The week has been decent. I'm assuming I'll know more by next Sunday...but there are really really good chances that either I won't be here in this area next week, or Hmna Stassforth will be getting moved. Either or. Transfers are on Tuesday.
Highlight of the week? Elder Nelson came and spoke to our mission. Not gonna lie. He's the cutest little old man ever. We only got to hear from him for about 2 hours (there were 3 other members of the 70 that took some time) - but I wish it would have been longer. Not only was he hilarious and easy to listen to- but also so overwhelmingly powerful. A big point that I learned and want to share - "The Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible". He shared the story of Gidion in the Old Testament. I'll paraphrase, but Gidion had an army and was supposed to defeat the Midianites. The Lord, however, commanded him to decrease the size of the army. He did this, what...two times? And finally, had an army of 300 men. The size of the other army? 150,000. The Lord wanted this ratio of approx. 1/500, something so very unlikely, to accomplish the impossible. Why? So that they people would know without a doubt that it was only thru the Lord's strength that they were able to defeat the other army. Elder Nelson then related to us that He's using us, the unlikely, to accomplish the "impossible". I don't think it's a coincidence, but he told us that the ratio of LDS members to nonmembers in the World is around 1/500. We're the unlikely!
I'm not sure if I've mentioned him...but we've been teaching this one man, Junior, for the last few weeks. Seriously. He's one of my all time favorite people out here. The fact that he has us teach him in English might have a little to do with it too. His persona kind of reminds me of Jake Montoya. Just super kind, respectful, easy to talk to, mad swag...but is crazy stubborn. He grew up Christian, but when his father died about a year ago, he gave up on God and the whole religion thing. We teach him every Sunday night, and he usually gives us the same, "I don't think there's anything/one out there...but I want to know....but I'm not willing to do anything about it..." kinda attitude. It's sooo frustrating! I have so much love and respect for this man, and it breaks my heart that he wont listen or do anything. Anyway. It's come to the point yesterday, that we needed to stop teaching him, because he's not progressing at all. The night before though, while we were planning for what we wanted to teach him, Hmna Stassforth had the idea of just going along with the lessons in order, and talk about The Gospel of Jesus Christ. As I sat there though, and thought about what Junior really needed to hear, I had the distinct impression to look back on what I had read that morning in the Book of Mormon, and teach that. I flipped thru the pages trying to find whatever it was, and stumbled across Helaman 3:27-29...which I had colored and highlighted so nicely, because I love it so much. "Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon His holy name....Yea, thus see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God....Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked." Powerful stuff there. I don't know if Junior will ever change his ways and act on the things we teach him...but I know that all we've taught him is true. Our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, will forever wait for us with open arms. No doubt about it.
He told us he'd try really hard to come to church with us on Sunday (to the English ward though)...but only if we promise to be there and save him a seat. Which is progress, because he usually doesn't say things like that. I have hope that he'll keep his word! Side note. He surprised us with dinner when we showed up on Sunday. Was it some bomb Mexican food? Yes.
I'm so very thankful for this Gospel in my life - and the opportunity I have to share it daily.
I love you all so very much.
Hmna Mortensen
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