This week has been really good. We have been working with
ward lists a lot more. Our ward secretary gave us lists and we have been
heading out to go find. It’s a lot easier finding people to teach when at least
you have a name. We have been finding more menos activos and incomplete
families to work with. LA OBRA VA BIEN EN BARRIO 5! We got an awesome reference
this past week from other missionaries that had found him contacting in the
street in another area. His name is Manuel. He is about 25 years old and is
looking for more peace in his life. We went to his house to find him once and
he wasn’t there but the second time we went, he invited us right in. We didn’t
have the most organized first lesson with him because he had a lot of questions
and doubts. After the lesson, we asked him to pray, and he said that he felt
better after he had prayed. We testified to him that as he continues to pray
and learn more, he will begin to see how the gospel brings peace of mind and
surety in his life. We have a lot of faith in him that he will progress and one
day have full access to the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ.
On Wednesday, we had a special zone
conference with Elder González, from the first quorum of the 70 and also
president of the South America south area. It
was such an awesome conference! He started off by explaining that he was a
convert of the missionaries serving in our mission. He was baptized by
missionaries serving here in his home country of Uruguay. He talked about our role
as missionaries and where we need to be focusing. About helping people find
their own answers instead of providing solutions to problems, as this allows
for a stronger conversion. He also talked about the importance of the Book of
Mormon and how we need to focus on using the Book of Mormon in every lesson as
that is the keystone of our religion and has all the answers. We did some
practices with him and his wife and we just learned a ton overall. He is
actually such a funny guy. He was cracking little jokes the whole time and the
way he says things really shows his loving character for all. The Spirit was so
strong during that conference and we all walked out feeling ready to face
whatever we had in store. It was one of the best conferences I have ever been
to. He came in to the offices on Thursday to see
everything and meet all of us. We took a picture with him but I don’t have it
on my camera. Sister Bingham has it so we will send that to you guys later. It
was just such a cool experience being able to talk to him and ask him questions
like that. It made me really want to know the Book of Mormon front and back. We
have seen a big difference in our studies in the past week.
My spiritual thought from this week comes from 2 Nephi 31.
In verse 16 it says:
"16 Y ahora bien, amados hermanos míos, por estos sé
que a menos que el hombre persevere hasta el fin, siguiendo el ejemplo del Hijo del Dios
viviente, no puede ser salvo."
o sea
"16 And now my beloved brethren, I know by this that
unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of
the living God, he cannot be saved."
I like this scripture a lot as I thought about it this past
week. I never really understood what it meant to endure to the end as this
scripture explains. I feel as if most of us just think of it as going to church
on Sundays, going home/visiting teaching once a month, reading our scriptures
when we find the time to read them, etc. I, up until recently, thought the
same. Until it hit me. Enduring to the end is so much more than that. Yeah,
those things a great. We need to do those things like going to church, reading
our scriptures, doing our home teaching, etc. We should be doing those things.
But what is more is who we become in the process. How are we changing on a
daily basis to become more as the Savior is? Do we have a spirit of charity as
the Savior did when he walked on the earth? Does our faith continue to grow?
Are we being diligent as he was and obedient to all of his commandments?
With obedience comes blessings, with exact obedience comes miracles. I know
that as we strive to become more like Him, as we endure to the end, this change
will occur in us. It is then when we deepen our conversion.
I know that the church is true. It has been restored to its
fullness by a prophet, Joseph Smith, when as a boy he saw The Father and Son. I
know that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book to ever be written and
that a man will get closer to God by reading it than any other book. I know
that families are eternal. God has given us a plan so that we may one day
return to live with Him. I know this with all that I am. I love being a
missionary and seeing the difference that the gospel makes in their lives. It
is night and day.
Well that is all the time i have for this week, I hope that
you all have a great week this coming week. OH! I TURNED 9 MONTHS IN THE MISSION TODAY!! WHOOP
WHOOP! Time is flying. I wish it would slow down.
I love you all so much! You are in my prayers. Remember to
keep the faith and a smile on your face! Life is awesome!
Lets all try a little bit harder to be a little bit
better.
Con much cariño,
Elder Staffieri
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