*Lots to do...always
We were expecting a ton of people in church this
week, but life always presents many obstacles. The only ones who came to
church were the Garcias, whose son will get baptized this week. They
enjoyed the classes, but had to leave early. Unfortunate, but I think
we´ll continue with the plans. They enjoy everything about coming back
to church, and Brother Garcia is helping us teach some one of his
neighbors. He also asked "Why aren´t there as many people in church as
there used to be" (I do not like that question), and we committed him to
talk to his many neighbors who are less active members (his
neighborhood is full of them).
We found a great guy named Justino. His wife is a former
investigator, but she recently left him. Normally, it is hard to talk to
people during crises in Paraguay. When someone dies they pray and mourn
together as a family for several days, and when other bad things
happen, they often react by drinking a lot or doing other things to
isolate themselves. But when Justino told us what happened, we promised
him a message of hope and peace, and he actually let us in! By the end
of the lesson he couldn´t stop smiling. Great moment. He has neighbors
who are members, and with their help he´ll be baptized soon.
One more, Elvio Britez. Well, first you have to know that the
Resquín family are recent converts, whose daughters were baptized, but
only one of their 5 sons. For some reason, Gustavo Resquín (17 years
old) decided to let us teach him, and told us he wanted to invite his
friend. That´s Elvio, who, unlike Gustavo, is very interested in
learning about God and coming to church. He works on Sundays, but is
trying to change. If we can help him with that, he´ll be a great
missionary someday.
This week we will work in other areas for the weekend so we
can avoid being here during all the activity for the pilgrimage, which
has already started. Lots of people come in buses from very far, and
there is music coming from the Basilica all the time. Still haven´t
found the less-actives we are looking for in MLS. I have enjoyed the
opportunity to learn and help people in my calling, but it would be nice
to focus more on missionary work.
Our Thanksgiving dinner was moved to Saturday, because there was
another Zone Conference this week on Thursday, which I conducted. Elder
Ávila, an area 70 from Argentina, visited us. We watched a video of
President Eyring and Elder Holland comparing the Atonement to missionary
work (and D&C 107:99-100-"Let every man learn his duty"), which
explains why salvation can never be easy because it comes at such a high
price. Elder Avila talked a lot about obedience, working with members,
and the importance of the first two great commandments. He has a very
animated personality, and we learned some great things--especially the
importance of loving God and those we serve. And the lunch was with the
other four missionaries here in Ca´acupé. The Kellers made us
somewhat-American food--chicken, peas, sweet potatoes (kinda), mandioca
(paraguayan), and rice with gravy. It was definitely good enough for me.
Other interesting bits. Sister Castro (Milagros´s mom),
like many members, is going to be working all this week (including
Sunday). We read Luke 12--a parable about focusing on eternal rewards,
and reminded her of her goal of the temple. She committed to pray and
decide what to do...but wasn´t in church on Sunday. We did what we
could. Mom, I really liked that you shared 1 Nephi 13:37
with us because President Agazzani sent us the same scripture last
week! We saw Plutarco, a less-active member, skinning a dead pig he had
hanging by its feet. That was a new, unforgettable experience. And I
also realized I have lost more than 10 pounds in this area. It´s so hot
you can breathe the heat in, and we walk up a lot of hills. But I´m
doing fine, don´t worry!
Also, I got my Christmas packages! So happy to
have my camera working again. This time I´ll wait to open up the
wrapped presents. I loved the photos of Chris....I like showing people
the photo of him before I left and they say "Wow, you´ve been out here a
long time." I´m so old. But I really did appreciate the candy and
decorations. It´s going to be a great month. Thanks for your support!
-Elder Morgan the Older
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