My Favorite Scripture
For the longest time I never had a favorite scripture. Before I left for Spain I left my ward with this as my favorite scripture:
THE FIRST BOOK OF NEPHI
HIS REIGN AND MINISTRY 11:17
14 And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, . . .
16 And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?
And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.
I still love this scripture because it is so easy to apply it to my life. I too like Nephi don't know the meaning of all things but i do know that God does love me. Just this simple truth makes life that much easier. I don't have to know all things right at this moment. I already know that God loves all His children and we can be happy.
Then I continued to read, study, and ponder the scriptures and fell upon this one:
THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS SECTION 136:31
My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.
After I read this scripture and the words of the Lord my mind was opened! I know understand better my purpose in this world and the life my God has given me. I have since found many other scriptures that testify of the same thing in the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and other places. What a blessing to know these words of the Lord. To know that He has glory awaiting for us. We must be worthy. We will be tried in all things. We might as well bear it and make sure we are worthy to receive what the Lords has for us. What a wonderful blessing we have and the way before us given to take. May we all help each other through this life that we may all find rest in the kingdom of God together.
With great love for the truth,
Elder Rodriguez
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Mi Escritura Favorita
Por todo mi vida no tenía una escritura favorita. Antes de salir para España dejé mi barrio con una escritura como mi favorita:
EL PRIMER LIBRO DE NEFI
SU REINADO Y MINISTERIO 11:17
14 Y ocurrió que vi abrirse los cielos; y un ángel descendió y se puso delante de mí, y me dijo: Nefi, . . .
16 Y me dijo: ¿Comprendes la condescendencia de Dios?
17 Y le respondí: Sé que ama a sus hijos; sin embargo, no sé el significado de todas las cosas.
Todavía me encanta esta escritura porque es fácil a aplicarla a mi vida. Como Nefi yo también no sé el significado de todas las cosas pero sé que Dios me ama. Esta verdad hace la vida más fácil para nosotros. No tengo que saber todo ahora mismo. Ya sé que Dios ama a todos sus hijos y podemos ser felices.
He continuado a leer, estudiar, y meditar las escrituras y encontró éste:
Doctrina y Convenios
SECCIÓN 136:31
31 Es preciso que los de mi pueblo sean probados en todas las cosas, a fin de que estén preparados para recibir la gloria que tengo para ellos, sí, la gloria de Sión; y el que no aguanta el castigo, no es digno de mi reino.
Después de leerla y las palabras del Señor la mente estaba abierta! Ahora yo entiendo el propósito mio en este mundo y la vida el Dios mio me ha dado mejor. Desde aquel día he encontrado más escrituras que testifican de lo mismo en el Antiguo Testamento, Nuevo Testamento, El Libro de Mormón, La Perla de Gran Precia, y en otras escrituras. Qué bendición es para saber estas palabras del Señor. Para Saber de la gloria que Él tiene para nosotros y que nos la espera. Debemos ser dignos. Seremos probados en todas las cosas. ¿Por quío no lo aguantamos para que sepamos que seremos dignos para recibir lo que el Señor tiene para nosotros? Qué bendición tenemos y la vía preparada para nosotros para tomarla. Espero que todos nosotros podamos ayudar uno a otro durante esta vida para que nos encontremos en el reino de Dios.
Con Amor por la verdad,
Elder Rodriguez
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Prophet's Vision
A Prophet's Vision (consejo)
Well it all started with consejo where I learned of the Vision that God has for His work. There is a few ideas that I want to cover and a lot to say. As I put quotes I put them as best as my notes state and my memory tells me. Also now that I remember, I heard most of it in Spanish so now I have to put it into English. As you follow along you will see the Lord's Hand in all of this. I want to start off with the last signed letter of the Prophet Gorden B. Hinckley. He said that "We have the impression from God that we should change the organization to prepare for the future". The time of year is a special time for the Church and Spaniards. Here is Spain they have finished but they took a whole month off for vacation. For the Church, this time of year is when the Twelve Apostles travel the globe to share the message for the next year. This work is going to grow. Many things are taking place. First thing first is that we must have confidence in God. President Thomas S. Monson said the Church is going to grow. We have a promise from a prophet that all will turn out well. The work that I do is an area of Europe that covers forty-four countries with twenty-four major languages. Spain alone has twenty-two dialects. There are four points and goals that were discussed for the area:
Faith in Jesus Christ
Strengthen the family
Establish the Church
Increase convert baptisms
In 1999 the Prophet Gorden B. Hinckley said, "Last year there were approximately 300,000 convert baptisms throughout the Church. This is tremendously significant. This is the equivalent of 120 new stakes of 2,500 members each. Think of that: 120 new stakes in a single year! It is wonderful. But it is not enough. I am not being unrealistic when I say that with concerted effort, with recognition of the duty which falls upon each of us as members of the Church, and with sincere prayer to the Lord for help, we could double that number. The big initial task is first to find interested investigators. So many of us look upon missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with this work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of the Church. Whenever there is a member who introduces an investigator, there is an immediate support system. The member bears testimony of the truth of the work. He is anxious for the happiness of his investigator friend. He becomes excited as that friend makes progress in learning the gospel."
