Their name is the Penon family and they
are ready for the gospel. This family needed friends and needed help.
When we first taught the Penon family, we quickly learned about their
hardships and trials. As their mother has been unrightfully imprisoned
in Saudi Arabia, the father and children have been trying to make it by.
On our second visit, we were shocked when Brother Penon had prepared a
very humble meal for us. It is hard to eat a meal with a family who
can barely afford to feed themselves, but Brother Penon would not let us leave
without eating. Later in the week, we invited the family to a baptism
being held at the church. At the end of the service, Brother Penon told
us that the baptism "was close to his heart" and that he wishes the
same for himself and his entire family. We are praying and fasting that
Sister Penon will soon be released from prison so that their entire
family can be cleansed from their sins and begin the journey to become a
forever family.
-We gave a couple hope.
This
week we taught Jared and Joanne about repentance. Even though Jared was
awaiting his mission call, they made a mistake and have a baby on the
way. It is easy to see their guilt and disappointment, but as we
challenged them to repent and come unto the Lord, we could see a small
part of the weight on their backs being removed. Repentance is a
process and it can be painful. But, like alcohol, it is going to sting
before it cleanses. The Lord is ready to take the load of guilt that we
cannot handle, but we must first reach out to Him. Jared and Joanne are
starting a family under adverse circumstances, but the Lord is there
for them each step of the journey. Things will be okay and they will
receive many blessings through their their faith.
-We fixed some false beliefs.
This
week we taught the Alcarion family about the Plan of Salvation. As we
taught about the Fall of Adam and Eve, we made it clear that we are not
punished for the transgression of Adam and Eve. Although we sin,
we will never be punished for another's sins. Sister Alcarion and her
family were surprised. They had always thought that man had been cursed
by the actions of our first parents. They are beginning to better
understand their identity as children of a loving Heavenly Father as
they learn about His plan for them.
-We were offended...for a second.
When
we were teaching Alden about the Book of Mormon, he seemed very open
and very interested. Like in all lessons, we closed by asking him to
pray to know if the Book of Mormon is true. He said, "No." Sister
Bagonbon and I looked at each other, made a confused face, and looked
back at Alden. I just said, "Why?" I was annoyed because I knew that
he needed to pray about it to receive a testimony. I was about to go
into a long explanation of prayer and God and the Holy Ghost, but before
I got the chance, he said, "Because I already know it is true." It was
the best answer he could have given us.
I
was just informed that a good missionary friend of mine here in Laoag
lost her mother. My love and prayers go out to her. Missions are hard
and full of unexpected trials. No one wants them and no one asks for
them, but they do come. I do know that the Lord always blesses His
servants in ways we do not at first understand.
Mahal ko kayo. Ingat lagi.
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