It has been quite the past couple of weeks, full of spiritual highs. I´ll do my best to share the good news of living the gospel of Jesus Christ down here in General Villegas :)
Elder Manwaring, my new companion from Georgetown, Kentucky is probably the funniest, most faithful youngman I know. An example of his true dedication to the work came last Monday when he shared the most heartfelt testimony on the Book of Mormon beyond what someone with only 2 weeks in Argentina can share. He is a missionary above and beyond his young age in the field and his example of Christ-like charity is pushing me to show a greater love to my brothers and sisters. I am extremely grateful for Elder Manwaring, and time we have to serve together.
This past week we were able to have 2 missionary devotionals, one for the entire world and the other specifically for our Zone of Venado Tuerto. Throughout these two special conferences, what continually penetrated my heart was the desire to truly become a disciple of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A visiting General Authority, Elder Ferriera from Chile, focused his message on the Saviors invitation to ¨Come, and Follow Me¨ In this life we first must seek Him, by putting our confidence in Him who has put his confidence in us we will find ourselves developing attributes and habits that bring us closer to Him. We find ourselves COMING. After, or even during this process of discipleship, we need to start LIVING or rather applying the way Christ walked into our daily life. Here on the Earth our Father in Heaven is looking for, and needs more disciples of Christ. True Disciples who are willing to come, to come and stay. To truly live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, doing our best to walk, teach, love, and serve how He served. I am forever grateful for this oppurtunity in my life to serve as one of his representatives here in Argentina. I love what I am doing, and I pray to continue walking and learning about this path of discipleship throughout my life.
This past Sunday we were able to participate in the sacred ordinance of Baptism. As shared earlier, Santiago Ojeda, a young 10 year old boy wanted to follow the example of his mom and be baptized. Yesterday Santiago Ojeda was able to be baptized, not only following the example of his loving mom but also that of our Savior. The Ojeda family is an incredible example to me of God's love for his children. One month ago the church and it´s blessings was not here in Villegas, but through the eteranal love our Father has he was able to prompt our mission president, President Zanni, in re-opening the Church of Jesus Christ here in General Villegas. Our Heavenly Father´s love is endless, he loves you and he wants you to be happy. For that reason he has given us the teachings of his Son Jesus Christ, to help us find peace and true happiness in this life.
I love what I´m doing and I love all of you.. Keep on Keepin on :)
Elder Larsen