Hey folks! How's life going on the other side? It's getting kind of hot over here, just in case you're wondering. Sweating buckets! But it's all good, I've got a rag I carry around all day.
There are some super neat stuff going on here in Gualan, Guatemala. We found this very special family, the Ramirez family. Guilfredo, the father of the family, was an active member of the church in his youth but inactivated when he was 17. He wanted to serve a mission, and prepared diligently, and worked to earn money for it, but when he turned 18 he already couldn't because his family didn't support his decision to leave and in the end he didn't go. Our first encounter with him was on a mototaxi, and he helped us get to a place far out in our area, and we fixed an appointment for a day to meet his family. Short story short, we met with the family, shared the message of the Restoration of the Gospel, and this helped spark something in him.
Now, what happened directly afterward surprised me. His two sons, Edwin (14) and Nobel (18), ran to us to talk with us as we were walking out the door. Nobel came to us with a question, and asked: ''How much time do I need, and what do I need to do, to go out and preach the Gospel like you guys do?'' Now, how special was that to hear this question from such a humble young man like Nobel! He told us that he was baptized when he was 11 and he wants to make some changes in his life to be able to serve. His little brother also wants to serve, and he isn't even a member yet! We praised them for their courage and faith, to ask us for help, and we encouraged them to go to church and go to seminary. This was such a special moment, and we are working and planning all we can to help these young men prepare.
Now, is this not a testimony that the Lord watches over His children? I can testify that He does, and He always gives a second chance. He is truly the one with the plan, and we are here to follow it. I feel particularly blessed to be an essential part of the plan of salvation for another person, as a holder of the restored priesthood authority to preach the Gospel and help others to prepare to meet God and attain peace in this life. And I know that through me, as well as through all the missionaries I know, the Lord is directing his children, and inviting them, and guiding them, step by step to come unto Him, and repent. I know that He lives. His plan is perfect. Jesus Christ is the center of the plan, and without Him we are without hope. Because of Jesus Christ, we will one day return to live with Him and with our families. We are so blessed to have the restored Gospel, and I would invite anyone to learn more about it, pray about it, and live it. I am especially grateful for the Book of Mormon and how it has blessed my life, and how it has helped me to build more faith, repent, and come closer to the Savior. I know that it is a true book, written by prophets, and translated by a prophet of God. I know that these things are true, and I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Have a wonderful week, folks! Always count your blessings!
Elder Dredge
Elder Braden K. Dredge
Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission
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