Peace I Leave With You

HOLA!!!

Miracles in the Mission:

To start:  Miriam from my first area, Parque Field, just got married to her boyfriend and he is getting baptized this weekend! And they are doing SO good. Hermana Whitworth and I were crying tears of joy when we heard this news. 

You all might be watching the leaves change colors but here in Argentina it is Spring!

We had a pretty funny moment with a family this week as we began to talk about colleges in the US. Somehow Hermana W and I both heard Hogwarts when she actually said Harvard, to which she continued to say that she hear when she actually said Harvard, to which she continued to say that she hears that "its very hard to get into, but all that she knows about it is from movies." We froze not knowing how to break the news to her that Hogwarts did not in fact exist, but then we just broke out in laughter. It was then cleared up that she said Harvard. Whoops. silly us.

We found a lot of people this week who kindly welcomed us into their homes and were very receptive to the message of Jesus Christ! The people who have fallen away from the church that we have contacted have received us warmly as well and we have great hopes that they will soon return.

But, the greatest miracle was with our investigator Natalia whom I wrote about a few weeks ago. We tried to teach her about every day this week, knocking on her door but never having any luck. We passed by a few times and her boyfriend would answer the door and say that she was still working and to try again later. Well, as we set out to go to one of our planned lessons on Saturday, the woman we were going to teach told us that she was going to run errands and to come back later. Though a bit irritated at the time it made sense later as we walked to Natalia's and found her walking with her boyfriend back to her house. We caught her at the exact, perfect moment.

At church with Natalie

Well, Natalie shared quite a story and I think that she was in a state more broken than I have ever seen someone in my life. Yet the spirit filled our hearts as we began to cry with her and tell her that though she cannot see it now, she is a loved daughter of God, with a purpose on this earth. Yet, it still seemed as if no words could mend her heart. After being with them over an hour we left them in a bit of a better state we found them, yet as we said goodbye, Natalia still had that look on her face. We contemplated in the street what we should do, if we should call the cops, our mission president or leaders. Ultimately we called our leaders who were able to return with us to Natalia's house about a half hour later and give her a blessing of comfort. Luckily when we returned her boyfriend had left. As we all talked, Natalia through tears, our hearts were heavy. We sought to take away this pain that she was experiencing. The Elders laid their hands upon her head, acting with the power of God, and blessed her with peace and comfort. The peace they offered is as Jesus explains, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." This peace can only come from God. As the blessing was pronounced, we all felt the hope that she was going to be okay, that she has a bright, bright future, with so many blessings in store. Her countenance changed as the blessing came to a close, and her fears were replaced with peace. She slept the night in a different house and we were blessed to walk with her and bring her to church Sunday morning. As I bore my testimony in fast and testimony meeting, I could not help but look her in the eyes, and explain that God does not want us to suffer alone. He wants to comfort us. He wants us to find peace in this world of turmoil. More than to have peace, He wants us to have joy and to live by faith and hope. The Lord says, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." I know that this is true. He came to Natalia in the moment that she needed it, and He continues to come to us. This gospel is so true. There is an undeniable power in it, a power that truly can save lives. 

I love you all and I hope that you have a wonderful wonderful week! 

Con mucho amor,

Hermana Mathis

Soaking up all the Spring we can!