It's been a week of rejoicing. Not an easy week, but a week of rejoicing in the cause of our Redeemer and our God.
I studied the promise in Moroni 10:3-5 this week. The part that really stood out to me is that we need to remember all of the miraculous and merciful things the Lord has done for us. If we don't, then those things don't change us, and we are left the same people we have always been. In order to be changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and really accept His Atonement we need to remember those moments of peace, the answers to prayer, the incredible load-lightening feeling of forgiveness, and the humility and gratitude it brings. This week we had a lesson with a guy named Ignacio. He's the only nonmember in a very active family, likes the church, has had many spiritual experiences, but has not let the spirit sink deep into his heart yet to bring him to the waters of baptism. We had a long talk with him about that part of the promise, remembering the mercy of our God and letting that gratitude change us and humble us. He felt Gods love during that lesson- it was amazing. I know the Book of Mormon has the power to change people's hearts because it brings people closer to the Savior. He agreed to start reading the Book of Mormon and we hope that will soften his heart so that he can pray to know it is true.
Even though i just barely finished Alma I still took Moroni's challenge, and I prayed to God to know if the Book of Mormon really is a true book. And guess what! It works. I know, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that the Book of Mormon is a true book. That it has been translated by Joseph Smith, a prophet of God, and brought forth in these days to help us come closer to our Savior Jesus Christ.
We taught a lady named Maria this week. She's been taught a lot before as well, but we've only taught her once or twice. She always very busy, but this time when we went over she stopped everything and told us she was going to give us her time. She sat and we talked. As we talked and led up to teaching her about the gospel of Jesus Christ, she really opened up to us and explained that a very close friend had just passed away and she felt sad about it. She is very strong in her religion, and told us what she believes about death, but when she asked us what we believed, there was a whole lot of sincerity in her question. Now, teaching the plan of salvation is something that is kind of challenging for me, or at least I get a little more nervous when I teach it, but this time was done not by imperfect me, but by the spirit. The most amazing thing as a missionary is to be guided by the spirit in a lesson to answer someone's questions, and invite them to come closer to Christ.
5 Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.
The Savior stood by His followers in the time of Moses, during His mortal ministry, and with the early saints of this dispensation. And guess what! He hasn't left us. I know He lives!
Love y'all,
Hermana Ogden