More news Sept 3rd

 

"I would love to share about the full story of this... whatever, it all sounds weird in English... woman who is a sister of an inactive member. Their family makes me so happy.  There are a lot in the family. [We found a woman and a child, while searching for another woman and her four kids.  The woman was frustrated with some things that had happened recently] Then we show up with this amazing message that instantly caught her attention and brought her the peace she was looking for. She shows even on her expression, a true desire to repent and be baptized.  She is always excited and willing to do her homework that we leave her, but like just about every Chilean, you have to invite the spirit pretty clearly for them to open up.

It´s a little bit harder, because every time we visit them, I often get a strong reminder that, no, these aren´t my nieces and nephews that are climbing all over us.... haha. I often think, No, you´re not in your house... but it sure feels close to home. 

Just yesterday we finally had a lesson where we could get her to express herself without the distraction of the kids. They went to sleep early. HA! It was so great.  The recently activating sister even shared her strong testimony of the church. It... ahhhh! 

La misión es tan genial. 

Oh and she has a baptismal date for the 15th.  As long as nothing comes up, and she attends church twice more, it´ll be perfect."

I just want to share one more thing. This is the story of a 39 year old lady:

Two weeks ago, she got out of a rehabilitation from being addicted to slightly stronger than normal drugs. She had been doing well for 2 weeks but still finding herself in dangerous situations that would make her fall back again.  Finally, on this day, she had given up hope, and ran from her mother's home to buy one of Chile's most harmful drugs that causes permanent damage to the brain. She had been praying this whole time out of the house for a reason and hope not to do this. . . the 30 minutes it took to find, prepare, and hide herself in an alleyway all while praying put tears in her eyes. She put the freshly made drug to her lips.

This is our side of the story.  Very simply. 

Our plans all failed. We didn't know what to do. We had one place in mind to go, when suddenly my companion said Hey, let's go visit that one member who we met near the church from out of town. 

I wanted to go elsewhere, but I didn't argue because it was a better idea than I had. 

We found the house, and no one was home.

Then we said, hey I have an address in my agenda close to here. the number didn't exist from where we looked, so we searched for someone to ask. We went down an alleyway with no one, so we thought.

We saw her with tears, saw her drugs, and thinking quickly, we invite her to come see the church for a tour.

She explained her side of the story after we gave the tour. Amazed at circumstance, and how quickly her prayer was answered, we asked her if she wants help, and if she would be baptized.  She accepted the invitation.

I don't want to say or claim any personal glory or pride in this example. But I do want you to know that this story is REAL, and prayers are answered.  There are countless people being prepared by our loving Heavenly Father who listens to our prayers.  If we are alert and listen, and willing to do something, we could be the means of saving a life, and in the case of this middle-aged mother, their family. 

Never think that you are left alone. God has made his promise, and we will see it personally if we are faithful.  

I love you all. I hope that you continue in prayers and studies. 

Have a great week.