I know this was a prophecy of a prophet of God. I have stated before that many prophecies that we can read about in the scriptures have already come to pass. I know too that this one will be fulfilled. The bar was raised for those that have a desire to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. Several things have taken place since the Prophet said that in 1999. We have gone from Missions to Stakes levels to Missions to Wards levels. Elder Perry said, "The wards that work in missionary work, everything else in the ward functions better." Preach My Gospel came out in 2004. For the Europe area 2008 is a significant year. The numbers are climbing. People are being found and taught the truth. They are accepting it and choosing for themselves what is right. Many have already a background of the scriptures and have heard of the Savior of the world. Their knowledge has been increased and truth and light have become part of their being. The Savior said to go and baptize in every nation.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
ST MATTHEW
CHAPTER 28
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Prophets and Apostles have stated that we can baptize in any area. That includes Spain! This interesting thing is that this isn't anything new. Many prophets in the scriptures have testified of the same thing. I know the Lord Jesus Christ wouldn't say to go, teach all nations, and baptize them if it weren't possible.
The work will press forward. We need to cultivate the faith of the missionaries that their are people prepared to receive the Restored Gospel. After we have done this, this truth then needs to pass from our mind to our heart.
There are three parts that we will focus on Planing Finding Teaching
One of the miracles that are taking place is happening before our eyes. If my memory tells me correctly I remember that five hundred new missionaries enter the MTC in Utah each week and that doesn't count the other training center around the world. When I was there there was about two thousand five hundred to three thousand missionaries in Provo. From the statistics I remember from every General Conference is that there are always more or less fifty-five thousand missionaries each year world wide! My mission president told me more or less twenty-five thousand missionaries return home to wards each year. That means that each year there are that many master teachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They then can work with the full-time missionaries and fulfill a huge part of the vision God has for His work.
I want to speak of two ways that our faith in Jesus Christ grows. First off, our faith is increased when we share our testimony of gospel truths. Second is when we hear true testimonies of others. We have already put into action telling each other stories of success. We shared finding success stories in zone conference. I went to Oviedo and Elder Chavez and I shared stories of success while we walked the streets and talked to people of Christ, the Risen Lord, and had success as we testified of truths people were hearing for the first time or second time and so on.
Each Ward and Branch have a missionary plan. The Spain Bilbao Mission has a missionary plan. We now will plan to plan and work together more closely with the wards and branches. Unity will rise to a new level in this Church and in this World. As the Church moves forward and the world grows older with time people will see the need to unite themselves with what they feel is right. We will see the change sooner than we think.
A meeting took place in Europe with the Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ Elder Tom L. Perry. Also were present were twenty or so Area Seventy and thirty-seven mission presidents that cover forty-four countries. Elder Perry asked the members of the Seventy to stand. He gave them a commitment. It was impressive to me to learn of the commitment an Apostle gave which in turn will affect me greatly as a missionary and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I will say one thing and that is that I have learned more of the role the Seventy play in the work of the Lord. They are especial witnesses of the Savior Jesus Christ. The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of the Savior Jesus Christ. The Seventy go throughout the world to testify of the truth given to us by our God.
We will start to have better Sacrament meetings in this Church. We will start to have better uplifting meetings where the everyone can be spiritually fed. It is not to say that we don't have these types of meetings yet but as this Church fills the earth the need to feed all those who believe and wish to worship the one true God will have a place to go. God has a vision and I am glad to be a part of it.
Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in the September 2008 issue of the Ensign, "I believe that we are on the threshold of the most significant missionary success to date."
The organization of God's Church and that which is to come are reasons that the work of God will grow. This Church is directed by revelation every day. As I heard President DuVall tell me a story my testimony of this truth has increased tremendously. He told of a situation that had come up. President Eyring was in charge and with other leaders came up with two options. It was something that needed special attention. It needed to be resolved in that very moment. Elder Eyring took the matter to the Prophet Gorden B. Hinckley. President Hinckley had already known of the situation. Elder Eyring presented option 'A'. The Prophet said, "I like option 'A'." Elder Erying said Okay and started to present option ' B' when the Prophet stuck his arm out with his hand up stopping Elder Eyring and said, "Elder Eyring, I Like option 'A'." Elder Eyring said, "Oh, I like option 'A' as well." Elder Eyring then took the matter and dealt with it. Within a week or so the grave matter went away. As I heard this story even if it was in Spanish but the way President DuVall added his testimony of the truth that this Church is directed by revelation every day impacted me and still continues to do so. I cannot deny what I know to be true. I have had the Spirit bear witness of the truth to me personally. I have heard the Lord's servants bear their testimony of my Savior. I have had the opportunity to bear my testimony to others and feel the Spirit bear witness to them of the truths I spoke.
