Monday, August 28, 2017

Week 59 - Julio's Baptism

Hola,

I absolutely had the best week!!! To start off I just want to cover the biggest highlight of the week which was Julio´s baptism! During the week we had a few lessons with him in which we taught him about Temples, and Receiving the Priesthood, so by the time his baptism came he was more than ready! On Saturday we had his baptism and I was asked and given the privilege to be the one to baptize Julio. His baptism went very well and perhaps one of the coolest aspects was the fact that President Herrera came to the baptism and was one of the two witnesses of Julio’s baptism! As Julio was baptized he hugged me after being baptized and told me how clean and pure he felt. It was truly incredible to see the change in him!  Following the ordinance we took Julio out to eat to celebrate and had a great time! 

The next day we had the opportunity to confirm Julio in Sacrament Meeting give him the Holy Ghost. The ordinance was incredible and the blessing that was given him following was as well. Julio is new preparing to receive to Priesthood and has been attending Elders Quorum to prepare. One of the cool things that happened is in our Elder s Quorum meeting they were talking about home teaching and although Julio doesn’t have the priesthood responsibility do home teach, he raised his hand and asked if he could go home teaching. With a smile on his face, the Elders Quorum President told him that he could accompany him to go and teach! So this week Julio is going to go and teach some families with the Elders Quorum President! He also has desires to serve a mission now and is currently preparing to serve next year when he completes one year as a member of the church! It is truly incredible how the Lord has prepared him and led us to him. I testify that this is the Lord’s work and that everyone has the potential to come to know this Gospel, we are just the hands to go out and find those who need the message that we bring! 

Other than that, this week was awesome as far as work goes! My Ward hasn’t had a Ward Mission Leader since I got here and this past week we finally got one and he gave us a ton of referrals! So we have been trying super hard to get out and find all of the people that he recommended that we should visit! 

As far as Ismael and his family go they are slowly starting to progress a little more each time we visit! They are finally starting to overcome their fears of reading the Book of Mormon and I know without a doubt as they do so, the Lord will help change their hearts by doing so. Perhaps one of the most incredible miracles is the fact that they gave a reference of their niece, Dina, who has been having a lot of troubles in life. She has a lot of bitter feelings for a lot of people that have done some pretty bad things to her throughout her life. So what we have been trying to do is teach her about the Power of Repentance and how through it we can forgive others. Just as our Savior does for us each and every single time that we make an error. So far it has been working and she is starting to get rid of the bitter feelings that she has for others. In time I know that the Savior will help her to completely forgive those who have done wrong to her throughout her life.

Lastly, today for P-day we went to some ruins called Moray. The history of what these ruins were used for anciently are not well known but many believe that it was an agricultural area where the Incas tested the effect of elevation and temperature on crops. The difference in temperature from the top of the ruins to the bottom ranges between about 25 degrees which is incredible as you decedent and can feel the change in temperature. It is such an incredible experience to be able to live in a place where there is so much history and so many things to learn. I absolutely love it!

In closing I just want to bear testimony of the Power we have to bless others. I have seen this Gospel change the lives of so many people as I have worked down here in Perú. But perhaps the biggest change I have seen is in myself. I have truly learned what it means to Sacrifice Yourself for the will of the Lord. When we give the Lord all of ourselves, he will use us to help others. That is the purpose of this life. To be the hands to help those that are lost or struggling to find their way. Although at times we become selfish and want what it is best for us, I have come to learn that selfishness only brings temporary happiness. What will truly make you happy in this life is seeing the life of someone else blessed through your service to them. The true reward comes when you help someone else have a better life through your actions. The Savior is the perfect example of this as he gave every day of his life in the service of others, never asking for or expecting anything in return. I love the time I have now to dedicate 100% of myself to others and I know that even after the mission I want to continue to be the hands that our Heavenly Father needs to help others. I love each of you and hope that you all have a safe and good week! 

Love,

Elder Fawcett


Julio and Elder Fawcett



Elder Ordonez, Julio, Elder Fawcett
and Elder Pinedo











New Ward Mission Leader on Left with
Julio, Elder Fawcett and Ward Members




Moray Ruins Outside of Cusco


























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Made from 100% Alpaca Wool


Locals Selling Goods
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Elder Fawcett Has Really Learned to Love the Children in Peru!
Office Elders All Dressed Up