Ah, that's one thing I miss: being able to make a Doctor Who reference and get at least one grin of comprehension. Entonces!
It's Monday, Monday, gotta write everyone on Monday...
The land is ours now! Last Tuesday, the other two Elders flew away from Villa Altagracia, leaving 2.5 areas for Elder Thibault and I to juggle. AND IT'S GLORIOUS. We've been teaching so many people! We actually are doing kind of poorly with regards to contacting, as we normally have to move ubber quickly between our appointments! (We're trying to fix the lack of contacting problem, but still!)
Well, I suppose the first place to start is to establish very firmly that "Bible-Bashing" is a weapon that should not be wielded by a Missionary. This past Tuesday (I have to remind myself what the days are called in English), we had an appointment with a fellow, but to our dismay, when we arrived, we learned that he wasn't home. His wife, however, showed interest in our message, so we began to teach her. The lesson was incredibly powerful, and the Spirit was indeed present...up until when the guy we had an appointment with walked in. Almost automatically, he picked up a freaking gigantic stack of his Church's magazines, and initiated the Faith War. He ranted for a while (a loooonng while) about the condition of the spirit after death, and how it becomes as nothing upon it's separation from the body. When he paused for breath, I asked, "So, what is the meaning of life?"
He was a bit taken aback, and said that we need to do good things in this life to help others, to which I replied, "But if there's nothing after death, why does it matter? Eventually, we all will die, and if we become nothing, then why does this life matter?"
He began to ramble again, and hastily changed the subject.
Here's the thing: debates do not change people. Only the Spirit can ignite that change. From my experiences, debates only set both sides more firmly in their opinion. Now, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a mentally stimulating debate here and there, but with regards to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, it's a no-go zone. If you're just trying to prove someone wrong/yourself right, the heart becomes as stone. But when people see that you truly do love and care about them, and that you want them to feel the happiness that you've called your friend for so long...well, that's where the heart is truly touched.
Again, I do not have a Frecca Story! I was not attacked by flirty girls. However! I was attacked by a swarm of Mormon children earlier today. One jumped on my back, the others pulled on my arms, and I was forced to my knees. I hobbled around, making absurd noises and laugh-screaming, and more kids took notice. They just kept pouring and pouring upon me...eventually, I ended up in a fetal position on the floor, with a mountain of niños piled atop me. :D
Little Mormons kind of adore the Elders. We're like superheros. BUT BETTER.
We've an investigator who's been really stuck progression-wise, and she finally confessed to us that she's been really confused by the stuff about the LDS Church she's seen online (DK Anti-Mormon). She then showed us the video, and I had to fight super hard not to laugh. It kept going on and on and on about points that literally had NOTHING to do with what we believe. (Like how apparently we believe that Adam was resurrected to make a baby with Mary, and that's where Jesus comes from. ...Where on earth did you vomit that out of?) We told her to write a list of her questions, and that in our next visit, we would answer all of them out of the scriptures. He then pointed out that if she really wanted to know stuff, she could and should just ask us. We do believe in living "Thou shalt not bear false witness", and would answer any and all of her questions to the best of our abilities.
But then that got me thinking: we are a bunch of barely just Adults, out teaching in a totally different land, and then asking those we teach to ASK GOD if the things we teach are true. Even if I didn't have the Testimony of this Gospel that I do have, the faith that the LDS Church has in a bunch of barely post-adolecents to spread this Gospel AND likewise the faith that God HIMSELF will confirm that what they teach is true would kind of make me wonder if what they're teaching could perhaps indeed be the true Word of God.
To all of you out there going through hard times, I want you to know that God does care. I've heard lately of challenges that a significant amount of you are currently passing through, and really, I just want to take each one of you into my arms, to let you know that all truly will be alright. Well, since I can't do that, I suppose my words will have to be the balm in this instance.
God answers prayers. I can personally testify of this. There've been many instances in my life in which I've felt lost and indeed, quite alone. There have been patches in my life where I've stumbled, and others where I've fallen. Once, in fact, before most of you knew me, I fell into one of the deepest and most bitter pits I've ever dug.
I've heard the cry quite frequently, "why does God let bad things happen to good people?" As one who has passed through darkness, I will tell you rather simply: it is to understand the light. Yes, we will struggle, and at times, we will fall. But it is in these moments of struggle that we become stronger. Indeed, if it were not for the days of difficulty, I would not be who I am. How many of you wonder why I'm so happy? It's because of the challenges I've passed through. So, to clarify a bit: why does God let bad things happen to good people? Because it makes us stronger.
I testify in the name of Him who I serve, that if we turn to Him, we will receive the strength to overcome. I've noted a few friends of mine who have done this same act, called upon God, and indeed received the strength to overcome. You will make it. You are beautiful Sons and Daughters of our Heavenly Father, and you've come too far to back down now. He will aid us through all, if we just trust in Him.
Keep Your Flames Burning Bright!
-Elder Jones,
Master of Inspiration, Encouragement, and Popcorn Making.
(I've been making a lot of Popcorn this past week.)
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