A member of the Church approached Elder Perry and told him something I don't think I can ever forget. The member said that he had come to listen to him and all he spoke of was faith and things like that. The member asked Elder Perry why he didn't talk about more profound things or things more interesting. Elder Perry being as wise as he is responded like this, "Faith is all I know." I know the Apostle Elder Tom L. Perry knows a lot about the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is faith. I know he has read and studied the scriptures. I know he has a testimony of the truth. Maybe he could have talked about more profound doctrine but he focused on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I know why that member had that question. It is a question that has popped into my head years ago. As I started to go to Utah for General Conference I sat in the conference building listening to the Apostles of God. I wondered why they focused so much on faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. I never really had the chance to ask one of the Apostles themselves my question. I am glad I didn't. I learned years ago and thought a bit more "why"? I realized that if that was what the Apostles decided to testify to the world and to me that that meant that was what God wanted me to know. I am also grateful for that member that asked Elder Perry that question. I have had my testimony of the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ reinforced. I now look forward to General Conference which is the first weekend of October. I will get to hear the words of God spoken through His servants and the messages carried by the Holy Ghost to my heart.
I add my testimony that I know that the Savior lives. He loves me. He is my advocate with the Father. I testify that He did something for every person that has lived on the earth, that lives today, and that will ever live, that we can't do for ourselves. Whether we accept His gift or not doesn't change the fact of what He did for us while on the earth where we stand today. It is up to us to fully accept His gift and show our faith by our actions. This is my testimony of the truth that our God has given me and I bear it in the sacred name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.
Elder Rodriguez
Well it all started with consejo where I learned of the Vision that God has for His work. There is a few ideas that I want to cover and a lot to say. As I put quotes I put them as best as my notes state and my memory tells me. Also now that I remember, I heard most of it in Spanish so now I have to put it into English. As you follow along you will see the Lord's Hand in all of this. I want to start off with the last signed letter of the Prophet Gorden B. Hinckley. He said that "We have the impression from God that we should change the organization to prepare for the future". The time of year is a special time for the Church and Spaniards. Here is Spain they have finished but they took a whole month off for vacation. For the Church, this time of year is when the Twelve Apostles travel the globe to share the message for the next year. This work is going to grow. Many things are taking place. First thing first is that we must have confidence in God. President Thomas S. Monson said the Church is going to grow. We have a promise from a prophet that all will turn out well. The work that I do is an area of Europe that covers forty-four countries with twenty-four major languages. Spain alone has twenty-two dialects. There are four points and goals that were discussed for the area:
Faith in Jesus Christ
Strengthen the family
Establish the Church
Increase convert baptisms
In 1999 the Prophet Gorden B. Hinckley said, "Last year there were approximately 300,000 convert baptisms throughout the Church. This is tremendously significant. This is the equivalent of 120 new stakes of 2,500 members each. Think of that: 120 new stakes in a single year! It is wonderful. But it is not enough. I am not being unrealistic when I say that with concerted effort, with recognition of the duty which falls upon each of us as members of the Church, and with sincere prayer to the Lord for help, we could double that number. The big initial task is first to find interested investigators. So many of us look upon missionary work as simply tracting. Everyone who is familiar with this work knows there is a better way. That way is through the members of the Church. Whenever there is a member who introduces an investigator, there is an immediate support system. The member bears testimony of the truth of the work. He is anxious for the happiness of his investigator friend. He becomes excited as that friend makes progress in learning the gospel."
I know this was a prophecy of a prophet of God. I have stated before that many prophecies that we can read about in the scriptures have already come to pass. I know too that this one will be fulfilled. The bar was raised for those that have a desire to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. Several things have taken place since the Prophet said that in 1999. We have gone from Missions to Stakes levels to Missions to Wards levels. Elder Perry said, "The wards that work in missionary work, everything else in the ward functions better." Preach My Gospel came out in 2004. For the Europe area 2008 is a significant year. The numbers are climbing. People are being found and taught the truth. They are accepting it and choosing for themselves what is right. Many have already a background of the scriptures and have heard of the Savior of the world. Their knowledge has been increased and truth and light have become part of their being. The Savior said to go and baptize in every nation.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
ST MATTHEW
CHAPTER 28
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Prophets and Apostles have stated that we can baptize in any area. That includes Spain! This interesting thing is that this isn't anything new. Many prophets in the scriptures have testified of the same thing. I know the Lord Jesus Christ wouldn't say to go, teach all nations, and baptize them if it weren't possible.
The work will press forward. We need to cultivate the faith of the missionaries that their are people prepared to receive the Restored Gospel. After we have done this, this truth then needs to pass from our mind to our heart.
