Week Twenty-three.

¿Qué tal?  ¿Cómo andan?

We had another pretty good week!  We were finally able to meet Florencia's parents and they are on board for her baptism this Sunday!  Her mother may even want to be baptized herself, which is exciting.  Some other investigators have also begun to progress, among them an investigator named Mario who's been investigating the Church for five years (You'd think he would have made a decision one way or the other by now!).  During companionship study one morning, we felt impressed to share a specific scripture about baptism and the Spirit with him later that night.  When we showed up to his house, he had felt prompted to read that same passage, Acts chapter 2, and told us all about it and what he'd read!  It was a very touching experience, and helped us to see how often our lives are guided by the Holy Ghost as righteous members of the Lord's kingdom here on the earth-- oftentimes without even realizing that it's happening.  I know the Gift of the Holy Ghost that I received when I was baptized is real, and as we each strive to live worthily, we entitle ourselves to blessings of guidance, revelation, comfort, and protection.  I love the knowledge that a divine being can be at our side as we teach and testify; He can even be our constant companion if we keep the commandments at all times as we covenanted with our Heavenly Father to do.  I'm eager to allow others the opportunity to live with the assurance of that same eternal power-- as we strive as a companionship to do so, we will be able to fulfill part of our missionary purpose in "Inviting others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through... receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end."

Six months ago, I was set apart as a missionary and spent a long, sleepless night, anxious before a long, sleepless flight.  My time here and the effort and other sacrifices put toward my missionary service are well worth the while-- I learn and grow every day, and I'm trying my hardest to help others do the same.

With love,

Elder Hansen