This week has been the craziest one in my mission so far. We had incredible experiences with investigators and a ton of things happening with some of the sisters in our zone.
On Tuesday we had a lesson planned with Collin right after a ward fellowship activity. Our ward mission leader was planning to pick him up for the activity, but when he went to Collin's house, no one answered the door and Collin wouldn't answer his phone. We thought that was really strange because of the immense potential Collin has and how excited he's been to progress towards baptism. We went over to his house for the lesson and no one answered at first, but something kept us at his door just a few moments longer than we would normally stay. Collin came to the door and we could immediately tell that something was wrong. He told us what had just happened only a few hours prior to our meeting and we could tell that he was as far into "the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity" as anyone could get. He was absolutely distraught and desperately wanted to get his life back on track. I thought this was amazing! I felt like Alma when he was teaching people in poverty about faith in Alma 32:6 "And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word." I know that hitting rock bottom was just what Collin needed to realize that God gives us each commandment for a reason: because He loves us and wants us to be safe. They are never there to restrict us.
During this lesson Collin told us he felt like he was unworthy to be baptized because of the mistakes he's made. Obviously that wasn't a thought put into his head from the Holy Ghost. When he told us that, my thoughts were turned to an email from another missionary that I had just read the day before--and I never read other missionaries' emails because I just don't have the time to do it! I know that I was prompted to read part of this email so I could relay its message to Collin. I asked him, "Who's putting those thoughts in your head?" Hopefully that will help him in every situation and not just that night.
Collin came to institute and had a great time! We were running a bit late and didn't get to direct him to the class about Jesus Christ, so he went to a Church history class with the guy who drove him to institute. We joined them when we got there and I'd imagine that the class was pretty overwhelming for Collin. He was really optimistic about it and said he wanted to learn more! He's awesome.
On Friday, we had a lesson planned with Collin and he wasn't there when we showed up, but his mom was and she invited us inside. She works every single day and doesn't have a lot of time to do anything around her house, so we helped her clean while we were waiting for Collin to get home. She then got a call and we found out that Collin had been arrested. We feel so bad for her and for Collin! It was honestly not fun to be there while she got the news, but I know Heavenly Father sent us there at that time to help her with more than the housework. As for Collin, I know he really wants to change. I know that this is happening for his benefit. If what happened on Tuesday wasn't enough of a wake-up call for him, this was. I know he'll be able to get back on track through this experience. Sometimes we just need to reach our lowest point to be firm in our resolution to change.
And finally, General Conference! I hope you all watched all of it. We were addressed by latter-day prophets of God and it's literally like God is speaking directly to you because His prophets are His mouthpiece. So, if you haven't watched if, watch it! You'll find something just for you. My favorite talk was given by Bonnie Oscarson--either the Church is 100% true or it's not! It is my testimony that it is. Nothing anyone says can change that reality. The Church is true, and we have it to bless our lives! Eternal life is available to all who obey God's commandments. Always remember that!
Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Sister Bedont
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