There are three parts that we will focus on Planing Finding Teaching
One of the miracles that are taking place is happening before our eyes. If my memory tells me correctly I remember that five hundred new missionaries enter the MTC in Utah each week and that doesn't count the other training center around the world. When I was there there was about two thousand five hundred to three thousand missionaries in Provo. From the statistics I remember from every General Conference is that there are always more or less fifty-five thousand missionaries each year world wide! My mission president told me more or less twenty-five thousand missionaries return home to wards each year. That means that each year there are that many master teachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They then can work with the full-time missionaries and fulfill a huge part of the vision God has for His work.
I want to speak of two ways that our faith in Jesus Christ grows. First off, our faith is increased when we share our testimony of gospel truths. Second is when we hear true testimonies of others. We have already put into action telling each other stories of success. We shared finding success stories in zone conference. I went to Oviedo and Elder Chavez and I shared stories of success while we walked the streets and talked to people of Christ, the Risen Lord, and had success as we testified of truths people were hearing for the first time or second time and so on.
Each Ward and Branch have a missionary plan. The Spain Bilbao Mission has a missionary plan. We now will plan to plan and work together more closely with the wards and branches. Unity will rise to a new level in this Church and in this World. As the Church moves forward and the world grows older with time people will see the need to unite themselves with what they feel is right. We will see the change sooner than we think.
A meeting took place in Europe with the Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ Elder Tom L. Perry. Also were present were twenty or so Area Seventy and thirty-seven mission presidents that cover forty-four countries. Elder Perry asked the members of the Seventy to stand. He gave them a commitment. It was impressive to me to learn of the commitment an Apostle gave which in turn will affect me greatly as a missionary and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I will say one thing and that is that I have learned more of the role the Seventy play in the work of the Lord. They are especial witnesses of the Savior Jesus Christ. The Twelve Apostles are special witnesses of the Savior Jesus Christ. The Seventy go throughout the world to testify of the truth given to us by our God.
We will start to have better Sacrament meetings in this Church. We will start to have better uplifting meetings where the everyone can be spiritually fed. It is not to say that we don't have these types of meetings yet but as this Church fills the earth the need to feed all those who believe and wish to worship the one true God will have a place to go. God has a vision and I am glad to be a part of it.
Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in the September 2008 issue of the Ensign, "I believe that we are on the threshold of the most significant missionary success to date."
The organization of God's Church and that which is to come are reasons that the work of God will grow. This Church is directed by revelation every day. As I heard President DuVall tell me a story my testimony of this truth has increased tremendously. He told of a situation that had come up. President Eyring was in charge and with other leaders came up with two options. It was something that needed special attention. It needed to be resolved in that very moment. Elder Eyring took the matter to the Prophet Gorden B. Hinckley. President Hinckley had already known of the situation. Elder Eyring presented option 'A'. The Prophet said, "I like option 'A'." Elder Erying said Okay and started to present option ' B' when the Prophet stuck his arm out with his hand up stopping Elder Eyring and said, "Elder Eyring, I Like option 'A'." Elder Eyring said, "Oh, I like option 'A' as well." Elder Eyring then took the matter and dealt with it. Within a week or so the grave matter went away. As I heard this story even if it was in Spanish but the way President DuVall added his testimony of the truth that this Church is directed by revelation every day impacted me and still continues to do so. I cannot deny what I know to be true. I have had the Spirit bear witness of the truth to me personally. I have heard the Lord's servants bear their testimony of my Savior. I have had the opportunity to bear my testimony to others and feel the Spirit bear witness to them of the truths I spoke.
A member of the Church approached Elder Perry and told him something I don't think I can ever forget. The member said that he had come to listen to him and all he spoke of was faith and things like that. The member asked Elder Perry why he didn't talk about more profound things or things more interesting. Elder Perry being as wise as he is responded like this, "Faith is all I know." I know the Apostle Elder Tom L. Perry knows a lot about the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is faith. I know he has read and studied the scriptures. I know he has a testimony of the truth. Maybe he could have talked about more profound doctrine but he focused on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I know why that member had that question. It is a question that has popped into my head years ago. As I started to go to Utah for General Conference I sat in the conference building listening to the Apostles of God. I wondered why they focused so much on faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. I never really had the chance to ask one of the Apostles themselves my question. I am glad I didn't. I learned years ago and thought a bit more "why"? I realized that if that was what the Apostles decided to testify to the world and to me that that meant that was what God wanted me to know. I am also grateful for that member that asked Elder Perry that question. I have had my testimony of the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ reinforced. I now look forward to General Conference which is the first weekend of October. I will get to hear the words of God spoken through His servants and the messages carried by the Holy Ghost to my heart.
