What a blessing it is to be a missionary in this special
Christmas season. The Lord truly is hastening the work, and especially in
December in "La Gran Mision Buenos Aires Norte." It is such a
privilege to be part of the work of Salvation. We had many many experiences
this week that were very spiritual.
On Monday we got a text from Andrea asking us to forgive
her, that she had had a lot of problems at work and that she felt really bad,
but that she wanted to be baptized this week. We were pretty excited.
On Wednesday we had Zone Conference with Presidente Ayre and
it was really great. We talked a lot about the true meaning of Christmas and
how we can share it with everyone using the "He is the Gift"
initiative. Afterwards each zone filmed a video for our Mission Christmas
Activity. As the Zona Chacabuco, Elder Seda who has gained 45 lbs. in the
mission put on a Santa suit and we all sang and danced and at the end one of
the Elders tried lifting up Elder Seda but couldn't. It doesn't sound that
funny... but it is actually hilarious. We had the Zone Conference in the
Liniers chapel, which was really special. It is special because the chapel in
Liniers was the very first LDS chapel constructed in Argentina. There was a
special spirit in that chapel. Elder Lines (a senior missionary who works in
the offices), served in Argentina 50 years ago, and when he was here there were
only 2 missions in the country and now there are 12. The Lord really is
hastening the work here. As a mission we have a goal of 2000 baptisms for this
year. We are close.
On Friday we had a special zone meeting to share testimonies
about miracles. It was really special and we could all feel the spirit really
strongly. That night was to be Andrea's baptismal interview. We went on
divisions so that Elder Seda could do the interview, I went with a member,
Elder Seda went with Elder Long, and Elder Loza went with another member.
Unfortunately, Andrea didn't get home from work until about 8:45 pm, so we had
to call Presidente and ask him permission to get home late. Andrea passed her
interview and was really excited. Juanca and I got back together with Elder
Seda and Elder Long and we went looking for Elder Loza. Unfortunately, the
member that was with Elder Loza didn't have his cell phone... and we had to go
running around in the villa for about 10 minutes before we could find them. It
was pretty crazy.
On Saturday we had a lot of appointments planned... but it
rained... a lot. It was a problem because all of our appointments fell through.
After getting completely soaked a nice woman lent us her umbrella. We then
decided to go to Andrea's house to pick her up for her baptism, but she wasn't
there. While waiting I decided to tap-dance in the rain with the umbrella for
luck. It was fun. It actually was lucky because then Andrea showed up and was
all ready to go to her baptism. She was baptized, and on Sunday was confirmed a
member of the church.
On Sunday we had another miracle. After church got over the
Bishop's wife came up to us and presented a 13-year-old girl named Ana. She had
wanted to be baptized before but her mom wouldn't let her. Now her mom said she
could be baptized. She will be baptized on the 27th.
I know that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior. He is my
friend. I know that He lives. Christmas is for remembering Him. I am so
grateful for all that He has done for me throughout my mission. I know that He
knows me personally and He has always been there for me. I love Him. I love you
all.
Love,
Elder John William Garrett
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