January 21, 2013

Highlights from this week! We had a really good lesson with a recent convert about the temple. It was funny experience, with a little bit of confusion, but once she started asking more questions and understanding our acting out the difference between not being sealed in this life and being sealed, the spirit came really strong. The less-active husband and wife who have started coming back to church invited us over to learn how to make papusa's. They are El Salvadorian and Sister Schroeppel was in heaven. We had such a good time visiting with them, getting to know them better and it was great. The Elders came and so did another member to eat the masterpieces! We were able to meet some of their children as well which was good. One of our investigators- Stephanie asked to know about why Mormon's believe in eternal families- we taught her about the temple, and testified to her about how she could be together with her husband and two kids forever. The next time we went to see her, she was really excited and she wants to keep learning more and come to church next Sunday! We are excited for her. We had an amazing experience tracting on Saturday, and lots of success! We were in a trailer park and felt there was one road we needed to knock. We came across a trailer and both felt we needed to knock it. We offered to bless her home, she let us in. Turns out she had a dream two nights before where her deceased father had told her he wasn't happy where he was, he needed to be somewhere else. She said she is so confused and not at peace. We promised her God sent us to her, we explained to her that he was still living and that we could help her know how to help him. She started crying and said we can come by again to teach her more. We will see her this week! It was a good Sunday as well. We had a really good gospel principles lesson- we only had 30 minutes, so we watched the 20 min Joseph Smith movie and had 3 members afterwards give their testimony about Joseph Smith and how the church is true. There was about 3 non members there and a lot of recent converts. It was a very peaceful class, and some of them got teary-eyed. I am so grateful for the testimonies of the members here, it helps so much in the work! We really did see a lot more success this week, members are coming out of the wood works from the different wards/branches offering their help. Those we are teaching are progressing and we are grateful that the Lord has led us to some people who really are open and want to learn more about their Savior. I am grateful for the doctrine of the Atonement. Many people do not understand it fully, but we are so blessed to have a Book of Mormon, living prophets, and personal revelation so that we can know exactly how to apply the Lord into our lives. We know that the Atonement covers his suffering in the garden of Gethsemene, the Cross, and most importantly his Resurrection. So much hope is given to everyone that has the desire to understand, and apply these teachings into their lives. I have a testimony of the gospel and of this work. The Lord helps us and gives us the strength we need everyday! I love you all! Have an amazing week! Hermana Coleman