We've really seen the hand of God in the work this week. We've tried extra hard to try to focus lately and it's made a difference. But it's really still in the little miracles.
Tuesday was Christmas Conference!!! IT WAS THE BEST!!! We had a bishop come talk to us, and he was an amazing speaker. He focused on working with and showing appreciation for the members. It gave me a whole new perspective. We love our members SOOOO much! But sometimes we forget to show it in the way we need to. So shout out to all members everywhere. You make our life and thank you for all you do.
President Mutombo's instruction was so spiritual. We watched the Christ Child and refocused everything on Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate gift.
Epiphany: sometimes when we talk about giving back to Christ we think that what Christ wants is our "bests". Really He wants our worsts, the things that to us are ugly and broken and hurtful. Those are the gifts that he wants to receive. They are beautiful to Him because He sees the potential that only He can bring when we CHOOSE to give it to him. It's beautiful. So think of that thing you are tired of carrying and give it to Jesus. He thinks it's beautiful because you are all beautiful. Perfectly. Ether 12:27 "then will I make weak things become strong unto them".
At Christmas conference there was beautiful music and great food provided by the ward there (thank you!!).
One of the best parts was that President dressed up like Santa Claus and came in during lunch and it was HILARIOUS! His laugh is the best, funniest thing you've ever heard. It's more like a "heeheehee! I'm black Santa!". So funny.
Then we went and caroled with our zone at a nursing home and that was really special.
Two big miracles this week:
(First one written by courtesy of Hna Whitehead because I didn't want to type it all out haha).
On Friday we were sitting in a potential's house and this was like one of the first times we had gotten in with her so we were getting to know her and as we were talking, this guy walked in. This is pretty normal because generally more than one family will live in one house together, so we said hi and asked him his name and as we were starting to introduce ourselves, HE told US who we were and said the whole name of the church super fast. We were like, "Oh! So you have heard of the church before?" And he goes "yeah for like all of my life." Honestly, we didn't think much of it! That is pretty normal for people to know the church! So we kept going along and now we were teaching both of them. But, during the lesson like 3 minutes later, he starts rummaging in his bag and pulls out this card. He hands it to me and it was a TEMPLE recommend! He fooled us so hard. Turns out he has been inactive since he moved to the United States because he lived super far away from the church, but he just moved to this new house and said he would come to church. He came and he even came to the English class!
Second: (Courtesy of Hna. Whitehead listening to spiritual promptings!!)
An appointment fell through so we decided to walk to a member and we decided that we were going to find someone while we were on our way (lots of people on the street). We're walking and then I realize Hna W isn't with me and I turn around and she's on a doorstep. With a sign in English. Look we do not knock doors very often and if we do we look for the ones that look Hispanic and this one looked far from it. But you can't ignore those spiritual promptings haha! This guy in his 20s answered and sure enough he was from El Salvador. He was like, do you want to come in or talk on the porch? Jaws dropped. Turns out he studied religion and wants to write a book on religion. He was a little confused about why we didn't have the same church as before Christ as after Christ (he was actually using the terms temples and covenants!!). It was one of the most spiritual experiences as we were testifying that we do have God's church on the earth today, that we do have temples and covenants so that we can receive the blessings of God. He didn't come to church like he promised but he messaged us to tell us he was sorry so that's amazing! Such a miracle!
We had a lot of solid lessons this week and Mary came to church. We had a beautiful program. Hna. W and I sang twice, La Primera Navidad (spur of the moment haha) and Getsemani. Made me think of singing with Dad :)
Saturday we had a service activity giving out bags of food and hot chocolate on a really busy block in Highlandtown (lots of Spanish speaking people there) and it was a HUGE success!
We found a lot of people! It's so fun to just be able to stop random people and talk to them about beautiful things like Jesus and the Gospel. I'll miss that when I'm not a formal missionary. (like i still could but...) I shared a verse about the Resurrection to a woman from Hong Kong (@MaddyPeck) and she had never thought about it before!! We are so blessed to have this knowledge.
I'm so excited for Christmas. Thanks for all the thoughts and letters and I love you soooo much!!!
Love, Hermana Peck
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