It's Rainin' It's Pourin'

Just a really, really rainy week. My rainjacket was getting put to use. I didn't really know how much I missed rain, but it was a refreshing change. The only problem was that the people here don't quite feel the same. Not a lot of people are outside when it's raining and a lady even told us she was worried for her daughter so she couldnt come to church. Precautions like that make sense when your children are made out of sugar. I won't complain though, walking in the rain is actually my favorite thing right now.

This week we had the birthday of Benjamin! After eating what we thought was dinner, they brought out a full plate of more Peruvian food. There is no shortage of Arroz Chaufa and Inca Cola here in Málaga and it's amazing. Benjamin's parents have both been baptized and are doing amazing in the ward and their daughter-in-law and son should be getting baptized soon by their dad, Grober. 

This Sunday we had a lesson with a friend, Fernando. He is preparing to be baptized but has some concerns. He felt he is not prepared and does not know enough. He even said at this point he doesn't feel that he deserves to be baptized. While it's true that we have certain requirements before being baptized, the largest requirement lies in our desire to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

"Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things

Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" 

Mosiah 18:9-10

We explained that God is often more merciful than we understand and desires that we accept all that He has for us. How often do we live below our privileges only because we don't have high enough expectations? God loves us more than we know, as shown by the plentiful opportunities to make covenants with Him. Let us each love Him back enough to accept a life of love, hand in hand with Him.

Elder Dougall