We are teaching some special people right now. Sister Mikaela, a nine year old convert is going to be baptized tomorrow!
First baptism yay!!! I'll send pictures :) Also we have Ronald. It has
been incredible to watch him. When we first met him he was super quiet, nervous, and very addicted to cigarettes.
That is very common here, especially in the city. He is committed to
baptism now, and I see such a difference in him. He has such beautiful
answers to our questions, and has even asked questions! He has gone to
church 3 weeks in a row, hasn't smoked in a whole week, and he is just
happier. It's moments like these that I see that this is truly God's
work and not ours. All we do is teach him lessons and invite him to
church and be his friend, and yet he has been able to change his
lifestyle. I know it is because of the Lord's power and his open heart.
Also, we met a girl who has had a lot of sin in her life, a lot a lot.
And she confessed to us freely. Our mission president told us this would
happen because people recognize us as servants of the Lord. We are so
grateful that we will be able to help her turn her life around and be
relieved of the burden and pain of guilt. She truly has that desire to
change.
We are meeting people that have been so
prepared by the Lord! A member's girlfriend, Jennifer, is an example.
We have taught her 2 lessons, and when we started teaching about the
Restoration, she had read the pamphlet so thoroughly and could tell us
the story of Joseph Smith! She is so sweet and only 16 years old. We
said the First Vision in Joseph Smith's own words, and then my companion
asked her if she believed this story, she said yes, without hesitating.
When she said yes, my whole body just got tingles all over! She has
such faith! Ahh this is such a beautiful experience! I hope that anyone
who hasn't served will get the chance to, it is so special.
This week I have felt the Spirit really guiding my words. As a
missionary, it's not automatic. You really have to have faith to let go
of trying to plan what you want to say, and just listen to the person.
Then... you talk and see what comes out. I am seeing so many blessings,
and I am so grateful to know that we are truly not alone in this work. I
know it's the same for all of us. Heavenly Father is there for all of
us, it is His greatest wish to help us. But we have to come to Him, ask
Him for help and take the necessary steps. We have to have faith in His
power and qualify for it through keeping His commandments. But it is so
real. I am seeing so many things that I haven't seen before, because of
all the distractions around me in high school. I want you all to know
that God is truly real, He loves and knows each of us perfectly. This is
the most important work in the world. So share the gospel! He can teach
you what to say, you don't have to be a missionary with a tag to be a
missionary. :) I know these things are true :) I love you all and I love
this job! Good thing I got a while left :) Have a fantastic week and
EMAIL me so I can hear what's happening in your lovely lives :)
Mahal na mahal kita!
Sister Andelin
