Elder HJones: Transfers

So this week was cambios (transfers). And when cambios come you can never be sure what will happen. I was almost sure that I was leaving...but I am staying in Paipote! I guess God has a different plan then I do. I already have six months here in Paipote and will be here longer, so I guess there is someon in Paipote that I still need to find. And we are having success here, so I am excited to stay and work another transfer with Elder Matos. And I was also called as district leader, so that's pretty exciting.

There are six missionaries in our district. Elder Matos and me, and four sister missionaries. Some new sisters are coming to our area next week so I will tell you more about my district. But I am excited, happy to be a leader to help other missionaries. I know this assignment will help me grow a lot.

As I have been on the mission I have really learned to love the people. We don't walk into a home and teach the lessons just because we need to. We learn to love the people and desire their salvation. And it's sad when people don't want to progress and make the steps to receive the blessings that God has for them. Sometimes, people don't realize how much we really do love the people. We walk everyday, all day. We talk with everyone we meet. We study, pray, and fast for the people because we love them. And it's hard when people don't see the gospel as something that will change and bless their lives. This gospel is the greatest blessing that we can receive. If we apply it and live it, it will change our lives.

And it was a kinda hard week. We have been teaching an awesome family. A single mom with five children and two of the children are interested in the gospel. They came to church and love to pray and read. This past week we challenged them to be baptized. It didn't go that well. Their mom doesn't want to give permission and the kids want to wait until they are older. It kinda broke my heart. We promised blessings, bore testimony...but nope. They are a really humble family and they don't have much. It makes me sad that they don't want to make the necessary steps to receive the blessings that God has for them. This gospel can change their lives, and they want to wait. It's sad for me. But hopefully in the future they will accept it.

This gospel is such a great blessing. It changes lives. In Mosiah 2:41 it says that we receive blessings spiritually and temporally. This gospel is a blessing for everything in our lives. It brings happiness. And it makes me sad when people don't want to accept it. But people have agency. Vamos con fe!

Have a great week! Elder Jones