WEEK 72

Hello! I hope everyone had a good week!  This was a short but productive week for us.  After Preparation day, we taught a referral from the sisters serving in Hollister.  His name was Ruben, and we enjoyed getting to know him better.  We taught him about the Atonement and the Doctrine of Christ, and we read from the Book of Mormon to emphasize its importance.  It was a positive lesson, and I believe he has the potential to progress.

On Thursday, we planned our week and connected with a few people.  After dinner with the Esquivels, we gave Hermano Esquivel a blessing because he wasn't feeling well. We also taught Carlos Rivas about the Book of Mormon and the Atonement and had a great lesson with Lucas, who was working on a Lamborghini seat – it was impressive to see his skill!  We taught him about spiritual death, read from Alma 42 (one of my favorite chapters), and discussed the importance of the Celestial Kingdom.

Friday was rainy, but we still had a good day finding and teaching new people.  We taught Carlos (a friend of Raphael) about the Atonement and Repentance, reading from Helaman 5:8-12.  We also had a wonderful lesson with Gabino, who is always a joy to teach.  We read Alma 42 with him and discussed overcoming spiritual death.  He is remarkably knowledgeable and continues to grow in his understanding. We finished the day playing soccer with the Yerba Buena Ward after an interview we had planned fell through.

 

On Saturday, We started by teaching Alexandra about the second half of the Plan of Salvation, including the spirit world, resurrection, judgment, and Kingdoms of Glory. She expressed gratitude for this knowledge.  Later, we taught Edmond the first half of the Plan of Salvation, emphasizing the Fall and the Atonement's role in overcoming death.  We read 2 Nephi 2 and explained its context. He is eager to learn and will continue to progress.  We spent the rest of the day teaching and contacting friends.

 On Sunday, we had a smaller church attendance, but we were happy that Moises, a referral who was already a member, attended.  It was rewarding to know we helped him reconnect with the Church. We  discussed his family and his goals for receiving the Priesthood and attending the temple. Elder Rushforth and I weren't feeling well, so we rested until the evening service.  Afterward, we received the good news that we would continue serving together!

On Monday and Tuesday, we had District Council and a bunch of lessons!  These two days we found a bunch of new friends!

-Elder Copeland