Transfers happened! And Sister Anderson and I are staying in the best area in the world together for another transfer!
So I don't have a lot of time, but I have some exciting things to tell you all!
Sunday we met with Luis Lopez again. And he studied Alma 32 really and truly. He asked us what the difference is between humbling ourselves and being humbled. This guy is just so sincere and so much desires to follow Jesus Christ. We talked to him about baptism and he expressed to us his unsurety of how he needs to prepare to make this step. Sister Anderson pulled out a scripture in D&C 20:37 and wow. This guy, as he read the scripture, let every word touch sink in, and allowed the spirit to teach him. When he got to the line "having a determination to serve [Christ] to the end" he stopped and thought about it. He finally told us that he has a great desire to do these things. He is willing to commit and to do everything he can to follow Christ and serve Him forever. We told him that this is exactly what God wants. We invited him to be baptized and it was a precious moment when it was earlier than he expected, and was so happy and humbled to know that he would be ready for this eternal commitment. He is just a pure and sincere man, looking for the truth.
Some funny stories! Well, this is actually another amazing thing.
We were having dinner with the bishop. He got a call from a random friend saying that he has a friend who has gone to church 5 times with him after just arriving from Venezuela, and he asks bishop if he could have our number. The bishop just handed us the phone. And we found out about this really neat guy named Wilmer. We gave him a call and asked if we could come by sometime this week and he said, "Yes, tomorrow morning!" Wow, okay, if you insist. So we get there and found out that he lives by himself, so as sisters we couldn't go in. Awkward. But he really wanted to hear our message so he suggested we walk over to McDonalds. So we walked over there and taught the Restoration over hot chocolate at McDonalds. And despite the situation, the spirit was very present. Wilmer has felt the spirit testify that this is God's church. This is the place to find refuge and safety from the world, and also the strength to send light and clarity and peace out into the world. He will be getting baptized as well.
We met a guy named Horse this week. Literally, Horse. He had the hugest beard i've ever seen in my life. And right next to him was this very nice person who was interested in hearing the gospel. His friend was over helping him to rake leaves. He was listening too, and kept jumping in "I've heard LOTS about your church." "I already know about what you guys believe" "Yeah, missionaries used to come by my house" All in the tone of voice where you could kind of tell he was hoping to get it across that he's not really a huge fan of the church. But we invited him to listen to the Elders (they are english speakers) and he said yes. I imagine he is progressing rapidly towards baptism xD
I know that this church is true. That the world really is being shaken apart right now – but those who have a foundation in Christ will not fall.
2 Nephi 2: 7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
2 Nephi 2: 8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy,and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
I know that it is only through Jesus Christ, and the plan that our loving Heavenly Father has crafted for us that we can be saved, that we can stand in the presence of our God again one day and enjoy the blessings of eternal life and exaltation. I know that these things are real. That it is the purpose of our creation to inherit these very real and amazing gifts.
Doctrine and Covenants 67: 2 Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you, and the heavens and the earth are in mine hands, and the riches of eternity are mine to give.
I love you all!
Sister Ogden