Week 81 - Spiritual Preparation

I have had an absolutely wonderful week this week and I hope you all have as well. My testimony has been truly strengthened through my studies and lessons, and with Elder Greer we have had some great spiritual experiences that keep pushing us forward in this great work. I think I will share of few.

Last Tuesday evening, we were running late to an appointment (as usual) but we arrived just in time to snag the whole family in the house. We arrived and immediately they began to talk with us, as if we were already best buds! It was great! But slowly the conversations rolled into unnecessary and personal topics and I was worried the Spirit was going to retire. We immediately decided to sing a hymn and get into the lesson. As we began the lesson, we felt the Spirit return and as we began to share about the Restoration of the Gospel everyone was more reverent. We ended the lesson and it was quiet and peaceful. We invited them to church and to be baptized and they didn't give us a for sure yes on either of those, but we left the lesson very happy because we felt it and we knew we felt it. To be continued...

On Saturday we arrived with another family that has a lot of challenges. The husband is a member from years ago, but has struggled with an alcohol and other addictions for many years. We sat down on their small dirt porch and again began to teach that the gospel has again been restored to the earth in these latter days. The Spirit filled us all, but this time they commented on it. The young son said, "I feel different, I feel like tears are gonna come out of my eyes." The lady then said shortly after, "I feel a feeling of unity with my spouse that I haven't felt in a long time. I feel peace and I hope to keep feeling this way. Please keep coming and sharing this message with us." Only the gospel and Jesus Christ can provide us the strength and the comfort to overcome the challenges when life is tough. I know it's true. 

I have also been focusing on the invitation from the prophet. We really need to prepare ourselves for this upcoming conference and I have been able to have special moments in my studies as I do my best to prepare for it. The Church is true everyone!! Nos vemos.

 

Love, Elder Johnson