Dearest family in the whole wide world,
This was one of the most exciting weeks of my life! We experienced so many miracles with the members here in Can-Avid. Day after day we keep finding potential priesthood holders through referrals from the members!!!
One of our most amazing experiences is with Brother Aquino, a former lay-minister for the Catholic church. This week we taught him the Word of Wisdom and he knew straightaway that he needed to stop his smoking and drinking. As we began the lesson and followed-up his reading of the Word of Wisdom pamphlet, his nephew Dennis (the husband of a relief society sister that always works with us) joined the lesson. Dennis is a non-member who has never been interested in the gospel despite many visits from missionaries. His wife excitedly joined the lesson. We taught both Aquino and Dennis about the power of the Atonement to change lives.
Towards the end of the lesson, they both solidly committed to give up their vices and be baptized on November 8. When we asked Dennis, he couldn’t stop smiling and gave us a big thumbs up. They both attended church for the first time yesterday (which was also the first time the entire family went to church together). Every first Sunday the Can-Avid group travels to Dolores for a combined sacrament meeting. Dennis’s wife bore her testimony about missionary work and how Can-Avid is ready to harvest. Then Brother Aquino stood up to bear his testimony too! He shared with the branch his decision to keep the Word of Wisdom. He related to us what he told his wife a few days ago:
“Honey, make me my last cup of coffee. Buy me my last pack of cigarettes. Then buy me my last bottle of wine." He shared how free he feels now and he ended by saying "I am the happiest man in the world." The members are very excited about the success that is happening; our branch president even said that Aquino is a potential branch president for Can-Avid in the future. The church is being established. :)
Another cool story: A few weeks ago we taught a man and his wife (Glenn and Dina) who are active members of Couples for Christ, a Catholic organization. We shared with them the Restoration and left them a Book of Mormon. We weren't able to have another appointment with them until this past Saturday, but we had been following up with him. Turns out, he loves the Book of Mormon and was so interested to find out who Mormon was that he skipped to the end and read the Books of Mormon and Moroni and then started 1 Nephi! We brought members with us to the second lesson this past Saturday and we were all blown away by his knowledge and love for the gospel. He admitted that he dislikes how his current religion doesn't follow all the 10 Commandments, but since he's made special agreements as a CC member it will be hard to leave. His concern is mainly social, not doctrinal. We know that in time he and his family will be able to develop the faith to be baptized.
Christian told us he's 70% willing to be a Mormon. We had our first lesson with him and he's unsure of commitment because this is the first time he's become more interested in religion. (His aunt gave him as a referral.) Appropriate fellowshippers make all the difference in the lesson.
Honestly, I can't even explain all the miracles we are experiencing here. A few days ago, I was just overwhelmed with all the success that was happening that I took some time during lunch to just say a prayer of gratitude for the privilege of being involved in this work. This is truly a great and marvelous work and God's purposes will be fulfilled no matter what.
Sister Chu is so cute and she makes me laugh everyday. She taught me how to make dumplings last Monday! I love hearing about her culture and she opens right up.
LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Sister Amanda Smith
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