Our Lord, Master, and King, Jesus the Christ is hastening his work today throughout the world through the members and missionaries of His church. What a blessing to be serving the Lord, during this time, in the Southwest corner of the earth. Since day one, I have witnessed the simple beauty of Christ´s Gospel touch the lives of not only hundreds, but thousands of God´s children here in Uruguay.
This week was special, as I could clearly see the Lord´s hand guiding His divine work. It started with a zone conference including 130 (ma o meno) missionaries from 4 zones in Uruguay. The conference was led by our Mission President, President Smith. We got there at 6am and finished 6 pm. Talk about a 12 hour spiritual recharge.
The next day, a Wednesday, we had a lesson with Sarah, an older lady, strong Catholic, who is an investigator. We taught her the Doctrine of our Lord, Jesus
Christ, emphasizing repentance and baptism. It seemed as though she understood everything until her comment "I was already baptized as a baby in my church". This is a lovely lady that I have known for about a month. We have a great relationship, so I laid it out on her asking her if she remembered her baptism or repenting before it. She said "No, I don´t. And I was a baby, so I didn´t have any sin". YES. I explained that Christ´s doctrine was clear and without contradictions. She looked down and said "Oh, I understand now". We ended the lesson with an invitation for her to pray!
Christ, emphasizing repentance and baptism. It seemed as though she understood everything until her comment "I was already baptized as a baby in my church". This is a lovely lady that I have known for about a month. We have a great relationship, so I laid it out on her asking her if she remembered her baptism or repenting before it. She said "No, I don´t. And I was a baby, so I didn´t have any sin". YES. I explained that Christ´s doctrine was clear and without contradictions. She looked down and said "Oh, I understand now". We ended the lesson with an invitation for her to pray!
That same night, the Perugorria family invited us to a family home evening with a less active member, Daniel, and his wife Ana, who is not a member. They asked us to teach the Plan of Salvation, seeing as Daniel and Ana had recently lost a son. So we did that, and it was great. Ana told us later that that was the first time she had seen her husband laugh since the accident. We got to know them, teach them, and meanwhile, the Spirit comforted them with an impeccable assurance that they will one day be reunited with their son, experiencing a fullness of peace and joy that cannot be attained here on earth alone.
On Friday, we had an incredible lesson with Alicia. We started teaching her about the Restoration of the Gospel and Jesus Christ, when she completely opened up to Elder Holt and I. She told us that she just couldn´t forgive. We continued teaching about Christ. I was talking to her about His ministry, and the end of His life and asked her: "Alicia, what did Christ say after he had been tortured and put on the cross?" And (having a good knowledge of the Bible) she said "Forgive them, for they know now what they do". Then, just like Sarah, Alicia said "Oh, now I understand. Then she cried, and cried, and cried. We finished the lesson and she was completely happy! It was an incredible experience between the us.
On Saturday, while playing soccer in the morning, I was kicked in the shin and put in the hospital. It really wasn´t bad. Just can´t walk much for a couple days.
And thus ended a great week in the Montevideo Mission field! I testify with all my heart that this Gospel is true. I know it. I live it. I love it.
Elder Teloma
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