I add my testimony that I know that the Savior lives. He loves me. He is my advocate with the Father. I testify that He did something for every person that has lived on the earth, that lives today, and that will ever live, that we can't do for ourselves. Whether we accept His gift or not doesn't change the fact of what He did for us while on the earth where we stand today. It is up to us to fully accept His gift and show our faith by our actions. This is my testimony of the truth that our God has given me and I bear it in the sacred name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.
Elder Rodriguez
Monday, September 15, 2008
More Miracles
Domingo ran into the other elders a few days ago. He told them that he wants to quit smoking. He also told them that he was going to buy a basketball and if we all wanted to play. We ended up playing basketball with him. It was a lot of fun. I hadn't played basketball since Gijon. My shot was way off and didn't get much better. We still got to all know each other better. Two young spaniards passed by and asked if they could play. Church on Sunday was full of old faces but new faces to me. We learned a bit about unity. It felt really good to have the capilla full have many people wanting to learn more about their God. Tomorrow we travel to Gijon for zone conference. When I was in Gijon we had to travel here to Leon. We had wanted to switch it to Gijon but it never happened. Well it never happened till I came to Leon, ha ha. Now that I am in Leon I get to travel to Gijon for zone conference:) The mission continues to be an amazing experience.
Marcelino
A few miracles have taken place and more yet to happen with time from one act of kindness. My companion was with Elder Gallegos before me. They were walking towards the end of one area in the city. They were coming up on a chinese restaurant that was under construction. Elder Gallegos simply said hi to one of the workers working. He turned around and the two Elders saw a rapid change in his face. It lighted up as he said, "Elders!!" Then their faces quickly changed as well:) He begin saying that it was so good to see two missionaries. He is from Bolivia and has been living in a little pueblo outside of Leon for a year. He had asked all the people he knew if the church existed here in these parts. Everyone told him no:( He told the Elders that he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The following Sunday he came to church. It was so great to have him around. He kept coming Sunday after Sunday. We then found out that he was going to move. We told him where the closest capilla was in his new city. Another miracle happened his last Sunday in Leon. He arrived at church with a young girl. I didn't find out who she was right away because I was directing sacrament meeting. As I directed the meeting and everytime I stood up I looked at her. Everytime I looked she was listening to everything so intentively. She was focused on all the words that were spoken in that meeting. Elder Castellon was nice enough to sit with her and explain things. After the meeting I got to meet her. Her name is Grisela and she is from Bolivia. She was super nice and so poliet. We learned that day in the class about the power of God and the power God gives to us on this earth. She understood that the power of God or the Priesthood is here to bless the lives of others. It has always been so wonderful to understand that I cannot give myself a blessing if in need. I can only use the Priesthood to bless the lives of others. She was grateful for the new truths she was learning and how they can bless her life. She said that the capill was beautiful. She felt something there that day. I found out later where it all started. Marcelino would take the bus to get to the capilla. He got off the bus and at the bus stop there was a young girl crying. He noticed that she was from his country. He talked to her and told her that he was going to church. He told her to go with him to listen to the word of God. I also found out more of the story later on. When Marcelino found her, she was waiting to catch the bus to go to Bilbao. Instead she followed her feelings and went to the church with him. She stayed for all three hours and some. She had to end up catching another bus to Bilabo. I gave her the direction to the capilla in Bilbao. I showed her how to get there and which metro stop to get off at. We got her number and have called her since. She told us she would go to church in Bilbao. We told her of some of our friends to look for when she got to the capilla. She told us that she would also go to Noche de Rama in Bilbao. I know that she will continue on the right path. She truly wants to change her life for not only the better but the best. God truly watches over His children on this earth. We are not alone. As we follow the things we feel are true or follow the Spirit then we will find more and more happiness. Grisela will continue to learn the truths God wants her to know. Elder Gallegos will continue to look for the smallest to biggest opportunities to share what he knows is true and also just say hi to a stranger. Marcelino will continue on the right path inviting people along as he goes throughout his life. I will continue to see miracles happen as I too stay on the path my God has prepared for me.
Rosa
This is what happened on the train ride back from Bilbao. I got up from my seat and took a seat next to some other elders. I happened to sit right next to a monja (nun). She was the type that takes care of the sick and looks after children. She told me she started he life of serving the Lord when she was twenty-one years old. She is in her eighties. That is a long time serving. I mentioned one of my aunts and how she served for so many years. The monja had a book with her and as book markers she showed me many Virgenes. She even had ones from Mexico. She was on her way to Vigo. She said she always saw the missionaries there and always waves to them. She wanted to know more about what we preach. I first gave her a card that states briefly of thirteen beliefs we have. She was so kind to give me one of her cards with a Virgen from Mexico. We talked for a long time. She wanted to know more and by this time we were friends. I showed her a quick slideshow with pictues of the Savior and music. She absolutly loved it. We then watched The Restoration, the story of Joseph Smith, on the train. I explained to her much of the story and bore my testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From her responses and actions I could tell something impacted her and she didn't quite know how to react. Neither did I because I wasn't planning on taking to a monja for hours on the train ride back. I know she has devoted so much of her life to helping others. I am grateful for her service. I know that now she knows a bit more of what God wants us to know. This life is the time for us to prepare to meet our God. She has done a lot of preparation. I was glad to talk with her and share my testimony. As we share our testimony of things that are true our testimony grows and also when we hear others' testimonies, our testiomony grows too. I told Rosa that the next time she sees the elders or hermanas in Vigo to call them elders or hermanas instead of mormones. I told her that either way they will polietly wave back but this time with a bigger smile. The elders or hermanas will automatically know that she has learned the truth about what we actually believe and stand for and that will be the reason for a bigger smile:) I was glad to meet Rosa. My testimony of the truth has grown. My love for others has as well. No matter how old we are there is still something new to learn. That day on the train I learned a lot.
