Happy Monday! We had our first ever zone activity this morning with all the missionaries in Barcelona (President Farnes allows one zone activity per transfer) and it was really fun! We had "churrasco" (Brazilian BBQ) and played some games. It was good to relax a little bit and get to know the other missionaries better! I love to hear all about how these missionaries sacrificed so much to be here. We really are so blessed to be a part of this great and marvelous work. Anyway, I am super short on time so I have to be brief. But you know me, I have to be detailed so we'll see how this goes.
Exciting news of the week.... EDUARDO WILL BE BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!!! We had a powerful lesson with him early this week and committed him to read the chapter of Enos in the Book of Mormon and pray with real intent, specifically about baptism on August 16. We prayed and prayed all day for him to recognize his answer, trusting that the Lord would in fact answer his prayer. When we returned the next day, he was grinning from ear to ear and practically glowing! He told us how he had prayed like Enos, with all energy of his soul, but still felt really nervous and anxious. Then, when he went to work that night, he had a quiet moment thinking to himself and the thought crossed his mind, "I could actually do this. This could be me. I can do this. I can be baptized!" As he thought about the promised blessings, all his fear was replaced with peace of mind. This was his confirmation from the Lord that he, Eduardo, a man who just a few weeks ago doubted that God even existed, could have this change of heart, and accept the invitation from our Savior Jesus Christ to follow Him and be baptized. The more Eduardo thought about it, the stronger his desire became.
I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that if we pray with sincerity, the Lord will answer us. For me, it's never a huge, overwhelming, loud confirmation. I feel the Spirit as a calm, quiet, soft feeling that brings peace in my heart and clarity of mind. When Eduardo prayed about baptism, he didn't have a vision or hear a loud, trembling voice. Rather, the Spirit testified to him in a way that Eduardo personally could recognize, when his mind was open and receptive. Now Eduardo is acting on his answer, showing that he has real intent. During this lesson with Eduardo when he told us about his decision, I was SO happy!!! I still am! I wanted to do 50 million cartwheels, but too bad I can't even do one. AHHH WOOOOHOOOO YIPPEEEEE!! Eduardo is going to be baptized!!! He is so firm. He is so ready. He is so excited. I can't wait!
3 Nephi 6:14 When the church be broken up because of pride, there "were among a few of the [people of Rio Acima] who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm and steadfast and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord". THIS IS EDUARDO! This, my dear family and friends, is true conversion. To change your thoughts, desires, and actions, and accept and actively follow the will of God in your life. This is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ can do and will do. Eduardo's heart has changed. He visibly has changed. But even with this transformation, his conversion is not over. Baptism is just the beginning! From here on out, I pray that Eduardo will continue to be firm and immovable. I know that Eduardo will be an incredible member of this church. He is not one to just "get his toe wet". He is diving right on in!
Please pray for Eduardo this week! The adversary will be working hard on him. Satan knows what Eduardo is about to do and he will try everything to keep Eduardo from being baptized. Prayers of faith are powerful! I have seen it again and again! Thanks for your love and support.
I love you all! I hope you all have the best week ever!
Sempre Sorria,
Sister Jorgensen
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