September 8th, 2014

This week was way too quick, I seriously feel like it was two or maybe three days...and Elder Alcantara finally finished his first 12 weeks. Wow I cant believe how quick that was those 3 months, but at the same time it was a big challenge Im greatful for that. We didnt have that much doing this week, we met quite a few new investigators but already theyve lost their desires kinda....we had only Mayra come to church from 5 people that were pretty solid. But Mayra is super animated for everything, for her wedding and baptism. We have the ward involved a bunch with them, we have an activity planned to sell a bunch of plates of food to raise money for her wedding in 2 weeks. Its super cool to see everyone else excited for her to be able to get married, for that shes gonna be super strong in the church cause shes told us shes never felt so loved in her life.

I saw a really great example of humillity and faith yesterday, in an elderly brother we visited. His wife has severe dementia, she hasnt been able to leave the house in years, and they live way way out in the field, like a mile from everything in a little run down hut. Hes super down in his health as well, he can barely walk, his 5 kids dont help at all to care for his wife...he has to leave her, walk all that way to church to catch the sacrament meeting and go early to look after her...and he still walks with a smile on his face. Every one of his kids are inactives of 20 years, hes been attending church alone and faithfully all that time( always looking for new referals). And It hurts him so bad that his kids are so bitter to him and the church, hes trying so hard to bring his grandchildren to the church, inspite of his children fighting with him about it. I know that hes not gonna have all of his family with him on the other side, but for his faith and sacrifice and love he will be happy in paradise no matter what. He asked a blessing, and after said simply but powerfully, I know the Lord is with me, and with us, and that well see each other again after we go home. He was super greatful for our visit, but really I learned and felt so much from that man hes a huge example. We need to keep fighting the good fight, be even more faithful when its hard to stay firm.

I liked a scripture from 2 Nephi 26 

23 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.
24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world;for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation

The love that Chirst showed to the world for his sacrifice is everlasting and stronger than anything else that God will ever give us....and its open for every single to person. It must hurt him a lot that he has given this huge gift and yet there are so many that dont want it. But I know with all my heart that he died for us and that his atonement is available for all those that come unto him. I am glad to be able to share this love with others, and to be as close as I am with my Savior than ever before. And I know this is his church


Elder Crisp