Consejo
Next Week and with a better title too!
Marcelino
A few miracles have taken place and more yet to happen with time from one act of kindness. My companion was with Elder Gallegos before me. They were walking towards the end of one area in the city. They were coming up on a chinese restaurant that was under construction. Elder Gallegos simply said hi to one of the workers working. He turned around and the two Elders saw a rapid change in his face. It lighted up as he said, "Elders!!" Then their faces quickly changed as well:) He begin saying that it was so good to see two missionaries. He is from Bolivia and has been living in a little pueblo outside of Leon for a year. He had asked all the people he knew if the church existed here in these parts. Everyone told him no:( He told the Elders that he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The following Sunday he came to church. It was so great to have him around. He kept coming Sunday after Sunday. We then found out that he was going to move. We told him where the closest capilla was in his new city. Another miracle happened his last Sunday in Leon. He arrived at church with a young girl. I didn't find out who she was right away because I was directing sacrament meeting. As I directed the meeting and everytime I stood up I looked at her. Everytime I looked she was listening to everything so intentively. She was focused on all the words that were spoken in that meeting. Elder Castellon was nice enough to sit with her and explain things. After the meeting I got to meet her. Her name is Grisela and she is from Bolivia. She was super nice and so poliet. We learned that day in the class about the power of God and the power God gives to us on this earth. She understood that the power of God or the Priesthood is here to bless the lives of others. It has always been so wonderful to understand that I cannot give myself a blessing if in need. I can only use the Priesthood to bless the lives of others. She was grateful for the new truths she was learning and how they can bless her life. She said that the capill was beautiful. She felt something there that day. I found out later where it all started. Marcelino would take the bus to get to the capilla. He got off the bus and at the bus stop there was a young girl crying. He noticed that she was from his country. He talked to her and told her that he was going to church. He told her to go with him to listen to the word of God. I also found out more of the story later on. When Marcelino found her, she was waiting to catch the bus to go to Bilbao. Instead she followed her feelings and went to the church with him. She stayed for all three hours and some. She had to end up catching another bus to Bilabo. I gave her the direction to the capilla in Bilbao. I showed her how to get there and which metro stop to get off at. We got her number and have called her since. She told us she would go to church in Bilbao. We told her of some of our friends to look for when she got to the capilla. She told us that she would also go to Noche de Rama in Bilbao. I know that she will continue on the right path. She truly wants to change her life for not only the better but the best. God truly watches over His children on this earth. We are not alone. As we follow the things we feel are true or follow the Spirit then we will find more and more happiness. Grisela will continue to learn the truths God wants her to know. Elder Gallegos will continue to look for the smallest to biggest opportunities to share what he knows is true and also just say hi to a stranger. Marcelino will continue on the right path inviting people along as he goes throughout his life. I will continue to see miracles happen as I too stay on the path my God has prepared for me.
Rosa
This is what happened on the train ride back from Bilbao. I got up from my seat and took a seat next to some other elders. I happened to sit right next to a monja (nun). She was the type that takes care of the sick and looks after children. She told me she started he life of serving the Lord when she was twenty-one years old. She is in her eighties. That is a long time serving. I mentioned one of my aunts and how she served for so many years. The monja had a book with her and as book markers she showed me many Virgenes. She even had ones from Mexico. She was on her way to Vigo. She said she always saw the missionaries there and always waves to them. She wanted to know more about what we preach. I first gave her a card that states briefly of thirteen beliefs we have. She was so kind to give me one of her cards with a Virgen from Mexico. We talked for a long time. She wanted to know more and by this time we were friends. I showed her a quick slideshow with pictues of the Savior and music. She absolutly loved it. We then watched The Restoration, the story of Joseph Smith, on the train. I explained to her much of the story and bore my testimony of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From her responses and actions I could tell something impacted her and she didn't quite know how to react. Neither did I because I wasn't planning on taking to a monja for hours on the train ride back. I know she has devoted so much of her life to helping others. I am grateful for her service. I know that now she knows a bit more of what God wants us to know. This life is the time for us to prepare to meet our God. She has done a lot of preparation. I was glad to talk with her and share my testimony. As we share our testimony of things that are true our testimony grows and also when we hear others' testimonies, our testiomony grows too. I told Rosa that the next time she sees the elders or hermanas in Vigo to call them elders or hermanas instead of mormones. I told her that either way they will polietly wave back but this time with a bigger smile. The elders or hermanas will automatically know that she has learned the truth about what we actually believe and stand for and that will be the reason for a bigger smile:) I was glad to meet Rosa. My testimony of the truth has grown. My love for others has as well. No matter how old we are there is still something new to learn. That day on the train I learned a lot.
