Holiness in the midst of opposition. Touch to accomplish, but well worth it when you do. Last week was one of the hardest of my mission and yet one of the most rewarding at the same time. The darkest nights really do bring the brightest, most brilliantly beautiful sunrises.
Starting last Sunday with the terrible lesson with our recent converts, they said they didn't want us to come back...that's not good. We had very little communication with them all week and didn't see/teach them once.
All week I struggled with what to do/how to handle the situation. After lots and lots of prayer I came to the decision that no matter what I did, it would not be enough. So I decided to lay the problem at the Lord's feet and told Him that I will do whatever He wants me to do in order to make things okay again. As I placed the situation in the Lord's hands, I decided to do absolutely everything I could in my power to work hard, to be on time, to follow with exactness every single rule, to pray and study fervently, and to better follow the Spirit so as to be a better prepared instrument in the Lord's hands. As I stopped worrying and simple trusted, blessings of all shapes and sizes entered our work.
Thursday we had a mission tour in Naga where the Area President of the Seventy (not sure if that's exactly the title) but Elder Nielson came with his wife to speak to us all day and it was FANTASTIC! I wish ALL of you could have been in that meeting and heard the discussion we had. I wish I could write every word of what they said but time just simply will not suffice. Someday, lets go get a nice big Chipotle burrito and I will fill you in on it all, but not now. ha BUT one of the things that stuck with me that I have now adopted as one of my life mottos, is "Head For Steady." Sis Nielson talked about how important it is to not let things (no matter how big or small) affect us (like a big bumpy rollercoaster, right?) but rather like a boat on top of water, just move with the little ripples and soon they will pass. Head for Steady. Do the simple things everyday to become stronger-physically, emotionally, and spiritually, so that no matter what challenge comes your way, you are steady, you are anchored, and you will make it over those little bumps in the road, no problem AND with a smile still on your face. We can do it. I know we can. :)
Now back to that (seemingly impossible) challenge of the Genorga family...
Saturday night, Brother Genorga texted us that since our lesson on Sunday he has felt cold inside and would not be going to church on Sunday. It made me sad but I knew that it would work out. Sure enough, we went to church Sunday and he didn't show up, but his wife did! We were fasting for them so I was sure that was the blessing for our faith and sacrifice. What a sign of hope that she was still willing to go to church. After church she asked if we had received their new triples (Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price-that all new recent converts get after baptism) that they had desperately been wanting. We told her yes and she asked if we could bring them over that night. I was a bit nervous to go but we went anyways after all our appointments. Brother was already getting ready for bed so we just stopped by and gave them to sister. About 15 minutes later we received a text from brother thanking us for bringing the new triples and apologizing for everything that happened. He said that he has been struggling all week and that when he opened the envelope with the new scriptures inside, pulled out that book, opened it and started reading, a great warmth swept over his entire body and he realized that he had made a big mistake last week, getting angry and likewise not going to church. He promised to go to church on Sunday and asked if we would return on Tuesday to teach them again. Truly a miracle. My heart is full for him and for his humility. Faith does in fact precede miracles. Every single time.
Stay true to your faith. Turn things over to the Lord and just trust in Him. He knows what He is doing and will make things right every single time if we only follow His commandments and press forward with faith.
I love you all and know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. He sure does love us and is aware of each and every one of us. Take care over there! :)
Mahal Kita!
-Sister Roderick
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