So this week we've been doing HEAPS of missionary work and it's AWESOME. Not that we havent before but we're in a stage of missionary work where we're finding people to teach, working with members and actually teaching!! This week I taught the Restoration for the first time in my mission. I've done recent convert lessons in Port Stephens, but besides that I have next to no teaching experience. It was great, I love teaching. Then I said the First Vision account for the first time too, in SPANISH! (I'll be honest, in the MTC I learned in the First Vision in Korean. Not English. I know it in English but not to recite it off the top of my head... i know I'm a bad missionary, but I haven't had any opportunities before, so I read it off the pamphlet in Spanish for Maria. Sorry all you Returned missionaries, I'll repent).
We are teaching Maria now. She is from Nicaragua that we met at the park (miracle: she was really struggling and had went to the park. She was praying that God would send help, then all of a sudden Elder Kowallis and Aloi - on tradeoffs for the day - come walking up to her. Isn't that crazy?!?) We came by and did some MAJOR backyard renovation. I'm talking 5ft grass, large tree removal, heaps of rubbish removal (like 3 shopping carts lost in the grass), etc. It's been a lot of work and all for FREE. She loves the church though. She's eagerly come for the past 3 weeks and just loves it. She was raised Catholic and has a love for the Savior. This weekend we had General Conference and she came to a session and she just absolutely loved it! When President Nelson was speaking she leaned over to us and said "that man has power" (we didn't tell her anything about him either!). We told her that he was coming to Sydney next month and she said "we have to meet him! No matter what!" (Before she was talking about going to the US to meet him). So we'll see how that goes, but man she is the best. Love Maria, so funny and just the typical abuelita haha. I can definitely see her getting baptized. So pray for her and her health.
Wasnt General Conference incredible?! We watched it this past weekend in Australia. So many favorites and all my questions were answered. I sustain our Prophet and the Apostles. I know they are called of God. If you just listen to them speak, there is power. Do you hear it? Maria was able to feel it and she had never seen these men or knew they existed until this weekend. She's from Nicaragua, lived in Japan for 5 years and now living in Australia. If she can feel their power then surely we can too. Their words are inspired and point us to the Savior. It is through the Savior that all things are possible. I'm so grateful for living Prophets and apostles who lead and guide us during these perilous times. I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contains the authority and FULNESS of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we gain Salvation. Through the mercy, the grace and merits of the Messiah. How wonderful the Atonement is. It is not only intended to pay the price of sin and satisfy the demands of justice, but has the power to heal all wounds, to help us change and eventually become even as our Heavenly Father is. I know these things are true. Have a wonderful week! 좋은 주 보내세요!
Elder Brandon Escamilla
에스카미야 장로
Australia Sydney Mission
호주 스다니 선교부
Dinner with Alikies Alexanders
Maria and her amigos!
This is only half of the tree. We cut the other half last week and this tree is now gone. Also this whole yard was legit full of 5ft grass. LOTS of work, but it's been fun.