February 20, 2012

Dear Family, Thank you very much for your letter. It really sounds like you all had quite a week filled with experiences. Sometimes it gets to the point where we just say "I wish I could just spend one day bored, and not have anything happen" but life is not like that. We are constantly changing and growing. There is always something that we have to learn, or in some cases re-learn. How many times did Jesus have to tell Peter to take care of His sheep after his resurrection? 3 times. Or how many times do our parents tell us to do our homework? Sometimes we just are a little thick-headed, and need reminders. I´ll bet that is what our Father in Heaven feels like at times. What is important is that we are always trying to do our best. Well, this week has been one of many trials, but many blessings too. For the past few weeks we have been going with a family, and teaching and helping them. (to the point that I painted a bicycle) They were progressing well, reading the Book of Mormon and actually the Dad, who is a drug addict, told us that it was necessary for him to be baptized so that he could enter into the kingdom of God. So they had a baptismal date for this past Saturday, and as we had began to check up on them, seeing how they were feeling about this date, instead of coming closer to the church, they began to go to "their" church. It was heart breaking, to hear the 16 year old daughter, Kimberly, tell us that even if God told her that the Church of Jesus Christ is true, that she would not be baptized, because she was content in her church. Then, the dad entered. He was high. It is actually quite easy to tell, because when he does not take drugs or drink, he is really receptive to our message, but when drunk and high, he gets all defensive and begins questioning everything. It is a delicate situation. Well anyways, he entered and told us that they had their religion, and that there would be no point in changing, and that we were just wasting our time and that we should never come back. It is always a sad experience when this happens, because we know how much this Gospel will bless their lives, but we cannot force them to make right choices. They have to choose their own course. Which leads me back to my comment earlier. Sometimes we just are a little thick-headed. Oh well, that has been a little rough for us. The good news is that we are teaching a young lady named Nancy. She is studying to be a lawyer, and she has been progressing very well. In fact we had a Family Home Evening with her and some members, in which we taught the Plan of Salvacion in a way very dynamic. It was really cool. I was able to direct, and there was about 15 people there. As you can imagine I was terrified.... ha ha but it really ended well. We felt the spirit, and learned. Well, I love this Gospel. I love its simplicity. I just love everything about it. I love you all, Mom, Dad, Jackie, and of course Benjamin. (extended family and friends too) he he I love this opportunity that I have to be a missionary. Well, I must be going. Love Elder Johnson