I have such a strong testimony of
Jesus Christ! My testimony grows stronger and stronger every day as I witness
others feel God's love. I cannot deny the feelings I have had that God lives,
and that he loves us too! Elder Ballard promised the leaders of my mission that
they could find, teach, and baptize someone within the month of August. Aaron
Gadbury was a former investigator who drop off the radar a few months back. His
kids have been baptized, and he was ready for baptism as well, but things came
up in his life, and he backed off. This last week we got to see him, and
committed him to be baptized on August 31. He wasn't too sure, so we had him
pray in front of us to know if it was what the Lord wanted him to do. We knelt
down, and Aaron prayed. He said that he felt good, and that he just knew that
things were going to work out for he and his children. People can get wrapped
up in the things of the world, which only bring them temporary joy. Lehi said
that God's love is an everlasting joy, which is desirable above all. Living the
Gospel will lead us to the Tree of Life, and we will be able to feel God's
love, and feel eternal happiness, which worldly things cannot give. God's plan
for us is so perfect, and if we bridle all of our passions, are bold, but not
overbearing, then we can help others feel God's perfect love, which is
desirable above all other things.
Love,
Elder
Garner
There has been a
lot going on this past week. It's hard for me to even write down what is
happening! It is kind of like in the Book of Mormon, when you read, "I
cannot write a one hundredth part of what happened". Crazy to think about,
because there is so much in that book! First off, we were able to reach our
goal of twenty lessons again! We got twenty-six, and are continuing to find
work! I love the people that I am able to help, and I will always admire their
examples.
Alright, Aaron Gadberry wasn't able to come to church this week, BUT we
are going to get him this week, and help him quit smoking so he can still be on
track for baptism at the end of this month!
Dennis is preparing for baptism! He has been reading the Book of Mormon,
praying to know that it is true, and to know why Mormons are always so dang
happy! I cannot wait until the Spirit testifies to him that the Book of Mormon
is true!
Last Saturday, we street contacted a man just outside of a potential
investigators home. As soon as we started talking to him, he noticed our name
tags, and noticed that they have Christ's name on them. He went off on how
Christ has helped him so much, then he asked us where our church was, and
wanted a ride to attend! His name is Abdohli Kamali, he is from Iran, and has
been living in the States for a month. We got him a ride to church yesterday,
and he had a wonderful spiritual experience. He had to go back to Iran
yesterday to get the rest of his family and sell his home, but will be back in
late September. Something that is cool about serving in San Diego, is the
majority of our investigators are from a different country! The tricky part
about teaching people from Iran is that their lives could be in danger if they
convert to Christianity, then go back to their country. So we have to get special
permission to teach Muslims and people from the middle-east. Abdohli said that
when he gets back, he wants to come to church every week! We will just have to
wait a month or two... It is a blessing to be lead by the Spirit. Abdohli knew that we
had crossed paths for a reason, and that God had sent us. We said a prayer with
him after we had met, he started bawling, he kissed our hands and thanked us.
It was a humbling, touching experience.
Things seem like they can't get any
better, but they do. I have loved my mission, and I love the people I am able
to help! It's time for me to get going now. I know that the church is
true, I know that God loves us, I know that he speaks to us today through a
prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for
us, so that we might return to live with our Heavenly Father again.
Love,
No comments:
Post a Comment