Yesterday we had five investigators in church which is a new record for this area, we haven't had people in church for so long. 
It was testimony meeting and our ward is made up entirely out of converts. Each testimony was about how meeting the missionaries and accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ changed their lives. So that was so awesome.
Also over the pulpit one of our friends said she just hopes one day her grand daughter turns out like Hermana Tracy. jeje
But it was SO AWESOME. Both of the couples we're teaching came and also a lady from my English class! (I made a virtual flyer and then the Director of Citizen Participation called us and asked if she could promote it publicly throughout the city!!!!)
We put another friend on his baptismal date.
This week was just awesome.
Yesterday while we were having an asado with Luis and Vanesa their "five in one pastor, prophet, apostle, priest, deacon" uncle came and preached to us. It honestly was one of the hardest moments I've had in my mission. He asked if he could share with us from the Bible so I said sure why not? We love the Bible!
Keep in mind this whole time he's just talking directly to me. So many lies mixed in with scriptures so abrasively presented. He says stand up. We all stand up. Then he tells us to close our eyes and I say umm are you going to touch us?? He says NOOO. I'm going to help you "receive Jesus". And I say, "I've already received Jesus , I chose to follow Him years ago when I was baptized."
Then, we go in circles and circles and circles and any time I talk he says OIGA (listen!!!) Or "you don't want God to teach you???"
And then he quotes in Revelations about how Jesus stands at the doors and knocks but it's up to us to let Him in. Then starts going off about how why are you denying Jesus???? HE SENT ME HERE TO TELL YOU THIS EYSKWHCLFYYSOZNWIC YOU CAN'T DENY WHAT THE SCRIPTURES SAY AND THIS IS THE MOMENT YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR DECISION OF FAITH.
And he says CLOSE YOUR EYES. So I close my eyes. Then he says repeat after me and starts going off trying to get me to "receive Jesus" and I open my eyes and say I'm not going to do that. And then it starts again with the "why do you want to follow paths of sin why are you denying Christ???" To which I say -- are you calling me a sinner?? I believe in Christ and I will never deny Him. And I won't repeat after you.
Just absolutely insane this man. And then he just insulted us. And insulted us. And insulted us.
In this moment I fully realized what the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-42 refers to when it says,
No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile.
This man was the embodiment of Christ's statement in the New Testament, Mathew 15:7-9
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
So we stood there. Took the insults. But stood up for our faith and the truth we've received. The true doctrine of Christ.
Christ taught with meekness and respect. Not with rote presentation and false precepts. And they even said of Him
"Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!" Luke 7:34
So what a privilege, when we face rebuke and the hatred of the world, we're in good company. The best company. Our Savior, the cleanest most perfect person was also the most hated, and reviled. I'm so grateful for Him
So this week I learned so much!! Pray for our families that we're teaching and that we can find more.
I love you guys!!
#hermanaamytracy
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