Week 58

THIS WEEK!

So Hermana Chapman and I did divisions (splits) with a couple of the Paine Hermanas this last week. They were lots of fun. Hermanas Dell and Rafael were in Buin before, so it was awesome to see how many people remembered them. I think that this cambio is definitely a tender mercy from the Lord because sometimes missionaries leave sectors feeling like maybe they didn't make a difference there. But then they return to a sector and hear all about how their investigators remember what they did for them, and how they were so appreciative. It's awesome! Our Heavenly Father loves us so much.

Just in the first three days of this week, we found 10 new investigators! 5 of them are a family. I love teaching families because then they have that mutual support in learning about the Gospel. But when just the mom or the dad or one of the kids are interested, it's sad because then they feel like everyone is against them. But that's not how things should be. Our message is about how we can keep families together forever. So they should be working as a team! :D

Anyways, two of these newbies are Javiera and Cristobal. They're a mom and son. We taught them the Restoration, and then we asked them if they believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. And without missing a beat, they said yes!!!!! We invited them to baptism after that, but they said no because they feel like they need to be really well-prepared and learn some more first. So we're going to keep teaching them. :D They're super receptive.

Tito wasn't able to come to church this weekend because he had to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday all day long. Bummer. But that's okay because we can teach him this week. We still haven't been able to share the whole Restoration to him, but I swear that I know that it'll make all the difference. This message is powerful. And it's even more powerful for those who have an open heart and are willing to search.

Speaking of which, we called a member to accompany us and went to teach The Restoration to Andres. He really loves to watch the History Channel and he tries to explain everything with science. What we were trying to do was help him to realize that the true Gospel has HUGE significance in his life and that religion shouldn't just be a pretty pastime that makes you feel good. We explained the Restoration, and he said (not sarcastically. He's always very nice),"Well anyone from any church could tell me that their church is true." And that's when the member that was accompanying us broke out the big guns and shared a testimony that was so firm that it left me silent for a couple of seconds, then I was like, "Whoops. Wait. I'm still here teaching!" We testified as well, and we told Andres to pray and ask God whether or not our message is true. Because human beings can tell you whatever they want, it's true. But God can't lie. Ever. And he loves his children and wants them to find the truth. But an answer won't serve us much if we don't have a desire to act on the answer we receive. 

So. Hermana Chapman felt like we should go and visit Andres yesterday. He talked to us out front for a minute about the last lesson that we had this week, and he repeated the same doubts for a moment, but it was different this time. His countenance had changed a bit. He asked us, "How did you two know that these things are true?"

We testified again. And the Spirit was there. And Andres felt it. His face changed. I said, "Look, Andres. If this message is true, then it is the most important thing that you will ever learn in your life. Let's consider this: You can be sealed to your family for eternity and be with them even after this life, you can understand who God is and find direction in your life, you can live in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in a state of never ending happiness, AND you can one day become a god, yourself. That's the whole point of this life! God wants to give us everything He has in store for us, but we can't obtain it without going through this mortal life first. We have to grow and gain experience. And from there, we'll only continue to progress until we become like our Heavenly Father."

Hermana Chapman said, "And you know how you can know if this is true? Pray and ask God. But not just one time. Keep asking him."

We explained feelings of the Spirit, and told him that he can feel the truth of our words for himself.
Andres was silent for a moment, then he said, "I hope it's that way for me. Because if what you're telling me is true, this is could change my entire life!"

Oh my goodness. Andres has NEVER said anything like that to us. This is HUGE progress! PRAYER WORKS, GUYS!!!! We want more than anything for Andres to know that these things are true. I love the change that you can see happening in people because of the truth. It really changes lives. It's such a beautiful thing. 

What people need to understand first and foremost is that CHRIST DID NOT ESTABLISH HIS CHURCH FOR NOTHING! He didn't establish His path and His way just to have everyone change things for their comfort and convenience. But after His death, unfortunately that's exactly what happened. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 starts with a very simple question: "Is Christ divided?"

Absolutely not.

I testify that God is not the author of confusion. I know that He restored his Son's truth and the perfect fullness of his Gospel to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. It was an act of love, and a pattern that God has followed since the beginning of the world. He has ALWAYS called prophets to guide the people in the correct way and keep them in the path of Christ. The one path that He himself established. 

Notice that in Lehi's dream, there is only one iron rod that is the word of God. Not several that will all somehow make it back to the Tree of Life.

The mission is AWESOME, guys. It has changed my life, and my gosh, I don't want it to end so quickly. My prayer is that all worthy and able men can serve the Lord in a full-time mission. Because it's a life-changing experience that can change your whole outlook on the Gospel. And I hope that all worthy and able sisters out there can pray to find out if a mission is right for them. It's the most beautiful and incredible thing you will ever do. I promise you that if you let it, it will change you for the better. If you humble yourself, a mission can weed out your bad qualities and amplify your good ones. And it can turn some of your greatest weaknesses into some of your best strengths. 

I testify of these truths in the name of Jesus Christ, my best friend and Savior, Amen.

I love you all and I thank you so much for your continuous support. 

Thank you for your prayers and your love.

Chao! 

-Hermana Darley

P.S. SEND ME YOUR MAILING ADDRESSES! I want to start sending paper letters. :)

Barbecue with the Elders for Pday!

It happened.