The Gift of Tongues

Hola familia y amigos,

On Monday we will be starting our sixth week in the MTC. It is just crazy. This has been a good experience. I feel like it is time for me to head to Nicaragua, but we don't leave until the 1st. I know that when I get to the field, that is when I'll learn to actually speak and teach. I will keep learning in the MTC, but when I leave is when I'll learn really fast. It will be a struggle, but it will be good. 

We had a wonderful experience teaching yesterday. Our investigator Jose has been reading and praying, and has developed a testimony. He shared an experience with prayer, and was crying and I just about cried too. He said how prayer was such a gift. It really is. We take these things for granted. It is wonderful to see someone change as they come closer to Christ. The Lord prepares people. We teach them the principles of the gospel, and help them understand what they need to do, but they need to go and learn for themselves. The spirit is the teacher. We just help them know what they need to do to grow closer to their Savior. And the difference it makes in their life is incredible. With this investigator, we started teaching him on our second week. It is crazy that they trust a couple of 19 year old girls with a person, when they barely know the language. It is also crazy even on that first lesson with him, we could sit for 30 minutes and speak with him and understand him and teach him, without a word on English being said. The gift of tongues is real. Our schedules got changed with the new year and we weren't able to teach him anymore. And then there were mix ups and more changes and new investigators. (Our district has had some unusual changes and stuff.) This week we got to teach Jose again, after not seeing him for weeks. Our last lesson with him he had agreed to be baptized, but couldn't accept our date without speaking to his wife. But then we were not able to teach him, until yesterday. He had been reading and praying and he agreed to be baptized. This is a real person that has been blessed by the gospel. This is something that you have to see with your eyes. Words cannot explain adequately how his countenance has changed and how much he has progressed. Reading and praying diligently is what made all the difference. Even after baptism it is vital to read and pray diligently. Even those who already have the blessing of the gospel in their life can be blessed from an increase in diligence. My purpose as a missionary is to invite others to come unto Christ, members and non-members alike. I have my work cut out, but I know that as I am diligent the Lord will put people in my path that I can bless. 

The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families and individuals. The difference it makes is incredible. We are so blessed. I am so grateful for this opportunity to serve and hopefully be able to bless some lives. This is  a crazy opportunity, it is crazy to think that simple me can actually make a difference. But that is how powerful the Gospel is. It will change lives, and I can help people find that hope.

I am sending my love. I hope we all can be a little more diligent with reading from the Book of Mormon. It really will make a difference and bring blessings that cannot come any other way. 

-Hermana Fackrell