Spirit-filled week! We had so many great experiences with the spirit this week!
First of all, Naser is doing so well! We met with him twice this week. Naser in 31, so he doesn't quite fit in the YSA branch, or so we are told. So we have been working on transitioning him into the family ward. The University elders have been really sensitive to our feelings about this transition. To be honest, we desperately don't want to hand him over, but it is probably what is best for him. We taught him on Tuesday about Jesus Christ. We've covered the other two members of the Godhead already. It is important that we taught him specifically about Christ because he comes from a Muslim background. They believe in Christ a little different, so we established what our beliefs are. He was so accepting. We talked a lot about the Savior's role and how he suffered for us. He had learned about the pre-earth life so that was discussed. He has grown so much in his faith in God. He talks a lot about trusting in Him and how when we are connected to "the source" we are able to be happy. He is searching for eternal happiness. The elders taught the next time about the Atonement specifically. It was so amazing to feel the spirit in both lessons. My love for Naser is indescribable. He is such an amazing son of our Heavenly Father. It is a special gift to watch him grow closer to our Savior and Father. This is the gift of missionary work.
Violet is also doing amazing!! If she isn't the most choice spirit I've met on my mission, I don't know who is. Violet has been prepared beyond belief! We taught her about the Plan of Salvation on Monday. She was able to explain most of it to us as we went along. We talked about Jesus Christ suffering for her so she can return to live with him again. She told us she wants to go to the Celestial Kingdom. The biggest miracle of that lesson was her willingness to pray in front of us. She said the most sincere, heartfelt, personal prayer. She was so nervous but there is no prayer more beautiful. She is like a little child, so willing to learn and try. We saw her again on Thursday. Sierra, a recent convert, came with us! It was incredible! We taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We talked a lot about repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost. Sierra bore pure simple testimony. The spirit was almost a tangible thing. It was so heavy in the room. I felt like my heart would burst! We invited her to be baptized and to pray about the date she would be ready by. We also talked about her family and the opposition they will pose when she tells them. Please pray that she will be able to stick to her feelings of the spirit as she tells her mom. She is so prepared and just needs to have courage.
There is the most important events of the week! I love my companion. We have had some really deep conversations and I just love being a girl and making so many amazing friends. She is simply amazing. We are working hard and keeping the faith! I invite you all to do so as well!
Two spiritual thoughts from my studies this week:
1. 2 Nephi 4:21 - Loves overcomes the natural man. Love qualifies us for salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ.
2. "Man cannot measure the bounds nor fathom the depths of divine forgiveness." - Brad Wilcox
Keep you heads up. Life is hard (as my mom said this week as we chatted) but the grace of Jesus Christ and his Atonement make it possible for us to be better. When life gets harder, look to Christ who is the Savior and Redeemer of your soul. He will bring you through the valleys of life.
Love,
Sister Mondragon
First of all, Naser is doing so well! We met with him twice this week. Naser in 31, so he doesn't quite fit in the YSA branch, or so we are told. So we have been working on transitioning him into the family ward. The University elders have been really sensitive to our feelings about this transition. To be honest, we desperately don't want to hand him over, but it is probably what is best for him. We taught him on Tuesday about Jesus Christ. We've covered the other two members of the Godhead already. It is important that we taught him specifically about Christ because he comes from a Muslim background. They believe in Christ a little different, so we established what our beliefs are. He was so accepting. We talked a lot about the Savior's role and how he suffered for us. He had learned about the pre-earth life so that was discussed. He has grown so much in his faith in God. He talks a lot about trusting in Him and how when we are connected to "the source" we are able to be happy. He is searching for eternal happiness. The elders taught the next time about the Atonement specifically. It was so amazing to feel the spirit in both lessons. My love for Naser is indescribable. He is such an amazing son of our Heavenly Father. It is a special gift to watch him grow closer to our Savior and Father. This is the gift of missionary work.
Violet is also doing amazing!! If she isn't the most choice spirit I've met on my mission, I don't know who is. Violet has been prepared beyond belief! We taught her about the Plan of Salvation on Monday. She was able to explain most of it to us as we went along. We talked about Jesus Christ suffering for her so she can return to live with him again. She told us she wants to go to the Celestial Kingdom. The biggest miracle of that lesson was her willingness to pray in front of us. She said the most sincere, heartfelt, personal prayer. She was so nervous but there is no prayer more beautiful. She is like a little child, so willing to learn and try. We saw her again on Thursday. Sierra, a recent convert, came with us! It was incredible! We taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We talked a lot about repentance, baptism and the Holy Ghost. Sierra bore pure simple testimony. The spirit was almost a tangible thing. It was so heavy in the room. I felt like my heart would burst! We invited her to be baptized and to pray about the date she would be ready by. We also talked about her family and the opposition they will pose when she tells them. Please pray that she will be able to stick to her feelings of the spirit as she tells her mom. She is so prepared and just needs to have courage.
There is the most important events of the week! I love my companion. We have had some really deep conversations and I just love being a girl and making so many amazing friends. She is simply amazing. We are working hard and keeping the faith! I invite you all to do so as well!
Two spiritual thoughts from my studies this week:
1. 2 Nephi 4:21 - Loves overcomes the natural man. Love qualifies us for salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ.
2. "Man cannot measure the bounds nor fathom the depths of divine forgiveness." - Brad Wilcox
Keep you heads up. Life is hard (as my mom said this week as we chatted) but the grace of Jesus Christ and his Atonement make it possible for us to be better. When life gets harder, look to Christ who is the Savior and Redeemer of your soul. He will bring you through the valleys of life.
Love,
Sister Mondragon