We are currently teaching someone who kind of struggles to understand. In D&C 42:12 it says that the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain the fulness of the gospel. Together you gain added understanding and clarity where sometimes there would be ambiguity or even nothing. In the lesson he wasn't understanding divine authority. Trying to explain as clearly and slowly as possible we opened up to 3 Nephi 11. Though it isn't a moment of apostasy/restoration the principles are close enough to teach why authority is important and how it's received. We read verses 17-26, 28 and using the scriptures were able to help him come to an understanding. The progress in that lesson moved him from slightly anti and definitely not understanding to a basic understanding and a willingness to pray. Using the scriptures brings authority and power to what we teach. It was pretty fun but at the same time took quite a bit of effort to nudge him in the right direction.
17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.
18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.
19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet.
20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him.
21 And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.
22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.
23 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.
24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.One thing I've really been enjoying was I've started making a catalog of all the promised blessings in the scriptures. Blessings are received by obedience so by knowing what principles need to be obeyed to receive which blessings makes it easy to leave promised blessings that have already been prescribed by either God, Jesus or their prophets. The scriptures are riddled with promised blessings.
Wednesday we had an interesting lesson with a member referal. We tend to talk to a lot of people from a wide variety of walks of life. Trial is pretty universal among everyone we talk with. Obviously they've been going through a lot but they shared a lot of cool "coincidences" that had sustained them over the last few weeks, a member reaching out with a simple act of charity helped them both physically and spiritually, a by-product being their willingness to meet with us. We shared a slightly scattered message but the spirit was really strong. Unfortunately they likely would be best helped in an English congregation instead of Spanish but we'll see what happens to them.
The same day we had a fairly funny first lesson with this nice lady we met. We were with the Pectols and one thing Elder Pectol will almost always bring up, and not something we really ever go over in lessons, is that we aren' t paid to do what we do. Though we pay tithing as a church that money is not used to pay bishops, church leaders, (missionaries), or anything, instead it goes to charity. "No way", the lady blurted out, "wow that's crazy, that's just like what Jesus did with the church he set up!" my silent rejoinder was "that's because this is the church he set up!"
Thursday we were able to pass off Mercedes to the other Spanish Elders. We've been working on moving all our investigators to the missionaries who are now responsible for their coinciding areas after the new line drawing. Mercedes, just for the circumstances, took a little longer than the rest. Elder Rencher and I, on trade-offs, drove out to Holland for the lesson which turned out really well. Listening is so vital to missionary work. As Elder Holland put it, "more important than speaking is listening." As we listened we were able to address some concerns that she hadn't yet opened up about. We were able to help her out and take a few more steps forward in her progression.
Elder Magalei and I have been listening to general conferance talks while we drive to and from appointments which has really improved all the gap moments we have. With the phones and an unlimited data plan we are able to cover a lot of material which has been really beneficial. We've listened to all of President Nelson's talks, all of President Eyring's talks (about 75% mention the road to Emmaus, he really, really, really likes that story in the Bible), all of Elder Holland's talks (literally every talk is moving and is complimented by the perfect story), all of the talks by Elder Soares and Gong, all of Elder Bednar's talks (probably my favorite speaker), and many of Elder Christofferson's (he does his own Spanish translation - SO COOL and with an amazing accent) and Elder Andersons' talks. Mathew 6:22 says that "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." I think that that principle could also be extended to the ear. We are a composite of the things we take in. Just by filling our time with uplifting media we've maintained the companionship of the Holy Ghost in greater abundance. Also the General Conferance talks are super insightful.
Saturday night we got the text that I was going to speak in church the next day. I definitely wasn't excited but immediately began preparing. Unlike the other two times it actually turned out really well. We're a smallish branch but even still, talking in front of people is difficult.
Sunday Teodoro and Edin were ordained to the Priesthood and passed the sacrament. They both really enjoyed the experience and it was a particularly spiritual sacrament. It's funny to think that they're actual members!
Just a heads up there is a chance we are moving tomorrow :) the apartment will be left to Elder Guerrero and Elder Berry so it's not a big deal of packages or mail goes there. If we do move we'll send the address next week!
-eric
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