for as many ideas as I can in
the scriptures and Preach My Gospel. When I do that, I feel like the
Spirit really guides my study through revelation.
Speaking of studying, I am getting a lot better at
Spanish. I can now focus on learning words like "machine gun" and
"hazelnut." I also like studying a little Guaraní, though I don't think
I'll every be able to teach entire lessons in that language. We did get
to watch "The Restoration" in German this week with a man we found named
Harald Schmitz. He is very funny, because he speaks very broken
Spanish. He smokes and drinks a lot, but we're working on him! Then
there is Gemma, who speaks Nivaclé, an indigenous language from the
Chaco. She is living with a less-active member who is very excited to
come back to church and prepare for the temple. They are a very special
family, and it really was such a miracle to find her.
Unfortunately, the Duarte family did not get
baptized this week. Their dad did not give them permission, but we will
pray and work with the members for this next week! They are great kids,
and I honestly don't know how to convince Hector to let them get
baptized. But if it's the Lord's will, he will provide a way.
Yes, I think I will know in May for sure if I am
staying or going to the other mission. Villa Elisa is the city, and
Villa Bonita is the name of the neighborhood. They changed it to "Costa"
for the ward...not sure why. We are on the coast of the river between
Paraguay and Argentina, which we can see from our house. I'll send
pictures of that next week. The elections were not dangerous, staying
home was just a precaution. In Guaraní we sing hymns, actually. The old
Gospel Principles book in Guaraní has some hymns at the end.
I like what you
said about the fact that the people who have problems with their family
changing religion are often those who are not active in their own. I
have seen personally that they just feel guilty and want to pull other
people down so they feel better. Rules like the sabbath and the Word of Wisdom are especially frustrating to them. And for those who honestly
have strong testimonies in their religion, it is true that showing them
the positive, family orientation and doctrinal center on Christ will
help them soften their hearts.
Lots of Love,
-Elder Wesley Morgan
P.S.
Fun coincidence. On a bus (we travel a lot) I saw two guys with sporty
shirts. One said Tigers in yellow and the other Bruins in red. ¡Qué
Loco!
No comments:
Post a Comment