June 26, 2017

HOLA!

This week was so full of miracles I cannot even begin to scratch the surface.

We received a reference for a woman named Sara this week. On a limb I invited her to the beautiful baptism of a Colombian woman named Beatriz (We also sang at the baptism and everyone had tears of joy, it was so precious) and SHE CAME! She is the most incredible miracle. She found the missionaries, saw Jesus Christ on their chapas (badges) and said I want Him. Where do I go and what do I to find Him? Well, long story short, SHE IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON JULY 8!!! She has been with Testigos (Jehova Witnesses) for 2 and 1/2 years and told us how she felt so sad and dark. She loved the baptismal service and asked when can I have that? I want to follow Jesus Christ; I want to be clean! What do I have to do? We have only had two lessons with her,  but they have been just incredibly spiritual I literally walk away singing the song of redeeming love. I have never felt so much love and joy in my life. And really, it is not me, it is the spirit. It is incredible and I am so humbled and honored to be here. 

(George backed out. He didn't have the faith to close shop... Sad because he knows, but just won't act.)

We were passing by some investigators one night, and we decided to stop and take a minute to do some work in the area, ending up teaching the plan of salvation to this sweet old woman. She has lost her husband and at the end of our little visit she told us thank you for bringing her light and joy. She told us she felt much better. 

The next day a similar thing happened with another old women on a bench, but with the Book of Mormon. Both times my heart just was filled and the spirit whispered, "This is what missionary work is. This is being Christ Hands." 

We had a marvelous culture night this week with our ward! We made smores, other elders brought brownies and an american  couple brought peach cobbler. I never loved america so much before my mission. Other members brought amazing food and sang and danced. It is beautiful to see the gospel bless the entire world. 

We met Joana this week! We actuallly met her mother on the street and went and taught her, but Joana and her 10 year old daughter sat in. The mom didn't want us to leave 2 BoMs, but Joana piped up and said no, she wants her own. I called her yesterday and she told me she feels that it is true. She loves the Book of Mormon and is reading everything we left and more. Once again, power of the Spirit! And once again, a very humbled and happy Hermana. 

Jose and Esperanza are talking about marriage!! They really want to be baptized, so sounds like a legal marriage pronto and a big celebration later! MIRACLE!

So much more. 

Over all, I am learning how incredibly powerful the Atonement of Savior Jesus Christ is. It is changing me and I can honestly feel my testimony growing so much. Best decision I have every made. I had a huge testimony of God's timing this week too. I know I would not be here without having acted on the prompting I had last August and the many before that. I love my Savior, and I love doing His work.

Thank you for the prayers, love and support!!

Love you all!

Hemana Read