Monday, July 23, 2012

Elder Derek Keele, July 23, 2012

Go Josh!!! He hasn't written me yet, but hearing that he got his call makes me so happy! :D And Derek Bradshaw too! Where is he going? He is a man. And I am so thankful for all of the years that he has always been my friend. He would always treat me with respect, even when others in school or on sports teams didn't. Derek is a man. He is going to be such a great missionary!

Last Monday night, we had a meeting with an investigator, Gido Ruiz. His wife and son got baptized two years ago, but for some reason he left them soon after. After he left, Edith, his wife, thought that that was a sign that she made a wrong decision, so she never went to church again. But now we found her, and found Gido one day while he was visiting them. He really wants to change all of the mistakes he has made, and wants to get closer to the Lord.

So last week they went to church as a family. Monday night we met with them and I was so overjoyed to hear what he said. He said that those few hours in the church, he felt such a peace and calm. But when the meetings were over and they left the church, it went away. He asked how he can  feel those same feelings of peace and comfort the rest of the week, as we return to our lives? I was so excited to hear that! Any missionary would be! I said Yes, Gido! That is exactly what the gospel is for! We can receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and he can always be our companion. I challenged him to be baptized, but he said he is not ready.

So last week we had our interviews with President Bruce on Thursday. I told him about Gido and he told me what we needed to do. (And in fact, the assistants asked if there was any way we could have a family night with Gido that night and invite President Bruce because they were going to be there all day, but Gido had to work so he told us we couldn't. We almost had a family night with our mission president! Maybe next time. :/)
They didn't go to church this week so we felt pretty bad because if they tell us they don't want to get baptized and then they don't go to church either, that usually means we have to drop them and focus on those who are ready. But we "just happened" to be doing contacts next to their house yesterday after church, and they "just happened" to be outside. They insisted that we stop in for a little bit. We even tried to say no, but they insisted.
So we were there and we realized we had never even taught him the 1st lesson, the restoration. We asked him if he had known anything and he said he hadn't. (Obviously we missed something very important!) The lesson was so good. We all felt the Spirit so strong! And luckily it happened so I got to be the one to recite Joseph Smith's words of the First Vision. It was my favorite time that I had ever done it! :D We will keep praying that he recognizes what he has already felt, and that he sincerely desires to find the truth and change. He is so ready! And this will bless his whole family! He hasn't moved back in with his wife yet, but is at their house almost every night now. I love the gospel!

In my interview last week, President Bruce told me that it is probably time for me to go now. I have been in this same sector for 6 months, a fourth of my mission, and from the beginning of my mission haha. I think he is right. But I learned from Jessica experience. I am not going to go around and tell everyone I'm leaving until I am sure I know. haha

Thank you for everything! Especially your example! I love you all! Take care and enjoy every day! :D

Love,

Elder Keele

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