¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

¡Familia!                                                                                                                 

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! 2017 truly was an unforgettable year. I spent a full year in Argentina, engaged in missionary work, just trying to help a few people come unto Christ. Yes, 2017 will not be forgotten.

In Argentina, New Year’s Eve is actually one of the biggest nights of the year. People literally go crazy all night long and into the next morning and at midnight there are the most amazing fireworks.  Legit, it felt like we were in a war zone when the fireworks went off. My companion and I spent the night with the Sisters and the ward mission leader’s family. We at empanadas and pizza until 11 and then at midnight we drank mate to welcome in the new year. We did all of this in our cozy pench while people were going crazy outside.

               During our proselyting this week, we took advantage of the new year by approaching people and explaining to them that our purpose is to help them make some minor changes in their lives so they can have a better relationship with God in 2018 and actually, our approach worked really well. By grabbing people’s attention, we were able to enter into a lot more homes and teach. We shared the story of Alma the Younger to show people the example of someone who changes and is born again. The new year also provided us with an opportunity to talk with all of the members and our investigators about their goals and resolutions for 2018.  We were able to help them make goals such as going to the temple and creating daily habits of prayer and scripture study. 2018 is going to be a year to remember!

A few weeks ago, while we were sharing the Christmas initiative with people, we met Christina. Christina told us that the only reason she opened the door for us was that when she saw us, we reminded her of her son who had died in an accident a few years ago. She also told us about her daughter-in-law who is very sick in the hospital and needs our help. Due to Christina’s circumstances, we were able to gain her confidence very quickly.  With her, we shared a lesson about the Plan of Salvation and it truly was one of the most spiritual lessons I’ve participated in. The best part about teaching Christina is that she always has family members in her house.  So, when we teach her, there are always about ten people present and it’s a blast! I’m excited to see the progress Christina can make this year.

On Sunday, Matias and Dalma were able to come to church and it was awesome.  They stayed for all three hours and they said they had an awesome experience. They made some new friends and when we showed them the baptismal font, Matias wanted to get dunked right then! They are progressing so well and we always have the greatest lessons with them.  We are just waiting for that “ring on the finger” and then they’ll be baptized right away!

I hope that everyone has their goals set for 2018 and that all of your wishes come true!  My “Black Year” has officially ended and I can say that I’ll sleep in my own bed in 2018. Haha!

Have a great week! 

Elder Roderick

And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all

nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God,

changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being

redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures;

 and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

Mosiah 27: 25-26