August 5, 2014

Hi Mom,
Sorry I didn't write yesterday. We had to change our p-day for this week because we had lots to do on Monday.

Well, this past week was really good. We had transfers and my new companion is Elder Mansilla. He is Chilean. He is really cool. When I started my mission he was my District Leader and now we are companions! I am so happy. I will be his companion until he finishes his mission. 

This week we had two really neat experiences:

The first- One afternoon we were walking to a lesson and a man on the other side of the street called to us. So we went and talked to him. He said that he was inactive, but wanted to return to the church. And that is what he did. He said that he wanted to attend and he did. This Sunday he came to fast and testimony meeting. He wanted to share his testimony, so my companion went up with him. Turns out the he went inactive 32 years ago. And he then told the story of how he came to know us— He said that he had been talking with his mom (she is a member in Bogota) for the past couple weeks and she had been inviting him to return to the church. Finally he decided to return, but he had a big fear. He didn't what to return alone and more than anything he didn't know what to do to return or where to go. So he called his mom for advice and she said "just wait, help will come". He then said that he hung up the phone looked up to see the missionaries (my companion and I) walking on the other side of the street. We didn't know that that had happened until he shared his testimony. Our Heavenly Father always, always prepares the path for those who are willing. 

The second experience also happened in the fast and testimony meeting. There is a sister in the ward who has muscular dystrophy and a few other of health problems. She arrived just as the bishop was about to finish the meeting. She wanted to share her testimony. So the bishop gave her all the time she needed so she could share her testimony. Her testimony was so powerful. She said God helped her get to church so that she could bear her testimony. She said her body was week and reaching its end but her testimony is as strong as ever. She knows one day everything would be all right. She reminded everyone of the privileges we have. Through her soft voice the Spirit bore into the hearts of all the members. She said even though she is weak, she doesn’t see her debilitates as an excuse to not share the gospel. My explanation of what she said really doesn't really do it justice but her testimony was one of the most powerful I have heard.  

Love you all,  Elder Rucker