Elder Dredge ~ His Call to Serve in the Guatemala Guatemala City East: Monday, 9 July 2018 ~ Week #50

Buenos dias, amigos! Que tal han estado?

Well this week I'd just like to share some highlights:

1. Elder Cuatetl and I got reprehended by some authorities in a residential area. We were knocking a door. We explained to them it was someone we knew and expressed our understanding, but nonetheless... we know they're after us, hahaha. So we're going to be more careful, but nonetheless more bold in the mission work.

2. We were struggling in our tracting one evening, and all of a sudden this group of three university students walk by, buy something, and give each one of us a bottle of water and some bread, and expressed their gratitude for our service. It was as though we were soldiers. I just felt super grateful. It was a particularly hard day, but nevertheless I knew the Lord was watching after His missionaries that day. That doesn't happen a lot, so I was just grateful that they passed by us.

3. We've been playing soccer with some youngsters on the street, and we were able to gain the confidence after a lot of time to teach them. (They only wanted to listen if we would play with them.) And in the process, they have been learning some English. "Fetch!"

This week was a bit hard, but we are being more creative with our circumstances. Acatan is a richer area, and so in a lot of parts there are folks that just don't want anything... that is, entire residential areas. But we are still receiving revelation. I like to say in times and places like these, "La revelacion nunca se para!" (The revelation never stops!) And I would like to share a scripture on this.

18 And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles.
19 And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.
20 And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust.
21 Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.

My brothers and sisters, it is my testimony that God still does wonderful miracles. He would not cease to do miracles for His children, for He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He would not cease today. He will continue to bless us always, and his promise, that if we ask, we shall receive, is still in order today. There is no situation which we confront in which he cannot help us overcome. And he continues to inspire us, His children, to do good and to do better, according to the words of the prophets, and according to the promptings of the Spirit, and according to the light of Christ which is in us. The Book of Mormon is a central evidence of this -- that by way of a modern prophet he still prompts men to do good, and continues to speak to prophets as He has done in olden times, for He has said,

8 And gave him [prophet Joseph Smith] power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;
9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;
10 Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them—
11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holywork in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old;
12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen. (Doctrine and Covenants, section 20)

I know that He has helped me and inspired me to do good and to improve, and to overcome my trials, by way of the Spirit, and by remembrance of the Holy Scriptures. I know that Jesus Christ lives and continues to inspire others to do good as well. And I know that this is His Church. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My beloved brothers and sisters, have a wonderful week! And never forget to count your blessings.

Your friend and servant,

Elder Dredge

Elder Braden K. Dredge

Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission