Week 46

So this week started off pretty interesting. On Tuesday we had a lesson with two newer investigators named Bedina and Daniela. We had taught them before, but only once or twice. So as we got there and started to make small talk, the mom Bedina being the kind generous person she is, goes into her kitchen and comes back with 4 mugs…of coffee. It was a little uncomfortable as we explained to them that part of our belief is that we don’t drink coffee and that we weren’t going to drink what she offered us. We should have been a little more specific on what we don’t drink and why, because about 5 minutes later she comes out with 2 mugs of…tea. To be honest, for about a half a second I contemplated about just drinking it, haha. I did not want to deny what she offered us a second time, but of course we did. Bedina was noticeably a little annoyed, so from there we dropped our lesson plans, called an audible, and went straight into the word of wisdom. Luckily, the lesson actually went pretty good and they seemed to understand. It was definitely one of the most uncomfortable moments I’ve had on my mission, but everything turned out ok. :)

Well one of the many things that a missionary will learn on a mission is that agency is real. Although it’s really hard to accept sometimes, everyone has their own freedom to choose. On Saturday after having an incredible lesson with him the  day before, I had an impression to stop by Javier’s house and give him a copy of the Liahona with all the general conference talks from this last conference, as he loves to study and read anything we give him. When we got to his house and knocked his door, he slowly walked out and started to greet us. From the first glance and his first words it was obvious to tell that he had been drinking again. It was honestly devastating to see. I can’t even explain how sad it made me feel. Javier is someone who has been prepared by the Lord to receive the gospel and now this is the only adversity that is holding him back from being baptized. We are going to keep praying for him and do all we can to help him. I’ve never wanted to baptize someone so badly…

On the positive side of things, this week we got news that President has given us permission to watch the World Cup!! He told us to take advantage of the fact that everyone here in Perú will be watching, and to get together with investigators and members to watch it together. I’m super excited! However, I have a feeling that I may need to deliver a half-time lecture on faith when Perú plays France… But we’ll see how things go. Yo creo en ti, vamos vamos Perú!!!! 

Well not too much else to report on this week. Not going to lie, things are a little tough in our area right now. We are trying to do all we can, but things just keep falling through. That doesn’t mean, however, that we will lose the faith. We’ve just gotta put our heads down and keep working and relying on the Lord. He always delivers.

“And Christ has said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” (Moroni 7:33)

Avanza Su Verdad!

Elder Bailey