Consejo
Next Week and with a better title too!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Milagros
One thing that Presidente DuVall leaves for us after every email is this:
The miracles are happening!! We are "causing" them to happen!!
"At the very moment when obedience ceases to be a burden, we qualify for divine power"
I know he is called of God to watch over northern Spain and all that live here. He has such a strong desire to do the Lord´s work. Him and Hermana DuVall do so much for us and the people who live in Spain.
Domingo
We taught Domingo again. We showed him one of the most recent dvds we have. It is a dvd that was filmed in Spain. It was specifically designed for Europe. It is only six minutes long but explains so much and super clear. After the video finished we could tell it impacted him. He asked,¨Can I watch it again the next time you come over?¨ He has a friend named Fifi which I have only met a few times and briefly. She is so nice and sincere. I hope to be able to teach her about the plan God has for her in her life.
Jesús
We were knocking doors the other day. We knoced on the door of Jesús. He is from Cacéres, the southern part of Spain, and lives in Leon. We talked at his door for a few minutes. He said he had never seen missionaries before. I love this work for this fact. We can talk to hundreds of people that say they know who we are and don´t want anything. Then there are still always those people in the world around us that have never seen us. They don´t know the message we carry. As we understand this more clearly and apply it, we will make a difference in someone´s life. There are people that live and walk around us that don´t know the truth. Many time it is becaus they know not where to find it. I decided to ask him if we could come in. He said, ¨yes.¨ We went into his humble home. We talked for a while. He didn´t have much time so we decided to start with the six minute dvd. He thought it was a beautiful movie. We ended up setting a return visit. We visited him yesterday again. We learned more about him as he learned more about us. We also taught about God and who is God? What relationship can we have with the creator of all things? We then found out that Jesús talks with his mom and dad frequently. As a fact he talks with his mom every SINGLE day! He is older and lives on his own and is one that understands the importance of family without having kids himself. What an example he is. He humbly tells us his honest opinion and at the same time tells us that he needs to learn a lot more about what the Bible teaches us. I love being able to see one´s life from a point of view God has given me. I can see his life many days from now and see a change. That is what the True Gospel of Jesus Christ does for somebody that has a desire to learn and change for the best.
Britani
I just got back to Leon yesterday. I had an amazing time in Bilbao. It all started on the train ride there. We were five Elders on the train. We were all in the last car in the way back to be able to talk. Britani came back and asked a question about the train. I didn´t think much of it because anythime we are some place we are always mistaken for employees(and we are also mistaken for something else but I will save that story for another time). We kept talking when she came back to us and said,¨Are you mormons?¨ The other Elders said yes. We are known to a lot by that name. As we talked to Britani we learned a lot about her. She said she was in Vigo visiting family. She lives in Bilbao with her mom and more family. She told me she is from Concepción, Chile! I of course told her about my older brother who served the Lord for two years where she lived. We then talked about things about Chile and it was great. She said she had never seen missionaries in Spain(remembering she only has one month in the country). I told her about the Hermanas in her area. She told me that all her good friends in Chile are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I told her where the capilla is in Bilbao and gave her the numbers of the missionaries there. She was happy to know that the Church existed where she now lives. I was happy to talk to her and get to know her.
Marcelino
Coming Soon!
Consejo
Coming Soon!
The miracles are happening!! We are "causing" them to happen!!
I love this phrase because it is so true. I have walked the streets of Spain and have talked to so many people. Some days I will literally talk to hundreds of people and all will not want to listen. Then when one might think that there is no one that will listen to the truth, there is someone. At anytime when we continue to have the faith required and keep working is when it all can change in an instance. After many that don´t want to listen I stop one more and you know what . . . they listen:) The work is amazing because all can change just like that. We can find one person or an entire family looking for the truth. The miracle happens when a light enters their life and they become vessels that will continue to carry the truth to others.
Elder Rodriguez
The miracles are happening!! We are "causing" them to happen!!
"At the very moment when obedience ceases to be a burden, we qualify for divine power"
I know he is called of God to watch over northern Spain and all that live here. He has such a strong desire to do the Lord´s work. Him and Hermana DuVall do so much for us and the people who live in Spain.
