Change of heart

Supp peeps! Another week, another report. This week we had another zone leader conference, and president & his assistants gave us a lotta much needed advice. Half the mission right now's made up of missionaries that got here in the last 6 months, so lots of greenery. The mission's in something of a metamorphosis-ish state where a lot's changing, so we got reminded of the importance to be good examples and not being too soft on the newbies! 

Things with our pal Moisés are goin' good too! He didn't come to church this week unfortunately, but we're still working hard to help him progress. We had some other real cool people come to church too which was a total blessing. 

A couple months ago, I was talking with my road dawg Elder Klinger on the curb outside our apartment waiting for some za to arrive. I always hear folks say "I met Jesus Christ on my mission," so I asked him, what do you think that means? How can I know if I've "met" the savior during my mission? 

Well, I thought about that a lot, and set as a new years goal to try and meet my savior more on my mission. For now, an idea that I've had is to recognize the Savior in the world around me. Find signs of his love, of christlike attributes, and of proof of his character. 

There's a classic scripture in Moroni 7 that talks about how yo recognize if something is from God or not: 

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

So each night, I've started including in my prayers the ways that I saw the savior each day. I saw him through opportunities given to me to serve. To fail and to succeed; to grow. I met him more through the desire to love others. The want to love more unconditionally. And this week, I saw him especially through the change of heart that others have had due to his perfect gospel. 

There are some folks I've met here where I have had the priviledge to talk with them on a personal level about their lives. About things they've done or experienced that they feel has distanced them from God. And as I've delivered them the message of the Savior's restored gospel, I've seen wounds healed and hope restored. I've met the Savior more through that fact that through his name, lives are changed for the better in ways that no other earthy thing can or will ever offer. That's the witness for the week, and the way that I've grown closer to him! 

Our friend Álvaro was baptized this last week, and he's an excellent example of that. If you can, include him in your prayers! That he can stay firm in the gospel and that we as missionaries can keep remembering to help him. His name's pronounced like "Ahhlv-ahh-ro," emphasis on the first symbol. But I love you all greatly! Thank you for all that you do for me and for your support. Talk to you next week! 

Elder Hillstead 

PS there's a vid at the bottom that's a parody of "The Office" that we put together to get the zone hyped for a game we're gonna do. Check it out if you want its like 1min long