Easter Week

 

  Hola a todos! I hope each of you have had a wonderful Easter week. I hope that even with all the chocolate, eggs, and great food, you were able to spend some time thinking about your Savior and what He's done for you. We've had the opportunity to celebrate the last week of the Savior's life, starting with Palm Sunday and ending with His resurrecction on Easter. I bear testimony of the reality of His complete Atonement - His suffering and death on the cross and His resurrection. He lives. And because He lives, you and me can forgive, love, uplift, serve, and change. His infinite sacrifice makes possible the divine mission of our Heavenly Father: to bring to pass the inmortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). 

      My mission president explained to me that we are a forgetful species. With the sweet spirit we felt during general conference, hang on to those pieces of revelation and truths that were made manifest to you through the voices of our living prophets. Didn't this week just start so well? I feel spiritually charged whenever this special event comes around every 6 months. 

     In my mission, the Spanish missionaries mainly work with groups and branches. There is only 1 Spanish ward in the mission, which gives us a lot to do and a lot to work for. Currently our Hagerstown Spanish branch is the closest to becoming a Spanish ward. The sisters and us have been working so hard to bring in inactives and converts to strengthen and convert our branch into a ward. Pray that we might be guided to those ready to receive the fulness of the restored gosopel. 

       I have continued to work to complete the Book of Mormon in as many days as it was translated. Reading through an Easter resurrection filter, it has been affirmed to me that the Book of Mormon in its entirety focuses on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. This last week I was reading in 2 Nephi 4. As you all know, I'm a sinner. I'm convinced I was put on Santa's naughty list every single year. But because of my many many mistakes, I have come to know that the healing and forgiving power that in full comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ and our covenants with the Father is real. I wish to share a few verses that called my attention this past week. "And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy? Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul(2 Nephi 4:27,28). In the following verses Nephi praises God for being the rock of his salvation. If you are struggling to leave behind the sins which do so easily beset you, do not be discouraged, nor afraid. Your Savior knows all about your struggles and your afflictions and will succor you according to your affirmities. Please find hope in Christ this Easter season. The greatest part about Christianity is that we do not worship a dead Christ. He lives! And as the hymn states, "He lives my kind wise heavenly friend." I testify to you that Jesus Christ is standing with open arms waiting to accept ALL who desire to come unto Him and leave behind the past. He will strengthen you and bear you up that your weaknesses may become strengths. You have not wandered too far or done too much to disqualify yourself from the infinite love and divine forgiviness that is extended towards ALL of God's children through His atoning sacrifice. I love you. He loves you. I pray you will remember why we celebrate what we celebrate this week and help those around you recognize the access we have to the peace and joy He brings. Have a great week.