Tuesday, July 21, 2009

THE BEST EMAIL YET!


So.. Another good week here in Mexico. Yesterday in sacrament i felt a quick but penetrating jolt of joy i think could be somewhere a long the lines of the joy ammon felt on occasions in the Libro de Mormon. Although i didn't fall to the ground it was certainly there. I was sitting Next to Elvia y Gaby Torres Rodriguez, who are getting baptized on Wednesday. In this moment passed me was Sofia Mercado, who was going up to the stand to get a recognition thing of primary, she looked back at her dad, whom we had the privilege of baptizing two months ago, completing his family and reactivating his daughters. I looked to the left as i saw The Familia Chirinos, a less active hermana who hadn't come in 8 years, who we had the opportunity to visit, and animate her enough to come back to church, which resulted in two baptisms of her sons. We had also seen her walking to church, a good 30 mins, pushing her stroller with her newest baby. behind me was my comp and a another less active fam, who had been less active 6 years with 2 youngins not baptized yet, behind them was another investigator, with her two babies. I looked all around, and felt an incredible jolt of love, peace, tranquility, and joy. Knowing that the Lord saw fit to send me on a mission, here. Knowing i am week, am not the best teacher, still say things at times that doesn't sound good or correct in the native tongue. What I'm saying is that success is a gift, some work ridiculously hard, and don't see much, at least don't see the fruits while they are here. Others work less but are blessed in seeing some. Nevertheless, seeing it, if you really pay attention, is the best thing someone can ever see. There is no greater joy that i have honestly felt. I'm sure temple marriages, children, grandchildren are remarkable indescribable things, but here in my short life, there is nothing better. I want to remember that, its hard to member feelings once they´ve gone. But I'm trying to be a better missionary, i encourage all of you to try and be better people. to SHARE the Gospel of the Lord. Do it. Sin miedo. Throw yourself out there, if someone says your dumb, o callate guero tu ni sabes, or throws something at you, welcome to the life of a missionary ha. I'm grateful i haven't been stoned. Just share it. If you lose a friend because you invited them to church, knowing it would help them, they were never your friend. If someone offends for a truth you declared, remember when Jesus said that even his chosen twelve would all be offended by him before the night. Truth cuts the wicked swiftly, and it hurts. But if someone is NEVER invited, they wont go. give them the chance, and get the stains of your garments. Wow i just rented missionary style, well ha i love you all so much, have a great week!!!
Elder REdfern



Mexican flag


The first Elder is our "other son" Joey serving in Ecuador North Mission



1 comment:

lindquist said...

Another pivotal parent moment!

I'm glad he was able to write his feelings and will be able to look back and recall. What a great testimony of true joy!

Love you Tone. Hope things are well w you and the fam. Thanks for posting for us. I'm a faithful reader of your blog.

Your Pal,
Velenti