June 11, 2012

Hey Family, How was your life over this past week? Mine was pretty crazy, if I might say so myself. Many things have changed, and others stay the same. It seems to me that the things that you wish would change (for example, the heat) never actually change, and the things that you hope would last, just pass right on by. I will try to explain a little more about that as I go on. Well, the past week I made the comment to you all that this week Elder Kunz and I were invited to a 4 day Seminary Capacitation. Well, I will just tell you that it was incredible. I learned so much. I also realized that there are various things that I must change as a missionary, not only in myself, but also in the work that I do, and the motives behind why I do it. They helped us to realize that if we were not working for the right motives, we were not doing the work of the Lord. They also told us that we cannot have fear. That is the opposite of faith. We must be bold. Anyways, each day of the seminary, we had 3 hours in which we could return to our area, and put into practice what we had learned during the capacitation of that day. Basically I felt the Spirit soooooooooo strongly it was awesome. It even prompted me to contact a bus. Let me explain what I mean by that. Friday night, after the end of the seminary, we were in the bus going to our house. And as I sat there thinking about what I had learned over the course of those past few days, I couldn’t get one thought out of my mind. I stood up, and went to the back of the bus to talk to the Zone Leaders in the back of the bus. I asked them if they would be willing to sing a Hymn in the bus. They told me "échele ganas" which basically means "good luck". I sat there thinking for a little bit, and then I went to the front of the bus (alone...) and asked the bus-driver for permission to sing on his bus. He turned off the radio, and I then began to explain to all of the passengers aboard that I was going to sing a song, and that they would feel the Spirit of God, and that they would recognize His love for them. I then proceeded to sing "Abide with me, Tis even-tide". At first I was singing alone, but then my companion who was seated in the middle of the bus began to sing. Then the leaders in the back began to sing, and it really was super awesome. There was a member of the church on the bus, and he also began to sing. We could really feel the spirit, and it is not because I am a good singer or anything like that (in fact, my voice was shaking horribly, and my hand were trembling even more than normal), but because really the Holy Ghost was present, and he testified to the hearts of all those present that Jesus is our Saviors. There is such power in song. I realized in that moment that really God loves each and every one of us. He has made this plan for everyone, not just for me and the people that I decide to talk with. I cannot be a judge of people. I cannot make the decision for them on whether or not they will accept the Gospel. Well, we have had special changes again... Elder Kunz is going to San Lucas tomorrow, and I will be receiving another green elder named Elder Toomey. I really am super sad for this, because I get along so well with Elder Kunz. We have been through many things together. We were able to live many spiritual experiences. He really is one of those noble and great ones of whom the scriptures talk about. He was so patient with me, and he really helped me to realize my purpose of why I am here. He always has such an optimistic point of view on the world, and the things that happen. It really helped me to build my hope and faith. I will surely miss him, but is good to know that we will still be brothers in the Lord no matter what happens. Ana Maria came to church this past week, and we are so excited for her. I believe that she will be progressing right soon, and is headed for the waters of baptism that will change her life. Also, we have come into contact with many new people who really have been searching for the truth. We must find these chosen children of God. He has placed us here to find and help them. I love you all so very much. "with an eye single to the glory of God". We cannot look back. We must always look forward to Christ. He stands with open arms to receive us. Con mucho amor y cariño, Elder Johnson