More Miracles

Elder Maldonado and I in Las Villas de Ancón

This week has been awesome. A lot of miracles.

On Sunday during the 2nd hour, we were greeting the investigators that were in Gospel principles and we found out that there was a man who came for the first time that lived in our area! The son of the pensionista had invited him to come to church and he just came out of the blue! During the 3rd hour we taught him the Restoration and he now has a baptismal goal for Dec. 24!!!

This week we have been contacting like crazy, and it has been paying off. Yesterday we received a reference from a member to visit a sister that hasn't been coming to church. We thought she was already a member and maybe she would have references for us to teach also. Turns out that she's not a member. She had only been going to church for a long time and didn't get baptized for personal reasons, but we have an appointment with her for this week!

I have been studying a lot this week about the Plan of Salvation and the need for an Atonement dependant on our repentance. I really like this scripture in Alma 42:23-24

...mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.

I know that our Redeemer lives. I am so grateful for his Atonement. I know that it an infinite Atonement and that we can receive relief and forgiveness for our sins. I know that His Gospel is restored upon the earth today and that He directs His church through the prophet Thomas S. Monson.

I love you all a ton! Have a fantastic week!

Elder Evan Smith