to conference. well, we went to visit him a few times this week to continue
teaching him. on wednesday we talked about general conference, and he asked
why they talked so much about repentance and enduring to the end. we
explained to him the gospel of Jesus Christ which is faith, repentance,
baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. he smiled and
said, "Bond, i was going to ask you sunday after the conference.... can i
get baptized?" i couldnt hold back tears as i told him yes, and testified
to him of the wonderful choice he was making. we set everything up, and he
is preparing to get baptized the 26th of this month.
yesterday in fast and testimony meeting, he leaned over and said "can
anyone give their testimony up there?" "yes, Rodrigo. why? are you going to
give yours?" "noooo! im too scared." well, five minutes passed, and he
leaned over again and said, "me voy!" and marched straight up to the front
of the chapel. he gave powerful testimony that he knew the organization of
the church was true, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that Thomas S
Monson has given him words to follow the Savior Jesus Christ. he shed a
tear when at the end he said "i thank God for my new family in the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." it was probably one of the most
precious moments of my mission.
after church we went to the temple with Rodrigo, and a couple Segundo and
Elena who i taught last change with Hermana Squire in divisions. they will
be baptized this saturday. Elena told me as we looked up at the angel
Moroni, "Bond, will you come back in a year when we are sealed in the
templed?" the Spirit touched my heart in a way that i humbled myself and
said a silent prayer to my Father in Heaven. i realized i've been a little
hesitant and the poster child for "she of little faith" lately. i thanked
God for all of these miracles.
i'm a witness and living proof that miracles exist, and that the Lord has
HIS time for everything. i've waiting for 8 months to have experiences like
this on my mission, and every single day of contacting the streets of
panama under sunshine and rain has been worth the huge amount of blessings
i have received in the past week. i love the Lord and i love His work. i
love you all!
