Chapter 24: How God Answers‏

Elder Moya and  Hermana Phipps

 Hola Family, 

Well I got good news for any of you who were doubting.  God answers prayers.  Especially every single one of you guys who are praying for me and my investigators.  GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS.

 

I want to talk about how much God loves us.  And what he has done to show his love.  During this week and the week past I have been pondering much on how much God loves me.  I was kind of doubting the love and power he has given me.  I haven’t seen too much success with investigators this mission.  But I have seen a whole lot of different people come to Christ or find their way back.  I have been praying hard for strength in my testimony.  So I can be the best missionary I can be.  I want to be able to speak and teach with the power and authority that is talked about in Doctrine and Covenants.  I have been praying hard, combined with the humble, loving prayers from the family and friends, and in Gods timing, he blessed me with one of the most incredible experiences I have ever been a part of in my entire life.  This experience means so much to me and I will hold it close to me for a very long time. 

We did a little hike today and went to the River Blanco. It was a legit.



 

I want to talk about Anahi and her daughter Aylin.  They are some of our more firm investigators that we have.  Anahi is the mom and she has had a problem smoking.  But, we made a plan that we would pass by for 5 minutes every day to share a scripture or even just have a little prayer so that the spirit could be felt that day.  We had a lesson this week with her.  She has had doubts that God doesn’t listen to her because she is a big sinner.  I made a promise to her earlier on when we met her that was stated if she prayed in the name of Jesus Christ her prayer would be answered.  She had been praying but not in the name of Jesus Christ.  So, during the lessons when she was explaining her doubts, I stopped her and asked if she would pray right there on the spot to receive her answer.  She accepted.  Simply asked if God listens to her.  We sat in silence for a long one minute after.  My companion then asked... [How do you feel]?  She then thought to herself and started to cry without words.  She lost every word she wanted to say.  She muttered out, I have never cried without a purpose in my life.  But right now, I cannot explain why I am crying.  Her phone then rang, we did not hear what was said on the other line, but we heard her say that no the religion is not like that.  Then, she sat herself down across from us.  Look at my companion right in the eyes, and said, "I am convinced. This is true." 

This was the most powerful lesson I have ever had.  I will never forget this experience.  It helped me realize the power and authority we have as missionaries and the mercy and tenderness of God to help his missionaries bring souls unto him.  God loves us.  He loves every one of us.  He is incredible and omnipotent.

 

 we had a zone capacitation in Esquel.  We had a party of 10 missionaries.

Then we were so blessed to have the permission to travel to Bariloche and participate in a devotional given by the Buenos Aires Temple president.  President Fernandez.  He was so inspired and very special.  Only people who were endowed were able to go.  He talked about the power the garments and being endowed gives us.  Only if we keep our covenants.  He talked about how important the temple is in our lives.  And being so far away from a temple how we can sanctify our own day and lives to live like we are in the temple.  Although we are not all the way there and cannot receive the blessings exactly as going to the temple, we are able to receive the testifying spirit of God as we think and ponder in those things.  It is one of the biggest and most special blessings our loving heavenly father has given us.   

He also talked about how we can understand the plan of salvation more each and every time we assist the temple.  He shared a story of when Elder Bednar came to the temple.  He said that he was with him in one of the rooms and Elder Bednar look at him and said, "President, do you completely understand the Plan of Salvation?"  Without waiting for an answer he calmly asked, "would you like to?" and then answered his own question and said, "Me too."  Then he explained to the President of the temple that going to the temple brings us closer to the teachings of God through his spirit.  He promised that as we attend the temple as constantly as we can the mysteries of that plan will be revealed to us.  Knowing that Elder Bednard doesn’t know everything... means we have some things to learn to.  I know I am far far far away from the temple but I encourage each and every one of you that read this, to go to the temple.  It is a very wonderful blessing that we should all take advantage of.

our hike today

 I am very blessed to have such great support from family and friends.  I love each and every one of you that are praying for me and my investigators.  Please continue to do so.  I am seeing miracles that are so wonderful.  I’m so grateful.   

THANK YOU!!!!

Love yous!!!!

Elder Wessel