Young Women for the win!

 

Although the end of this past week has gone by slower, the beginning of the week flew by with too many miracles to count. Like catch this and tell me that God isn't in the details:

I met this guy named Shane on Facebook and we have been messaging. He opened up about some really personal things actually and he is very NOT religious; in-fact, he "denounces" religion he said. As we texted we figured out that his disbelief in God resulted from some sour experiences when he was younger with his family and some of his greatest friends. Some of them rejected him. They left him. wow. I can't imagine that hurt and pain. I can totally understand his thinking that if God is a merciful and loving God, why would he allow Shane to feel so hated by those that he loved the most? 

Well we chatted and actually did a video call this past week. As we were talking about the plan of salvation and introducing the Book of Mormon, he said "Maybe I will come to your church." But he was SUPER hesitant because almost all churches that he has gone to haven't really practiced what they preached. We assured him that while people aren't perfect, the gospel is and he will feel accepted in the church! Right at that moment, we got a knock at the door (and feeling prompted to get it) we did and it was the young women and 2 leaders heart attacking our door and giving a plate of desserts (wow. just blessing after blessing). Well, Sister Najdawi (the young women's president who we have been meeting with) saw that we were in a lesson and feeling inspired herself she said, "Can we all say hi?" We brought the phone with Shane over to the young women and they all gave the biggest virtual hug ever. Without even knowing any context they were saying, "We hope that you can make it to church! We would love to see you! etc." 

I was baffled. Shane's question and worry was answered with a "knock and ye shall receive" experience! We were able to reflect with Shane--after the young women left--that God was aware of him at that moment! However, while I want to say that Shane came to church this past Sunday and loved every moment, I can't. He had something come up but I couldn't help but share this amazing miracle that God provided! He is so good and mindful of every child! Angels minister to us today and for me, more often than not, these angels are those here on earth!

I've been blessed to use A LOT of Portuguese this past week. I found out there is a member from Brazil in my ward so when I called her and just said "Oi!" she paused for a minute and went off in Portuguese just excited! When I saw her at church this past week she only talked to us in Portuguese and the members who were listening in to our conversation were so confused! NOTTTTTT to mention too that the Hermanas gave an inactive member our number and we called her and she is just so nice. Muito gente boa! We were talking about what foods we both missed from Brazil and, of course, I exclaimed acai and she said "well, I know the most perfect acai place and I will be over with acai and other Brazilian goodies in 2 hours!" WOOT! I miss that food and love Brazilians!! #matasaudades #souabencoado

Annnnddd one more things (sorry not sorry!). With the help of 2 members at an in-person lesson, we were able to help Christina and Makayla (sadly not Isaiah yet) pick a date to be baptized! Right now they are planning on being baptized the 28th but that may be subject to change because of Thanksgiving. anyways, happy Turkey season!!!

Just a reminder for everyone to put President Nelson's address on Friday on  your calendars! This is going to be HUGE and a perfect way to kick off LightheWorld this year!! Love yall!!

Elder Gardanier