May 5, 2014

Dear Family,

It's been one great week. First of all, the sun came out! Second of all, that means people come out! We talked to so many people this week, and we saw so many miracles from it. We talked to one guy about the apostasy, the restoration, and about God's mercy. His wife said she definitely wasn't interested in talking about religion. Before we could ask if we could come back to talk with him, he said,"Well, ya, I'm definitely interested. I'm off of work Tuesday. Would that work?" I've never had anyone invite us back before we could ask! It was awesome! And he is an awesome guy! We will have to talk with his wife to get her to feel of the Spirit! And then yesterday we talked to a couple about the restoration. They were outside watching their nieces, nephew, and daughter. After we talked with them for a while, the guy told us he was "baptized Mormon" when he was younger, but that he wanted to be re-baptized now that he knew more what it was about. We didn't explain that he wouldn't need to be re-baptized, but we will later. He's been through a lot in his life and he recognizes the need to make good choices. He and his girlfriend also want to be married. And they want to come to church with is on Sunday. We are going back this week to teach them more. It is such a neat feeling to talk with so many people and to meet those who are seeking light. And to see how God leads and guides His children. I know that he is truly aware of each of us!

Yesterday, taking the sacrament was more powerful than it has been other weeks. I really felt the need to have a Savior for all the world. I was really seeking the comfort and healing balm of the Atonement, because of some of the sad things that I've seen happen in the world. There are many, many, bad things that happen in this world. And many people suffer and go through things they would never desire or choose for themselves. It is heart-braking. But God does not desire for His children to suffer. If people don't know about Jesus Christ, they might not understand that. Everyone needs Him-they need a Savior. I have probably quoted this from Preach My Gospel before, but I love it so I will again. "All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." That means that whatever aches we carry in our hearts or whatever pains we suffer physically, we can be healed through the Atonement, no matter how great the sin, how difficult the trial, or how trying the offense. It is all covered by His Atonement. And I am so grateful to be able to, every week, partake of the sacrament, be cleansed of my sins, and to feel the love of the Savior as I renew my covenants with Heavenly Father. And every moment of every day we have the opportunity to find peace through prayer. It's an open invitation. It's never God that draws away from us-we draw away from Him.We live in a fallen world. But we can get glimpses of heaven as we live the gospel, continually striving to come closer to the Savior each day. This is what everyone needs to know! "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto theinhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, ^asave itbe through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who ^blayeth down his life according to theflesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the ^cresurrection of the dead,being the first that should rise." 2 Nephi 2:8

Oh, I almost forgot. We had one of the best Restoration lessons of my whole mission this week, all because of one little boy's faith. Some of the Hermanas that used to be in the White River Ward referred us to a lady that they taught once. We went and taught her and her 4 kids about the Restoration. One of her sons was so into it. He prayed at the end and asked Heavenly Father, very specifically, if He really appeared to Joseph Smith, and if what we taught was true. It was the sweetest prayer, how he prayed with so much faith! And after the prayer, he was just beaming! He told us he felt peaceful, and we told him that was the Spirit! He said he believes it's true. He asked for a Book of Mormon before we could offer him one. The only problem is his step mom is really controlling, so we hope she lets him keep learning! Imagine if we all prayed with the faith of children.

 "Doctrine and Covenants section 8 teaches that revelation is knowledge—“knowledge of whatsoever things [we]ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that [we] shall receive.”⁷ 

And the Lord tells us how we will receive this revelation. He says, “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart,by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.”⁸ 

Thus we are taught that revelation can be obtained by asking in faith, with an honest heart, and believing we willreceive.

But notice that the Lord made it very clear when He warned, “Remember that without faith you can do nothing;therefore ask in faith.”⁹ Faith requires work, such as studying it out in your mind, then asking in prayer if it isright." (Elder Aidukaitis-"If Ye Lack Wisdom.")

This little boy is such an inspiration to me with his faith. I hope we can keep teaching him! Oh, and he also thanked us more than once for coming-and he's 10!
Well, time is about up. I love you all! I am so excited to talk to you guys on Sunday! If you ever have any questions for me, let me know!

Love,

Sister Mecate