We saw miracles happen this week but we also had a ton of trials. I want to explain both so you can understand that the mission isn't all daisies and dandelions. But I probably will only have time to explain the miracles. Just understand that the miracles came because of the opposition that we faced (and my patience was being tested this week hahaha).
Okay. Im going to copying and paste a ton from my journal for this week...i hope it makes sense...
So overall this week was quite trying. We faced a lot of rejection. There is a festival here in Lugo for the next 2 weeks and so basically there are a ton of people out but not all are from here. But when we do get a conversation with someone we rock it because they have time to kill =)
"This week (since Thursday) is the festival of San Froilán (the patron of Lugo) there is Tons of stuff going on! Tons of people in the street, street dancers, stands with lots of goods being sold, Africans with shoes, pirated movies, fake real Madrid and other soccer shirts, with street dancers and singing/concerts (including some not so good rappers) and fireworks. Also, a carnival and cotton candy and a ton of games and stands selling roasted chestnuts. Lots of stuff going on. And lots of pulpo (octopus) being cooked. Typical of this time and festival."
A cool experience:
"Also, we had a got conversation with a Venezuelan named Julie. I knew we needed to talk to her but I couldn't find a good way because she was behind us. I saw her when at the stoplight out side of the wall. And we crossed the street which made it even more difficult. So we got in a position to talk to her...we crossed the street back to the same side but we were way ahead of her and we needed a way to stall. We got the chance when we were at a stoplight. But then she answers the phone and I was thinking "NOOOOO!!!!!". But she got off it quickly and I asked for directions to the locutorio. She lived over there so she took us there. And we had a good conversation but she spoke too much. We didn't get anywhere. But my companion as she was saying bye said "hey, we want to give you a book!" And she took it happily =) it was great! She wouldn't give her number but we at least got a book of Mormon to her."
And the miracle:
We have an investigator who turned completely away from us. Didn't want any help or to know anything more. We didn't know what to do. So we threw him a lifeline on WhatsApp promising blessings if he will just read the book of mormon and pray. He didn't want anything to do with it. We waited a couple days and we get a text message saying that he wants to talk with us. I thought he wanted to rip into us and blame us but he then sent a message "I've started to read the book Mormon". And he changed his life around. Even though he hit rock bottom, he is now ready to follow through with everything he's got and overcome his weaknesses. It's amazing the change he has had as he as started to read from the beginning. I'm super excited for him =) you have no clue how much of a miracle it was for him to change.
Thankful for Luis the old man that we see everyday and that we shake his hand as we pass by is window (he lives in a bottom floor apartment). Just about the nicest guy in Lugo. Same with Agripitos the homeless man we see every morning. Both are so nice and only take like 2 mins of our time to say hi. Super cool guys. And they are so happy despite their hard circumstances.
Ether 12:6,12
6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith.
We had to have faith that everything would work out. And it did. Heavenly Father is in control. We do everything we can do but He is in control. And when we have faith He can bless us with miracles.
This week has been really really hard. I'm glad we survived. Barely haha. But I know that we must have the trial of our faith before the miracles come. I know that if we will just read the book of Mormon and the bible and heed the teachings of God, applying them to our lives that everything will work together for our good. Trials happen when they need to and how they need to. Most of the time trials happen for our growth. I know there is a prophet in today's day who guides us and who listens to God's counsel. We have so many amazing words from our Heavenly Father and such wonderful councel. I promise you that if you read the scriptures and pray to Heavenly Father asking Him for help in your trials, with your questions or worries, that you will receive an answer.
Have a great week!
Elder Openshaw
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