Whats Uuuup? This week went by so fast. Every week goes by fast but this one went by even faster.
Heydi and Angel got baptized!! Thank you all so much for your prayers! It was honestly such a miracle. Last Sunday, Heydi called us and said she was no longer going to get baptized and was done receiving lessons. The only explanation for how she ended up in white in the font and absolutely sure of her decision to do so is that God answers prayers. She prayed and we prayed A LOT, and she received her answer. Angel is the son of a new member and he was always hesitant to commit to a date for baptism but this week he was ready! He is such a good friend and it was so awesome to just be so real while teaching this 16 year-old. One of my favorite things is teaching young people and just trying to apply the Gospel to the life of young people. Because without the Gospel, I don't know how any young person really can navigate this life. Now, these two have the Spirit to guide them and we should be going to the temple with them this Saturday!
Went on exchanges with Evanson and it was soooo lit. Found some elect people and just worked all day.
Now, I want to share two experiences that really touched my heart this week.
First, for the past month or so, a very drunk alcoholic has been coming to church about every other week. None of us know him but he stumbles in a little tipsy with his Book of Mormon in hand every time, ready to listen. Whenever someone in their talk or testimony mentioned “The Book of Mormon” or “Jesus Christ” he would raise up his copy of the Book of Mormon and almost yell “Yes! It's the word of God!” or, “He is my Savior!”
Most of the congregation in these moments often laughed or cast a few judgmental glares. However, one of our investigators had a much more different, deep outlook on it. She told us on Tuesday that she has now seen this man twice in church and both times she has seen that despite his flaws and weaknesses, he is paying attention to the words being spoken. She asked herself the question, “who am I to judge this man when I often don't pay attention to the speakers because I think I have something more important to think about or to do on my phone?” This got me thinking, who am I to judge? I am guilty of often not paying attention, and often judging others. This man may be a little ways off of the straight and narrow path, but we can all learn from his example and focus more on improving our own weaknesses rather than judging others’ weaknesses and pay the attention that the Lord deserves.
Second, I had the privilege to do a baptismal interview this week for a young teenager that the other Elders are teaching. When discussing the Word of Wisdom, this young man hesitantly admitted to me that he had drunk half a cup of coffee that afternoon. I really wanted to pass him because he really is such a great and honest kid and really felt sorrow for the little mistake he had made. However, in this moment, the Lord taught me a lot about justice, love, and mercy. We had a really special experience as he learned how to repent and did it right then and there. The Spirit that we could feel as he prayed and then pondered what so peaceful. He now understands that there are consequences for his actions but that things will be okay if we repent and try to improve! In a short time, he will be making his first covenant with God and he is even more motivated to do what is right.
I think this is how Christ feels every single day. He wants to “pass” us when we mess up because of his mercy. However, he must be just, so he allows us to suffer the consequences of our actions. But because of his love, he teaches us to be stronger through repentance and blesses us with more opportunities to improve. This allows us to experience the lasting satisfaction and conversion of actually doing what is right (or at least trying our best) rather than getting spoonfed blessings and not changing our behaviors. He is only sad when we decide not to repent and, in turn, delay or maybe even completely miss the blessings that He offers us. But on the other hand, He is so happy to see us repent and is not at all upset because of our mistakes, in fact, He is hopeful for the lifelong conversion that will come through repentance of these mistakes.
If you read all that, I hope it made sense haha
With so much love,
Élder Snyder
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