Last week, we got a referral from Brother Rojas who is our ward mission leader. It kind of gets confusing, but his sister is also in our ward, and his daughter is in the Viera 2nd ward. That being said, there is a lot of Columbian family around the area for the referral. Her name is Daniela and she is super awesome. She is living here for a few months with the Florenz' (Brother Rojas' sister). She understands English but isn't confident enough to speak it much. We taught her the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Monday night. It went really well as Brother and Sister Florenz were there along with brother Rojas. During the lesson, we read from the restoration pamphlet and read Scriptures. We could tell instantly that she was prepared and willing to change. We had Elder Hekking invite her to be baptized on November 9th and she said yes! It was such a relief. After months of grinding in this area, we finally got a golden member referral. We haven't done anything except show up the house and present the doctrine. She is so ready. We asked her to read 3 Nephi 11 before our next visit.
We taught Daniela the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Wednesday night. When we asked her how her study and prayer went from the last visit, she opened up el Libro de Mormón and there were markings and writings. Our jaws hit the floor as we saw what she had studied and the questions she had. It was awesome. As we taught the lesson, we read 3 Nephi 27 and explained the five steps of the gospel. She understood it and committed to come to church. She also really loves the idea of repentance. She wants to change and become a better person. That got us so hyped. She's ready and we are just witnessing it. In the matter of a week, we received a referral, taught two lessons, and set a date for baptism. It is crazy how the Lord works.
On Saturday, we went to Sister Guillaume's house for lunch. She made us Haitian food that was unbelievably good. Her husband Lucien was there. He and Elder Hekking talked in French for 20 minutes. I was totally lost but it was so cool. It was like I was in Haiti without actually being there.
Other than that, it was a week full of finding, planning, and studying. Elder Hekking received his visa so he will be leaving on November 19th. Until then, we will continue to work and help him adjust to missionary life. The members are so awesome. They love us and support us. They are willing to have us in their homes and treat us like family. We are just focusing on helping them share the gospel.
"And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did come down into the land of Zarahemla, and did declare unto the people of the Nephites the manner of their conversion, and did exhort them to faith and repentance. Yea, and many did preach with exceedingly great power and authority, unto the bringing down many of them into the depths of humility, to be the humble followers of God and the Lamb." (Helaman 6:4-5)
Have a fantastic week!
Elder Poulsen
Elder Thomas and I
We don't use handlebars
At the Reese's home
Happy Fall Y'all
A burned, boarded up house
