Well winter has officially started. Yesterday we had a blizzard
here in Vitoria. I haven't seen snow like that for a very long time! But the
cold has definitely started in Vitoria. I don't know why, but I always tend to
be in the places where they either have the most extreme heat or the most
extreme cold. Who knows? I love this country with all my heart though.
This week my testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown so much!
My testimony of Jesus Christ has also continued to grow. The invitation by the
Prophet was so inspired! We have been focusing a lot on the Book of Mormon with
those who we are teaching also and we have seen so much progress!
We have been working with a Peruvian family, a mother and two
kids and one of her kids got baptized a few weeks ago. We have started to
devote lots of time to be with them studying the scriptures! It is amazing to
see how each of them are progressing as we put so much focus on family
scripture study. The mother has so many desires to help her family but she has
been inactive for quite some time and has needed a lot of support with the
gospel. Marcos, her son is doing amazing, he marks the scriptures as we read
and has amazing comments. He is also excited to make a trip to the temple with
the ward! Camila, the 12 year old daughter, has not wanted to open up. But this
week she has downloaded the scriptures on her phone and has had more of a
desire to come to church and participate! There is power in the scriptures!
The Venezuelan family we are teaching is still doing amazing.
They have made many goals as a family and their family prayers and scripture
study has improved! They are still working toward the goal of November 29 to be
baptized and they are just looking for their own personal answers! It has been
amazing to see their progress as we have put so much focus on them. We have
been focusing a lot on prayer with them and I have found a quote that talks
about prayer and how it we can take advantage of this wonderful blessing.
“Do we really picture an actual father when we pray? Do we
think of him—do we truly think of Him—as our Father? Do we spend any time
on our knees trying to picture the being to whom we pray? May I suggest a
process that works for me. I don’t mean it to be a ritual for anyone,
just encouragement. Find a private place and kneel comfortably and
calmly… For a few moments say nothing, just think of Him.
Just kneel there and feel the closeness of His presence, His warmth, His
peace. With humility, express your gratitude for every blessing, every
good thing you enjoy. Share with him your problems and fears. Talk
to him about each one and pause long enough to receive counsel.” Jeffrey
R. and Patricia Holland
Praying in this manner takes focus, energy, practice and
dedication. Mighty prayers of the heart are worth the effort! As we
devote the time needed in mighty prayer, our own conversion to the Lord will
grow!
How is your personal conversion going? We must use pray in the
way it is meant to be used to develop a close relationship with our Heavenly
Father and feel His presence with us daily!
I know that God answers prayers and when we put in the time to
offer true sincere prayers, we will feel His presence and receive His guidance
daily!
Love you all! Have an amazing week!
Hermana Bangerter
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