It is a bummer that the baptisms didn't go through again this week due to the enemy working full force once again against us. Vanesa and her two siblings were going to get baptized but we had a couple problems. We went to go do the interview and she didn't quite pass due to some small doubts that she still had and never told us before and the fact that her dad, who is an anti-Christ who only visits her every so often who would not be very happy to hear that she is about to get baptized in the church of Jesus Christ. So we have had to keep our distance this last weekend, but everything should be good for the baptisms this weekend. I am sure hoping so. We are also working a lot with a new investigator, Mariano(22), that just got here from Chile who listened to the missionaries a bit and wants to learn everything over again. He and his family have felt the spirit very strong, especially in the first visit that we had with them here. He came to church yesterday and loved it so we are hoping his family will gain the courage to come next week. It is sometimes a struggle in church because sometimes the members don't know how to change their teaching a bit according to the audience. For example, in our priesthood class the teacher had the subject of exaltation and ordinances of the priesthood/temple and didn't quite teach it for someone new in the gospel. Oh well, I guess that is what we are for, to answer all of the questions. Ha ha.
We were hurting a bit this week finding new investigators due to a lot of stiff-necked people that we have met. It is a good lesson to help me learn that there is definitely opposition in all things like the scripture says.
I emailed my pres just barely and told him that you would be getting home on the 11th so he will change the return date and I will let you know. I'm sure it will be right around there.
My studies are going pretty well now. I am reading in the Libro de Mormon again going through and marking all of the characteristics and attributes of a true disciple of Christ. The other day I passed a scripture that my mission pres mentioned this week when we were with him in Mendoza. It is found in Jacob 1 19 and says
And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore, by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.
Thus, true disciples of Christ are leaders and this scripture is directed to all leaders. Basically everyone in the church is a leader of some sort, especially the ones that have the calling upon them. Presidente Avila taught us that normally in our church we do not believe in taking other peoples sins upon us(especially as A of F 2 says) but if we accept a calling that gives us responsibility over other people, we must teach them the word of God with all diligence to make sure that their mistakes don't become our fault. Kind of interesting to think about.
Thanks for everything! Love you all.
Un abrazo,
Elder Larisch
La iglesia es verdadera
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