It's also been kind of rainy this week which always
leaves the dirt on the roads really slippery. You already know where
this is going...I slipped! TWICE! The first time was in front of a
Restaurant full of people and of course they are already staring at me
because I'm different. It was a humbling experience. I was like
"Sister Acevedo! I can't even walk away in secret to hide my
identity...every knows the white american missionary in Boa Vista!" I'm
having a lot of fun serving with Sister Acevedo. She is a really good
missionary and her personality is easy going and fun. We are working
really well together.
Yesterday we were asked to give talks in sacrament
meeting. She only had to give a 5 mintue talk and I had to give a 10
minute talk! It was my very first talk in sacrament meeting here in
Brazil, but I was surprisely calm. I even went over my time...oops!
I'm not sure our members understood everything we said, but we
understood each other so I think we´re safe.
This week we taught a family that needs to get
married. The week before we taught them the Law of Chastity and invited
them to get married. This week we followed up and the wife wants to
get married, but the husband was reluctant. We taught them the Law of
Chastity again with baptism in mind and told them they can only be
baptized after marriage. Then it all clicked and they asked us, "So
right now we are living in sin?" Sister Acevedo and I replied in
unison, "yes". It was strange being so bold, but I realize that we have
to be bold when it comes to the gospel of Jesus Christ. And as a
representative of Jesus Christ, it is my responsibility to cry
repentance to this people. After all this, he still wasn't sure about
marriage. So I said, "Well, then I don't think we can come back and
teach you anymore. We are only here to teach those with a lot of faith
who are willing to obey God's commandments and be baptized." That did
it. We are now planning a wedding! It will take some time for them to
save money, but we told them the members would help with the reception
to make it really special. They were really happy. And I was really
happy! After we left Sister Acevedo said, "Wow we really do have power
and authority in our calling! Two really young girls from different
countries convinced a young poor couple to be married...in broken
portuguese!" Seriously, this is true. Either these people are nuts or
we have been called of God to do this work.
I feel so blessed to be a part of the work of
Salvation. There is no better work to be involved in and no greater
priviledge. Remember that people are watching us. We need to be
examples above all else. And we in return will receive blessings. I
really like what Jeffery R. Holland said in respect to blessings:
Some
blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven;
but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.
I know that the church is true. I know the
Savior lives and is very much involved in this work. I know people are
being baptized today because of the Spirit they feel. Jeffery R.
Holland also said:
People
do not join the Church because of what they know. They join because of
what they feel, what they see and want spiritually. Our spirit of
testimony and happiness in that regard will come through to others if we
let it. As the Lord said to Alma and the sons of Mosiah, “Go forth …
that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an
instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.” 5
Let us pray that we can be instruments in the
hands of the Lord. I know that as we do this, we will be so much more
satisfied with our lives. His plans for us are always better than our
own. I love you all. Have a happy week!
Sister Hayley Jensen
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