battery light starts blinking? Or when the gas light comes on in your
car, letting you know that you aren't going to be able to go much
farther unless you make a stop at the gas station? That's probably the
best way that I can describe how I feel right now; a lot like the
dying phone, or empty gas tank in a car. If I had to use one word to
describe my week, it would be stressful. This isn't the kind of stress
that I felt when I was going to college or getting ready for a test
though, it comes from wanting the best for the people that I love so
much out here!
It was a busy, busy week working with our amazing investigators! One
of which was baptized on Saturday! We had a crazy couple days of
planning and prepping, but everything turned out beautifully! What
made Kevin's baptism even more exciting it that our other convert
(Litzi) spoke and bore one of the most powerful testimonies that I
have ever heard. The gospel has truly changed her life. Kevin, like
Litzi, is only 14 years old and they are cousins. She is the only
active member in her family, and Kevin is the only member in his. They
come to church each week and they live and love the gospel. Because of
that, I know that one day the hearts of those who are in their
families will be softened!
We have a lot of exciting things happening with Ivonne and her kids
too! A long time ago we set a baptism goal for the 27th of this month
with her and Stephanie. When we brought it up to her last week, she
told us that she definitely wants to be baptized, just not this week
because she doesn't feel ready. I pulled out the list of baptismal
interview questions with her and we went through them. As we did that,
she realized how much she actually does know and how much that she has
grown during this time. So her, Stephanie, and two of her other kids
all decided that they want to be baptized this Friday! For us that
means a lot of preparation and planning again, but I am so excited.
This family is so special and ready to take this step. They are so
humble and willing to accept these changes into their lives.
That is one thing that has really stuck out to me during this transfer
is how the gospel is here to help us change and be better!
Ivonne, being the little missionary that she is and recognizing how
she has been able to change her life, introduced us to one of her
friends last night. As we talked to him, he told us that he drinks and
parties every day, but he doesn't want that kind of lifestyle because
he knows it is wrong. What made it sad is that he told us that he
can't change though, because he has tried before and failed. You know
somebody is genuinely hurting and desperate for something better when
they break down crying to you, and when they are a grown man that you
just met 10 minutes before.
In The Book of Mormon, it teaches us that we all have weaknesses and
faults, but we can overcome them!
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give
unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient
for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble
themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak
things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27)
The gospel definitely isn't for the perfect. It's for those who want
to change, and we all can through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His
grace is sufficient to strengthen us when we are weak. There is One
who can give us the support that we need when our load is too heavy to
carry on our own. We are NEVER alone and it is NEVER too late.
Heavenly Father is merciful and loves us more than anything. He wants
us to come home to Him. That's his entire purpose.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is beautiful and it is true. Nothing makes
me happier to have the knowledge that we can change if we just have
the desire, and I know that with all my heart!
Love,
Hermana Rupp
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