This was one of the busiest weeks of my mission, becuase we had 3 zone conferences and 5 exchanges, plus General Conference! It was intense. We traveled the mission and saw so many cool things happen. We found 7 new investigators all on Sunday in between the conferences and some investigators come to the sessions. The work is hastening!
I'll share just one quick story:
We knocked on a door looking for our investigator Yasmin, but she wasn't home! Instead, her mother answered. She opened the door just a crack and would really talk to us at first...but slowly she opened up and let us in! She has had some incredibly difficult experiences in her life, but she is woman of so much faith in Christ. We sang a hymn to start off the lesson and taught of the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Alma, Chapter 7
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."
She was emotional throughout the lesson and the Spirit was really strong. At the end of the lesson it was 2:45...and the afternoon session of conference started in 15 mins haha! The Elder I was on exchanges with asked her if she would, "come and follow" the Savior by attending the session. It was incredible, she agreed! hahaha
These are happy days of my life. I don't have the time that I wish I did. I love this Gospel with all my heart. I know that we have a Prophet of God that speaks to us today and for our time. President Thomas S. Monson is that Prophet. I love you all!
Elder Stewart-Chester
1319 Butterfield Rd Ste 522
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fotos:
1&2 Contrasting landscapes in our mission
3&4 Exchanges with the Peoria zone leaders
5 Exchange with Elder Pace
6 Me debating in our apartment about whether or not to write people back