March 7, 2011

FAMILIA!!!
I'm glad to hear everything is turn out successfully with Colton's mess at school. I'm sure it has helped a lot of families out that wanted to keep quiet just because they didn't know what to do. Make sure you find ways to share the gospel through all this too.
My companion is Elder Barrios from Barranquilla, Colombia (the hometown of Shakira!!! haha) He is the only member in his family, and was the main provider of income (he worked fixing computers). His parents are split and his mom lives with her parents and his dad drives taxi. All are very Evangelical, and his dad even burned a Book of Mormon in front of him to make a point once, but his younger sister is now taking the lessons! His family had to sell the house and find a small apartment since he wouldn't be around to provide the income they had before. He has a STRONG testimony. There's few people that I have gained so much respect for so quickly. Since he comes from pretty humble circumstances, he came with very few things, and doesn't even have a camera to keep these memories and show his family what he's doing. So...this next week I set up divisions with some missionaries in my zone so I'll be in centro to buy a camera, (which are expensive here) so between $150 and 200 will be taken out this week. I don't know if their card scanners automatically take from credit or debit and they never understand the difference when I explain, so please go on to USAA next week and pay from me savings if I take it from credit :)
This was another wonderful week here in Tbo. Marìa Paz in on FIRE!!! She asks for more church materials to give to friends every visit. She has given many references that have been great. I think we could work solely with her and see tons of success hahaha Elvira goes out the with sister missionaries in centro 2-3 times a week. GOLDEN family! Her other daughter's baptism is Friday, and her cousins the following Saturday. Another High Priest's family we reactived also is working hard with their neighbors, and the stepdad doesnt want anything to do with the church, but the mom and the 2 oldest of the 5 kids have been going to church and also will be baptised at the end of next week! Lots of happy things going on, too many miracles to count. We keep finding people so prepared to hear the gospel.
Today was possibly my favorite Pday ever. The youth of the stake have their yearly camp (like girls camp, but with everyone...about 120 went!) and held it in a small town that has never had missionaries there. We found out and got permission to head out with them for the day to do proselyting and see how it was. This little town called Ansina has about 4000 people, out on the riverside, and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! We had some great experiences there.
The very first house we knocked the lady looked out smiled, and said WAIT! I'll be right back! We waited for the little bit and then she answered the door and let us in with a huge smile. We sat down and I noticed the Book of Mormon open on her table. She explained that she was baptised 22 years ago in Montevideo and now was 40 and had her husband, and 3 kids (14, 10, 4). She had always had FHE, family prayer and scripture, etc... but just no church. Her family knows the gospel, but none have been baptised. She told us that the night before she had a vision that the Lord would send her His messengers again. Tonight I get to inform the president how the trip went and I think knowing that there is already one future Melchidezek Priesthood holder literally waiting for baptism, their house could serve as a temporary chapel and we'll open a new branch. We had so many incredible experiences like that I feel so full of energy now I wish we could stay there and work full time!
I know that this work is true. Anyone that can deny that hasn't put any effort into finding out. I love this gospel so much and am greatful for this beautiful opportunity I've had to serve a mission. These are good people and this is a good work! The ward is doing fantastic, and there's lots of excitement in the air! Keep working hard in that part of the Lord's vine making good things happen! I love you all!!!!!!!
Elder Magnusson