Friday, November 7, 2014

November 3, 2014

Alma 26:12 "Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my god, for in his strength I can do all things"

So as many of you know, right now we are reading through the Book of Mormon as a mission with the goal of finishing it before the new year. Right now Elder Bates and I are cruising through and enjoying it more than ever before. This past week I read this chapter in Alma 26. I know this verse is very well known among the members of the church. I have always loved it and it has always been one of my favorites, but I don´t feel like I have ever understood it so clearly in all my life as I have this past week.

As for this past week, it was a great one. Yeah, Elder Bates and I sure had some tough times, but there were some moments when I understood this scripture on a higher plane of thought.

The first time came on Tuesday. After a long day of walking, knocking, and talking, Elder Bates and I were finally able to get in with a MA and share with him a nice short message. As we were teaching, we missed a phone call from an unknown short code. After the lesson we called the number back. It turns out that on the other end of the line was Elder Ellsworth! Right now he is in the Malaga 4th ward, a.k.a the area I started in! He called with a question for me and I of course had to ask how everyone over there was doing. I asked about all of the sweet members and investigators and finally asked how Nerea and her family were doing. It turns out that Elder Ellsworth was actually there visiting them at this time and passed the phone over to Nerea. She told me that her parents are planning on getting married by the church and baptized this upcoming February!! It was literally one of the sweetest and happiest moments of my mission. The mission really is an interesting thing. You are blessed to move to so many areas and see SO many people. It just shows that the Lord is ALWAYS working with his children. That was one of the moments of joy this week.

Another came on Thursday when we met with our MA. We were able to meet with him in the church around 8. We started with answering some of his "English questions" which obviously then turned into a gospel discussion. He really opened up to us and the spirit was so so strong. He is making strides of progress. The Lord is really blessing him.

The last of many came last night as we held a noche de hogar with J and his family. We have been looking forward to it all week and it finally came!! It was so sweet to see them all dressed up for their first noche de hogar. As we entered we taught the father how to direct, give the welcome and choose who was going to pray. He did such a great job. Ha it may sound silly, but it is a lot harder for people than we think;) After we showed them the message, "Because of Him" the spirit was so strong. The coolest part of the evening was when we were able to talk about the message. After the message J’s father asked his mother, "Who is God for you?" She really wasn´t able to answer. Elder Bates and I were blessed with the opportunity to explain the difference between God the Father, Christ the Redeemer and the Holy Ghost, and their relationship with man. Although we taught them the basics, they were absolutely awe struck. It is so humbling to teach such basic and essential doctrines that have been lost in the world, but restored by a loving Heavenly Father through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It was such a sweet experience. I am really excited to see their progress!

It was so so good to hear from you family, I love you all!

Alma 26:36, "Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo."

I love this message. I love you all!
Have a wonderful week.

Elder Farrell

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