Nati

So a few weeks ago we were still getting to know all of the members in this area, and we were looking for the home of one of the families in our branch. While we were looking, there was a very tall man in a thick jump suit, covered with black oil stains (he looked like Dick Van Dyke as a chimney sweep) that came out of his work shop, and of course we greeted him and then asked if he knew where this family lived. He did, and then he asked us if we were the same as the chicos that walk around with name tags. We explained that there have not been sisters in this area before and we asked about his beliefs. It turns out that he was baptized with his family about 15 years ago, but then later just stopped going. He then proceeded to tell us about his daughter, who was too young to be baptized at the time. She is 21 now, and he wanted us to talk to her.

She was in her room, listening to music and talking to God. Asking Him to put something new. Something that would help her know what her purpose was. Something that would give her hope in this life. And then her Dad walked in and said that there were two missionaries who wanted to talk to her. She thought for a few minutes and then came down the stairs.

We didn´t talk for very long because we had an appointment, but we got to know her and what her interests were. One of her interests was music. My marvelous companion and I are both music lovers and Hermana Gillum had recently discovered that I have some talent in the vocal area, and she told them, and then Nati asked me to sing something. At first I felt embarrassed, but then my thoughts crystallized. ¨Wait a second, I am myself when I sing, that is my comfort zone... so I shouldn´t have a problem with this¨ so I sang ´Redeemer of Israel´ because that's the first thing to came to my mind.

Nati told us later that it was in those few moments of getting to know her, and then the feeling that she had as I sang, that told her that we had been sent from God.

The following weeks teaching her were Horrific. Everything went wrong. Each lesson was fantastic, but everything in between was really difficult. She has been so prepared to follow the example of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. But the rough thing about those who have been prepared.... Satan knows it. He does everything in his power to stop them from progressing. Her family are alcoholics, and live the party life style. Her mother works against what the gospel teaches. Teaching in her home is like pulling chains. As missionaries we are more sensitive to the spirit and the influence of satan is very strong in her house. She works in a Fabrica, which is like a labor factory, and things there are constantly bringing her down. I have yet to see satan working so actively against a person. I think I have said that before, but I honestly feel that he is rallying his forces against us.

In our first lesson with Nati, she said she wanted to serve a mission.... this from a girl who has only talked to us once. What faith she has. She wanted to get baptized. She knew that what we have will change her life for the better. So we taught her.

While planning her baptism everything went wrong. The opposition was intense, and satan was working on us, to discourage us, in our companionship. But we talked about it and were able to rely on the spirit. We knew that God wanted this for her. And all of the elders in our zone, our mission leader, and out branch presidency did everything in our power to bring this to pass. And all the challenges with transportation, with time, with the font, with her family, with logistics, everything... worked out at the veeeeeeeeerrrrry llllaaaaaast second. It was like once we finally entered the church, God took over.

The spirit was so strong as we began her baptismal service. She felt the love that God, our Father in Heaven, has for her. Specifically. As she entered the waters we were all filled with the joy that comes, knowing that one more of Gods precious children has begun their journey back home, to Him. All of the sins, the pain, the trials have been washed away. She felt it. She felt the weight of the world lift from off of her shoulders, and she said. ¨I have never felt a peace like this.. ever¨

Yesterday, she was confirmed and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Which will be her constant companion as she continues on this path to better her life. And then she bore her pure and powerful testimony that this Gospel changes lives.

She is right. Through the Gospel; Faith, Repentance, Baptism, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and then Enduring to the end, we can be healed, and have confidence that all things will work out for our good.

I know this to be true. I am living it every day, and learning more and more how my life, the life of my companion, the lives of those we teach, we´ve taught, and have yet to teach can and will change through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I love you all. Study the Scriptures and invite others to come unto Christ. ¡Nos vemos!

Sonreí - Hermana Milmont