Hey folks! I don't have lots of time, but I just want to share something with you all. We are starting to see more miracles in our work, and in a manner quite gradual and step by step, but the miracles are there. Here was an experience that I shared with my mission president.
"As we were contacting one day in a portion of our area called La Cienaga, where the chapel sits, we suddenly received a call from an unknown number. The voices on the phones introduced themselves, and apparently were sister missionaries who work in a mission in Mexico Mexico City. Needless to say, we were quite surprised. They told us about an investigator of the Church who received the missionaries in Puerto Barrios and moved to a different place, having lost communication with any missionaries since then. Then some things happened in his life, and he decided to talk to the missionaries again. He found an online program on which he could receive the missionary discussions via video chat; and so he came to know these selfsame sister missionaries. He told them that he lives in Gualan and works in La Cienaga on a ranch. (We were super spooked, because we were contacting right there, on a ranch, when they called, so we were convinced this was no coincidence.) And so they called us! And they told us that they would give us information on his address and when he's available when they could, and already helped him commit to watch general conference. This was very exciting, and my companion and I offered a prayer of gratitude.
Now, the next day was even more astounding. We were walking on a street there in La Cienaga again, and all of a sudden a man walking in our direction calls out to us from a distance saying, "Elderes! Yo necesito un Libro de Mormon!" (Elders! I need a Book of Mormon!) We thought to ourselves, How could this not be this man? We introduced ourselves and he said that his name was Jose Amilcar Luis Guerra... exactly the name we received on phone. He told us about his situation and all about how he encountered the missionaries and the friendship he had with them, and the jab life gave him at one point, and his alcoholism and his separation from God. And he recounted to us his finding that online program on which he could talk with missionaries. This was the most spectacular thing. The Lord truly directs His work, and His plan is perfect. I still marvel at this amazing encounter. We offered yet another prayer of gratitude. We hope to talk with him again!"
Now, the next day was even more astounding. We were walking on a street there in La Cienaga again, and all of a sudden a man walking in our direction calls out to us from a distance saying, "Elderes! Yo necesito un Libro de Mormon!" (Elders! I need a Book of Mormon!) We thought to ourselves, How could this not be this man? We introduced ourselves and he said that his name was Jose Amilcar Luis Guerra... exactly the name we received on phone. He told us about his situation and all about how he encountered the missionaries and the friendship he had with them, and the jab life gave him at one point, and his alcoholism and his separation from God. And he recounted to us his finding that online program on which he could talk with missionaries. This was the most spectacular thing. The Lord truly directs His work, and His plan is perfect. I still marvel at this amazing encounter. We offered yet another prayer of gratitude. We hope to talk with him again!"
I really am amazed at how the Lord guides His week. I am humbled to be an average 19 year old young man called as His servant. I am far from perfect, and I think I often forget the talents which He has given me which He desires that I use, but I know that He is able to use me as an instrument in His hands. And I know that those who actively take upon the name of Jesus Christ experience this blessing, even without knowing. Truly, the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are all shepherds if we follow the example of the Good Shepherd, our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that He is guiding His work, and that by way of His glorious plan of redemption He is allowing us to repent and come unto Him, and inspiring us to call others to repent, and in this process gathering His sheep. Truly, everything that is good is of God. I know that these things are true, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Have a wonderful week! And continue to notice the little things that the Lord does in your life by counting your blessings!
Elder Dredge
P.S. We got some really good views of our area, Gualan, my companion and I. We climbed a hill today and we were able to see everything from a hundred foot view. I hope we all get the opportunity to do that every once in a while so that we know what things we need to change to put our life in order and in consistency with our eternal perspective (paraphrasing from General Conference).
Elder Braden K. Dredge
Guatemala Guatemala City East Mission
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| Gualan, Guatemala |
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| Elder Dredge looking over his area and loving it! |
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| Elders Dredge and Antunez |
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