Week 60

This week was the most joyful week of my mission. 

I really felt true and eternal joy. I felt the truth and importance of everything we do here on this earth. And of all the things we can do here, the most important thing is to fulfill God’s purpose. The most important things are things that are eternal and spiritual. This week Patricio was able to do what he was searching for and receive a remission of his sins and receive the constant and guiding influence of the spirit. He was originally preparing to be baptized next week, but he just progressed so much and was ready. So his family came to support him and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever experienced. The spirit was tangible the entire baptismal service. I could feel it not only in my chest, but throughout my entire body, almost radiating outward. I could feel it and see it in the faces of his family members. When Patricio was confirmed a member of the church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, he gave the brothers that gave it to him tender hugs while he was weeping. And when he came off the stand, his mother received him in her arms and they both wept. And his grandmother gave him a hug and turned to the crowd and said, “thank you so much, now I have a beautiful grandson!” And she blew kisses to the crowd. It was so special to see that his family felt the spirit and they expressed their love and appreciation in their own unique way. And then the Brother that was conducting gave time to Patricio to share his testimony. And when he went up to the pulpit, there was a picture of Jesus projected behind him. And it was so powerful listening to his testimony. He shared that his whole life he had rejected Jesus and had rejected all the miracles that had happened in his life. Until he had felt a lot of fear that basically took over his whole body, and then he realized that Jesus had been in every part of his life. He shared that now he feels happy and full, and hasn’t felt a speck of fear. It was so special to see him bear witness of the power of Jesus Christ in his life, the way that God has loved him and helped him. Later his mom said that she was crying so much because when he was a boy, he never wanted to be baptized or follow Jesus and she told him that one day when he's grown and on his own, he would realize and turn to Christ. And on August 31st her dreams had come true. Her son had come to Christ. It was beautiful to see the way his decision affected and blessed his family’s life. His grandma said, “The grandkid changed the family”. And I don’t think she realized the meaning of what she said. Really Patricio opened the door to his entire family, on this side, and on the other side of the veil, to the blessings of the restored gospel. Both his mother and his grandmother are excited to come back to the church, and the grandmother is from a different city, and she asked us if there was a church in her town that she can go next Sunday. It was so special to see the light and love this family had that day. And his grandmother was right, from that day, Patricio’s family will never be the same. In less than two weeks Patricio brought light and joy into his life and his family’s life. He brought Jesus into his life. 

Patricio showed me that the gospel is for everyone and anyone that wants to bring Jesus into their life. If you are someone that is missing meaning in your life, living with fears, without direction, without hope, come unto Jesus. He will give you joy, direction, hope, love, and a purpose. He is the only way we can truly change our lives. He is real. And he loves you. 

I hope this week we can all come to Christ more and show his pure love to everyone.

God loves you!!

Hermana Hilton