Miguel Angel, with Hermano Ramirez and darling little Jonathan
We were taking things that other missionaries had left behind in our apartment to Goodwill... we ma have played a little dress-up with a kick back to the 80's sister missionary!
7/14/14
Hola Familia!!
Well. WHAT A WEEK. and I really mean
it this time. So many prayers. So many fasts. But don't worry. He made it. :)
Miguel Salamanca has officially taken upon him the name of Christ, and the
promise to represent and obey him to the end. This whole week
was just full of miracles. We met with him every day, and each time he had more
and more light. He had one of the craziest and hardest weeks ever in work, but
it only confirmed his decision. The service on Saturday was beautiful. I think
it was what any missionary would hope for. We had so many members there that
had truly taken him in and fellowshipped him. Hermano Ramirez was the one who
baptized him, and they have become best friends. I don't know if I have
mentioned much of his story.. so I guess it would be appropriate to say it now.
Originally how we found it- well a few weeks before we had spoken with his mom
and she said she would gladly receive us. But when we went back, he was out
front and he shouted out "me buscan a mi?" (are you looking for
me?).. He later told us that when he had seen us walking up the driveway he heard
a voice say "te buscan a ti" (they are looking for you) because
earlier he had been praying for a new start in his life. Ever since that first
contact we have only seen progress. We met with him more than once a week, and
in just a short month and a half he has become one of the most converted people
I know. His entire countenance has changed. Even his prayers have changed. He
truly knows who he is talking to, and has truly felt the power of him in his
life. We are working to get him to do family history and to the temple next
Saturday to do baptisms, because he had a dream about his cousin in spirit
prision... I know. He is so. I don't even know what to say. But out of the
whole experience, I feel like the sons of Mosiah- in THIS
aspect- "And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people
of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren,
or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the
Lord;" It really wasn't anything that Hermana Zabriskie or I did. As
President Mortensen says "80% is just showing up". But because
of our efforts to be as obedient and diligent as possible, the Lord was able to
work his miracles. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be an instrument in
his hands.
We also were able to see so many
other miracles this week! 3 more baptismal dates! The Lord is truly hastening
his work in this area. The Mendez girls are doing so good. Leslie is getting
super excited for baptism. I guess her grandparents were trying to tell her
that she was too young and she should wait.. etc.. but she responded
"grandma, I feel it in my heart that God wants me to do it now". The
mouth of babes.. She is so ready and she is a huge catalyst for her whole
family.
Life is just so good. We did
exchanges again this week with the English sisters, and this time I stayed in
the area. It was a bit of an adventure since she didn't know what was going on
in the majority of the lessons, but in one of them, they asked that she said
the closing prayer, in English-even though they don't understand. After the
prayer, they just looked at me and commented on how strong the spirit was. It
was just a reminder that it doesn't matter what the language is, the spirit
really talks to the heart.
I hope that you have a wonderful
week. I've been reading through the war chapters in Alma, and it is so cool to
see the role that the Atonement plays in strengthening them, even in times of
war, as long as we put our confidence in him.. Even when they were unable to
get the extra government support that they wanted they said "But, behold,
it mattereth not—we trust God will deliver us, notwithstanding the weakness of
our armies, yea, and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies." Alma
58:37. It gave God the chance to show just how infinite his power is for those
who continually put their trust in him. Replace fear with faith!
Los Quiero,
Hermana Draper
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