Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Montréal Sud-Est Week 6

Guillermo's Baptism
I didn't mention it last week, as I did not expect it, but transfer calls were this week, and I'm being transferred! Sort of... I'm in the same branch, the same apartment, and the same district, only now I am going to be with Elder Sorenson in a different area of our branch. Super surprising, although it's not a big change so it's not a very big deal. Pretty crazy!

Anyway, this week was pretty great, even though our 3rd winter just started. On Wednesday, winds were insanely strong, and it snowed pretty hard for a few hours! It was warmer last week, but now it got back to around -8 this past week. You never know what can happen here in Montréal!

Montreal-Est District
We were able to see a lot of progress from our investigators. Here are some updates!

We have a new investigator (S.), who I don't believe I've mentioned yet, is a Quebec-cois man who we met street contacting a few weeks ago. We've been working with him fairly frequently. He came to General Conference at our chapel for the second session and priesthood session and loved it. He has kept every single commitment we have left with him! He is extremely receptive, although he does not come across as such. He is also very addicted to cigarettes (smokes about 50 a day), and we committed him to start to stop smoking. He will be smoking two less cigarettes each day until he completely stops. We made a little calendar and everything to help him keep track of his daily limits, and he's actually very committed to stop. Although it will be hard, and since I have no idea how hard it will be to completely stop we will probably have to change his plan, he is very committed. He is super awesome. It's been amazing to be able to be an influence in helping other people change for the better. I have never felt so fulfilled in my life!

Elder Amichia
We have also committed Elfira to baptism! She has been super solid. Just by hearing the gospel message with an open heart has allowed her to feel strong assurances from the Spirit that it is true. Teaching her has been so humbling realizing that we really aren't the teachers, it's all the Spirit!

Lesley and Mary are also doing great. Mary just told us yesterday of an experience she had while reading the Book of Mormon. She explained how one moment when she was fervently praying and specifically asking if the Book of Mormon was true, she felt an overwhelming wave of peace and joy that just caused her to start crying for no reason. She kept telling us how much the Book of Mormon has already changed her life, even though she has just started studying it. I can testify that it really does change lives, no matter our circumstances!

Elder Wensel in the snow storm
I also had the amazing opportunity this past Sunday to attend the baptism of Guillermo, one of the people I taught in Zarahemla. It was so very special! During the service he bore a very strong testimony and talked about how much his life has changed since he met the missionaries. He is such an amazing and kind man, and I'm so happy to be able to see him make this important step in his life. He also asked me to do the confirmation, which was another great experience. I was able to go to the Zarahemla sacrament meeting, say hi to a lot of the members, and of course speak Spanish again! It was one of the most memorable experiences of my mission so far.

It's been a great week. Although I am a little sad that I'm already leaving my area (sort of) after finally getting used to it, I'm super excited for the experiences that lay ahead! I know that this is the Lord's work, and that he guides it. I know there is a reason that I will be with Elder Sorenson this transfer, and I'm excited to work closely with him.

I love you all so much, and I hope you have a great week!


Elder James

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