My Heart is in Texas: Lots of Work to Do! And its Fun to Do!

YSA Exchanges

This week we had exchanges with the Texas A&M sisters and so many miracles happened! We were able to learn from each other and we ended up teaching 12 lessons on campus in about 2 hours AND getting 2 new investigators!

One of our new investigators name is Fidel. What we try to do on campus now is we ask if they know a mormon so that they have someone they can refer to and relate to. So I asked Fidel if he knew any mormons and he said, "ya. My cousin just got baptized a couple years ago in Houston." I usually don't ask who the person is, but I felt prompted to and he said, "Marcus Castro." I was taken off guard because Marcus Castro is the person that introduced Aieliaria to the church in my last area! #smallworld We had a great lesson with him later that day. He is really searching so keep him in your prayers!

This week we made a general conference board to invite people to listen to the prophet. We are going to be broadcasting it at the Institute building on Saturday with a lunch in between the sessions to have people come to. Are you ready for the best weekend ever? Conference!!! :)

Melting Pot of Experiences

Can I just say that I have the best of all the worlds in this area! Just a few great moments this week:

We were visiting a less active Spanish family in the ward and all the while Hermana Cuellar was making homemade fresh tortillas. As we were about to leave she asked us if we wanted a tortilla and we were very quick to respond, "YES!" And oh my! It was probably the best burrito I have had in my life! I love the spanish people. They have such big caring hearts and are always so giving.

We had a lesson with 2 new investigators yesterday, Dara and Jessica. They are black and love to party. But what was so funny was their language that they used. Just like the "turn up" or in our words, party, starts on Thursday nights. Or Jessica was so prideful of were she came from and Dara was making fun of her. Jessica turned to her and just said, "When someone asks where you are from don't you just get all krunk and ready to respond?" Houston is just the best.

But Dara and Jessica are having an internal battle within themselves because they know what is the right thing to do, but they are young and want to "have fun". We are working with them on that one!

A great quote that I read this morning in personal study that relates to them and really to all of us:

"'The greatest battles you will ever fight will be within the silent chambers of your heart.' That is the battleground between what you want and what the Lord wants. If you surrender, if the Lord wins, you win also. if you win, if your will prevails, you and the Lord both lose. The only way to win is to lose. Lose yourself in the Lord's work, and you will win beyond your wildest imaginations." - Lawrence E. Carbridge

Investigator teaches Missionaries

Matt is just so great! Before starting our lesson, he shared with us what he had learned in his studies before he met with us. (He studies for a couple hours every day in his scriptures). He was able to watch the CES devotional from Elder Christofferson and it was speaking just to him. He talked about giving up our desires and our hearts to the Lord even in times of tribulation.

So anyways, during the talk Elder Christofferson talked about how Christ was like a "two-edged sword" and he wanted to know what that meant. So upon further studying in his scriptures he decided to read in Alma 17 about Ammon watching over the king's sheep and guarding them against the Lamanites.

Alma 17: 36-38 reads:

36 But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they couldnot hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.

37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm.

38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none save it were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few.

He then explains how the Lamanites had clubs and Ammon had a sword. He said, "Why would Ammon, a servant, have a sword? In relation to Elder Christofferson, sword = Christ and club = Satan. And so he told us that from this he learned that Satan can't kill us. He just tries to beat us down, while Christ can help us to drive Satan away. When we have Christ in our lives and ask for his help we have the more powerful weapon to fight against Satan.

I had NEVER looked at that story in that way and the spirit was so strong as he shared his testimony. Ammon is one of his favorite stories in the Book of Mormon and I think it is becoming one of my favorites now too :)

Hearts are softened

Matt was so ready for his baptism and so excited. He sent us the sweetest message the morning of his baptism in how much he loves everyone and how grateful he is for them and how excited they are for him.

His parents were able to come and I wanted the program and environment to be conducive to the spirit so that they would be able to feel it.

We started off with some great songs, prayers, and scriptures. He was then baptized and the spirit was strong. We walked back into the Relief Society room to share testimonies while we waited for him to change. (He was beaming from ear to ear and couldn't stop laughing). The spirit was so strong as we had about 4 members of our branch who are the only members in their family share their testimony. Sister Hoj then gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost and Matt received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Afterwards he hugged his parents. It was really special.

We went to talk and thank his mom and dad for coming to his baptism. His mom was so sweet. Her heart was already softened and she started tearing up as she thanked us for all that we had done. We told her, "Thank you! We learned so much for Matt and we are thankful for the wonderful parents you are." She just started to cry and said, "I'm just so happy he isn't part of that fraternity anymore... they were not good influences." We laughed a bit.

Matt just couldn't stop smiling and smiling. I can't wait for the future ahead for him and how much he is going to bring to our branch. He told us the next day that his mom texted him and said, "I'm so happy we are on the same side." I know that meant a lot to Matt and what is even greater is that she wants to watch General Conference and hear the prophet speak! The spirit softens hearts! :)

And guess who is coming to meet Jessica and Dara at our next lesson? Matt! He is going to share his story about opposition and how the gospel has brought him the most happiness in his life!

The Church is true! Love y'all!

Sister Loo