This has been an excellent week - it's gone by super fast. This week, more than almost any other, I felt has been one of lots of growth. But, before I get into all of that, I'll give the update on the work! ...
We now have some new investigators - they are a miracle! One morning we got a phone call from a member with a referral. But, there was a catch... He had given a book of mormon to this lady who he met at work, and this lady said that she needed some help - a translator - to translate from Italian to English. Anziano Boscia was the one who talked on the phone and said that he felt really strongly that this was going to be an excellent missionary opportunity to also do some service. We went to the house and it was a crazy situation in the family and I had to help translate. It was cool, actually, because we were able, in the end, to help sort out some difficulties and misunderstandings in the family. Now things are much better. ... Anyway, after I translated, we taught a little bit. We went back again yesterday to continue teaching. These people are elect! They are searching for the truth "but are kept from it only because they know not where to find it." We're trying to help them gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is really cool to see how so many things worked together to bring this miracle - a member referral, an opportunity for service that made a big difference in the family, and some new investigators that are amazing!
We also were able to help the members a lot this week. We did a bunch of service for the Virzo family. They're incredible - I don't know how they do all they do (6 kids under 8 and tons of work and other commitments). So, we helped them with one of the projects in their house - we built one of their rooms (we did the sheetrock). It was cool, because as we were about to go, Sister Virzo asked us if we'd been "commanded" to take better care of the members in the ward. We said no but that we wanted to help strengthen and serve the members in the little ways we can. She says she's never felt so loved before. And, the cool thing is that, ever since we've been helping, their desire and joy in doing missionary work has increased a lot. In some way, our little acts of service and our example are radiating to the members and they are getting more excited about missionary work! This happened with another family as well! We went to a Calio family. The next day we got a text message thanking us so much because they had felt the spirit really strong and had a great time with us, and they said that they could still feel the "spirit" that we brought. They, too, have a referall for us that we will be meeting tonight!
I said earlier that this week has been one of growth. I'll explain briefly. I've been trying to "purify my heart," or get rid of all the "carnal" and "worldly" desires and instead be filled with the desires of Christ. I've prayed a bunch, fasted, and tried really hard. And, there has been a tiny bit of progress, but it feels so good to see the little changes! The gospel of Jesus Christ has become so much more real for me. I think my faith in Jesus Christ has grown more in this week than it has for a really long time. What have I done? I've changed the way I study. I've changed the way I pray. I've been trying to apply the atonement and teachings and attributes of Jesus Christ in my life. My determination to obey with exactness has increased. It is a battle inside, but when I've forgotten myself, stripped myself of pride and selfishness, and turned to the Lord, the "tides change," and I come out victorious. More than ever, I feel ready to give myself completely and let the Lord use me to do His work.
He is the Savior.
-Anziano Barnes
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