Dear Family and Friends,
Monday
morning we had the most wonderful experience as we entered the room for
our Zone and District leaders’ council. The room was full of more than
fifty five marvelous young men who were there ready to learn. The spirit
spoke so strongly as to their goodness and their strength and power
because of whom they are and the priesthood that they hold. It was a
powerful moment for me that I will never forget. I think often of the
good things these young men and women will go on to do in their lives as
they continue to share their testimonies and love of the Savior
wherever they go throughout their lives. We are going to miss this
experience so much! We had a great day with these young leaders and we
feel confident that President Agazzani is going to receive a great group
of wonderful missionaries!
Tuesday
we went to a district meeting in Sajonia and Elder Van Mondfrans led a
good meeting , relaying much of the information from the meeting on
Monday which is exactly what we hope will happen. Wednesday we met with
President Perez from the Encarnacion district and his family so Mark
could set apart their daughter Cecilia for her mission to Argentina. She is a sweet young woman and will be a great missionary. Thursday night we had a Mission Presidency dinner at Paulista’s a churrasqueria (buffet then lots of meat brought to the table). The
Jaras, Ocampos, and Vidals are all great people. We enjoyed spending a
fun evening with them and talking about their experiences in the church
here. They also had lots of questions for us . We have been blessed to
know some wonderful families here who are working so hard to help the
church be stronger. They have been wonderful counselors and secretary
for Mark in the mission presidency. There is so much to do in the
districts that they are able to do so Mark can stay more focused on the
missionaries as much as he can.
Friday
the Horvath family from Encarnacion came to Asuncion. We picked them up
and went to a broadcast from Argentina of the General Young Men and
Sunday School presidents who were visiting there. Afterwards we brought
the Horvaths back to our home to sleep before going with them to the
temple Saturday morning. Sister Horvath received her endowment and then
they were sealed. It was sweet to be with them. Brother Horvath has
served in the District presidency since we arrived and they have been
preparing to enter the temple for some time. He and Mark have become
good friends. It was great to be with them there in the temple before we
leave! They have been members for about six years. Mark gave him a
white tie for the temple because he didn’t have one. He became emotional
when he showed us the tie he was wearing and that it had belonged to
the missionary who taught him. He said now he would be able to wear the
temple tie and think of his friendship and love for Mark. These are the
experiences that will be a part of our lives forever.
I
have been thinking a lot recently about the many ways the Lord helps us
here in the mission. Every day missionaries receive the help we need to
accomplish the Lord’s work. The language blessing is one that never
ceases to amaze me. For the whole time we have been here we have never
seen a missionary who couldn’t learn the language. Of course there are
different levels of pronunciation and vocabulary but every missionary is
fluent within 6 months on the mission. Some elders were telling us the
other day about a conversation they had with some missionaries from
another faith who had been here for thirty years. They wanted to know
what the secret was because all of our missionaries can learn the
language so quickly and so well. I have no doubt
that the gift of tongues is real and that learning the language for the
mission is a spiritual endeavor. I have received the help I have needed
and know it is beyond my own abilities. I am so grateful for this
experience to see the spirit in action in such a visible way. What a
blessing to be involved in this work! The best part is that it never has to stop. There will always be ways to share the gospel if we look for them.
Well I better run. We love you all. Have a good week! Love, Mark and Sandy
