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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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
