I also got back this week from our exchange in Parintins.
I loved Parintins! I want to finish my mission there. 24 hours was
not enough time to get to know the island, but it was enough time to
teach the people. I worked with Sister Nina from Bolivia. We taught a
deaf girl and it was the first time on the mission I've done that. But
mostly, we taught the deaf girl's mom because her mom didn't want to let
her get baptized. In the beginning the mom was rough with us, but she
invited us in and we taught the plan of salvation. The spirit was
strong and she changed during the lesson. I love seeing what the spirit
can do to people to change their hearts. On the way home we were
hungry and we wanted to eat at a little place close to home, but the
power was out so we resolved to eat at another little restaurant. We
started talking with the girl that worked there as she studied for her
driver's test. We taught her the Restoration and she wanted to be
baptized. The Spirit was strong again in this lesson and at the end I
felt prompted to telll her that God made the power go out so that we
could find her. At the end we said a prayer and literally at the end of
the prayer, the power came back. I looked at her and Sister Nina and
we all knew that it was true. I'm anxious to call the Sisters today to
see how her progress is.
We got home this week Wednesday night and started
working in our area again thursday. We felt like we passed a lot of
time out of our area. We began to fast thursday for our investigator
that will get married. Her mom didn't like the idea of marriage, but
the miracle is they will get married anyways. This might be the first
time on my mission I have seen a couple firm in their decision together.
I explained to them that marriage and baptism are only steps that we
are helping them make so that they can reach the real goal: Exaltation.
The woman is a member so she already has an understanding of these
things. We are super happy with them and we are excited to start their
papers this wednesday.
That same night we met a young man named Zequias and
his friend Jefferson who says he is a member. We met them right before
the lesson with the couple that will get married and they waited to for
us outside the entire lesson. The next day we returned to teach them.
We taught Zequias (19 years old) and his brother Eziquiel (21 years
old). they listened closely to every word we spoke about baptism and
the Resoration. At the end Zequias said, "Well, I guess we need to be
baptized again". The day before his baptism we talked more about the
plan of salvation and Eziquiel wanted to know about marriage in the
church. So we started to talk about the temple. Every time I talk
about the temple on the mission, and people are listening, the Spirit is
always strong. Then Zequias said, "It is so strange that you both came
from so far away to the small city Itacoatiara to teach us about the
gospel. I feel like God sent you guys here to save us." That night
Sister Tancara and I walked home in tears. I thought back to the
question, "who saves who?" I even doubted this last week, "How will we
baptize this week with just a few days left?" But Heavenly Father
proved again that He is working along with us. Sunday was Zequias's
baptism. He was so happy and Eziquiel is excited to be baptized next
Saturday.
I know that this is the true church. I'm grateful
for the Spirit to confirm the truth to the people I teach. I have a
strengthened testimony of fasting and that when we fast we can receive
special blessings, and Heavenly Father wants to bless us. Thanks for
your letters and support. I love you all!
Sister Jensen
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