Domingo
We taught Domingo again. We showed him one of the most recent dvds we have. It is a dvd that was filmed in Spain. It was specifically designed for Europe. It is only six minutes long but explains so much and super clear. After the video finished we could tell it impacted him. He asked,¨Can I watch it again the next time you come over?¨ He has a friend named Fifi which I have only met a few times and briefly. She is so nice and sincere. I hope to be able to teach her about the plan God has for her in her life.
Jesús
We were knocking doors the other day. We knoced on the door of Jesús. He is from Cacéres, the southern part of Spain, and lives in Leon. We talked at his door for a few minutes. He said he had never seen missionaries before. I love this work for this fact. We can talk to hundreds of people that say they know who we are and don´t want anything. Then there are still always those people in the world around us that have never seen us. They don´t know the message we carry. As we understand this more clearly and apply it, we will make a difference in someone´s life. There are people that live and walk around us that don´t know the truth. Many time it is becaus they know not where to find it. I decided to ask him if we could come in. He said, ¨yes.¨ We went into his humble home. We talked for a while. He didn´t have much time so we decided to start with the six minute dvd. He thought it was a beautiful movie. We ended up setting a return visit. We visited him yesterday again. We learned more about him as he learned more about us. We also taught about God and who is God? What relationship can we have with the creator of all things? We then found out that Jesús talks with his mom and dad frequently. As a fact he talks with his mom every SINGLE day! He is older and lives on his own and is one that understands the importance of family without having kids himself. What an example he is. He humbly tells us his honest opinion and at the same time tells us that he needs to learn a lot more about what the Bible teaches us. I love being able to see one´s life from a point of view God has given me. I can see his life many days from now and see a change. That is what the True Gospel of Jesus Christ does for somebody that has a desire to learn and change for the best.
Britani
I just got back to Leon yesterday. I had an amazing time in Bilbao. It all started on the train ride there. We were five Elders on the train. We were all in the last car in the way back to be able to talk. Britani came back and asked a question about the train. I didn´t think much of it because anythime we are some place we are always mistaken for employees(and we are also mistaken for something else but I will save that story for another time). We kept talking when she came back to us and said,¨Are you mormons?¨ The other Elders said yes. We are known to a lot by that name. As we talked to Britani we learned a lot about her. She said she was in Vigo visiting family. She lives in Bilbao with her mom and more family. She told me she is from Concepción, Chile! I of course told her about my older brother who served the Lord for two years where she lived. We then talked about things about Chile and it was great. She said she had never seen missionaries in Spain(remembering she only has one month in the country). I told her about the Hermanas in her area. She told me that all her good friends in Chile are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I told her where the capilla is in Bilbao and gave her the numbers of the missionaries there. She was happy to know that the Church existed where she now lives. I was happy to talk to her and get to know her.
Marcelino
Coming Soon!
Consejo
Coming Soon!
The miracles are happening!! We are "causing" them to happen!!
I love this phrase because it is so true. I have walked the streets of Spain and have talked to so many people. Some days I will literally talk to hundreds of people and all will not want to listen. Then when one might think that there is no one that will listen to the truth, there is someone. At anytime when we continue to have the faith required and keep working is when it all can change in an instance. After many that don´t want to listen I stop one more and you know what . . . they listen:) The work is amazing because all can change just like that. We can find one person or an entire family looking for the truth. The miracle happens when a light enters their life and they become vessels that will continue to carry the truth to others.
Elder Rodriguez
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Domingo
I have had a great week up till now. Things are changing for the better in the Zone. People have recently accepted to follow the Savior´s example and be baptized. Elder Marin and I taught a guy for the second time on Sunday. His name is Domingo. He was very strong in his beliefs the first visit. He wasn´t afraid to mention several times the traditions he follows from his parents. He is already older and has five kids. There was a reason why we obtained a second visit with him. In the first visit we only taught him about who God really is and why God has us in families. Before we left he understood more about the Almight God and saw Him as a loving Heavenly Father. He also understood that God has blessed him in his life to have a family and that God does so much for us all personally. There was one thing he quite didn´t understand but knew he wanted to know more. It was the Spirit he felt because he said that there was something about our presence that was bringing him to listen to us. The second visit yesterday we talked about Prophets God calls and the One Church Christ established while on the earth. He understood the Great Apostasy and saw a need for some order. We had discussed before that God is a God of order and not confusion. From the very first visit Domingo wanted to know and also understand why there is so much confusiong in the world with religion. He stated that there is One Bible so why not one correct church? We shared the message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We testified that God called another prophet. God is a God of order. He said, ¨I know Joseph Smith is a prophet of God¨. I am so grateful for being an instrument in the Hands of the Lord in delivering this message. Now it is up to Domingo to act upon this knowledge he now knows is true. We will help him to understand that God has blessed him to know these things and He is expected to now act. Domingo believes and that will lead to action or what the Holy Bible defines as faith.
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