So first things first... the internet cafe that I usually use just bought all new keyboards, and they are amazing, and it makes me happy, because I can type so much faster now... but that's irrelevant. But hey, what's up? Didn't get an email... but that's ok. I guess I will still send mine anyways! ;)
My week was pretty great. A lot of small spiritual experiences with a few big awesome ones thrown in there. The small ones are basically just teaching new people and testifying to them the truth that I already know, and inviting them to find out for themselves if it is true. In the mission Chile Antofagasta, we don't knock doors. We find new people by walking up to them and shaking there hand and no matter what they say, start teaching. We need to find out their needs in a few questions, while not being too interogative, and then start testifying based on what they said! I really like doing it... it's almost like a game. Every new person is a new puzzle to solve, all I have to do is ask questions to find out the key! Example: the other day, we were walking through the feria (fair), which is completely filled with people the whole day, and we stopped a man and shook his hand. We asked him where he was from (Bolivia), how much time he had in Chile (a few months) and why he came (work). We asked him if he had shared with missionaries before (yes) if he enjoyed his discussions with them (yes) and why he stopped (he moved). We asked if he believed in Jesus (of course) and then started talking about his family, and we found out that he had seperated from his wife and children and that he was struggling with that. From there, we began testifying about Jesus, but also how his sacrifice means we can repent, and that we can leave the sins of old behind us, and learn from them, and be forgiven of them. Now we have a cita with him for Thursday. Things like that, little moments, that help build a good day.
This week we didn't complete with all the standards. We only had 3 people in church, and 5 baptismal dates remaining. But oh well. I worked hard, so I can sleep well! We've been working hard with Rodrigo, the kid with 13 years, and he has progressed pretty well! And his family too is beginning to come back into things, especially his mom. Turns out, the kids didn't really move too far after leaving home. The entire little street right there are her kids and their families! Rodrigo is going to get baptized this Saturday! He's super excited! And he's getting all of his family and friends to come see! They are all really excited too. Rodrigo and his sister, Maria, are the only two in a family of 9 who are not baptized. It would be super cool to be able to help reactivate them! I would love to see them all in church again! But I am super excited for Rodrigo and this choice he's making. It's going to be a good Saturday! Although, we are going to have to plan well, because there is another activity this Saturday. We'll see what happens!
Other than that, we have just been really trying with our parejas (couples), trying to get them progressing, and eventually, married. It's going very slowly haha. But meanwhile, we are finding new people every day, and teaching them too! Yesterday I had an awesome experience. All week I have been studying how Jesus Christ needs to be the center of our teaching. After all, my objective as a missionary is to invite people to come to Him! But yesterday, we began teaching a less active man with his family, who are all not memebers. We had a very good discussion about baptism, but more so about the gift of the Holy Ghost, and what it means to have that in our lives. At the end, I began to share my testimony. At the end, his little child, Nicolas, said he had a question. He asked me, 'Does Jesus Christ exist?' It seemed like a strange question. I almost didn't know how to answer, other than to say, duh! But I began to share a testimony of Jesus in the most basic terms that I ever had before. I testified that he existed. That he died, and that he rose again. I told that boy 'Jesus is your older brother. He loves you! He loves all of us! And he will help us with whatever we need!' It was probably the most basic testimony I have ever given. But, at the end of it... I was crying! I felt the spirit so strong in those few seconds, that I could not help it! How embarrasing, crying in front of strangers just because I believe in Jesus! But I am grateful! I know that this testimony that I have, and what I have gained here in Chile, will never leave me! It cannot be taken, nor broken! Jesus lives! And he loves each and every one of us! He suffered, but because he suffered, he can help us in our suffering! How beautiful the thought! But I just thought I would share that. The best part of my week was telling a 7 year old boy that Jesus does exist! Haha!
But anyways, that's my week! Not too much, but still good! Things move forward here in Antofa! The first week of the new cambio was awesome! ¡Vamos por mas! Hope you all have a good week!
Les amo a todos!
Elder Schmid
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