5/8/23: Last week of the mission

 



This is my last week as a missionary and there has been a lot of mixed emotions. It's gotta be one of the hardest goodbyes of my life leaving Trinidad. The members and converts I've come to know are all amazing friends for life and I'm truly going to miss working closely with them to invite others to Christ. I've learned so much in my time here in Trinidad and in the mission overall.


We ended on a high note with the baptism of Walter Ramos on Saturday. Walter made huge life changes to prepare for his baptism. Before he lived a worldly life full of vices and he admitted at this time he had no plan to go to any church. But after recent trials he truly felt "humbled to the dust". That's when his sister Yuly, refered us to help him. We started teaching him how to find happiness in Christ Atonement and how he could come to know Christ though the Book of Mormon. He studied dillegently looking for answer and guidance and slowly over time started to leave behind his vices and old way of life. What really helped him was attending church. Every week he came with a humble and repented mindset. He even brought his family and his special need son, to whom the branch showed overwhelming love. He felt baptism was the only way to truly change his life. As we worked with him, I could see a clear change. A once broken and lost man now became a humble and confident disciple of Christ. His whole family was thrilled to see these changes. 

The day of his baptism he arrived on top of the world. All smiles and excitement. He started fist pumping right before entering the water, repeating "estoy listo, listo para mi nueva vida" or I'm ready for my new life. After he was baptized he gave his testimony that he knew without a doubt that this was the true church on this earth. He said he knew because he's never felt more peace in his life than during  Sunday sacrament meeting. His powerful testimony brought tears to my eyes. I look forward to hearing about when he receives the priesthood and continues to the temple, two goals he's already set.

Lots of sad goodbyes and a few more to come. I shed many tears with la famila Coimbra. Watching Victor and Jesus prepare for the mission inspired me. Their two younger brother Boris and Alex passing the sacrament makes me so proud and happy. Isela faithfully brings her whole family of 8 to church making three trips on the moto. The younger siblings just love primary and singing hymns. I marvelled that only two monthes ago they were baptized  It broke my heart to have to say goodbye bur I know they are on a good course. I read D&C 17:6, and made the promise that I would love worthy of salvation and said that if they did the same we'd all be together again in the kingdom of God. Tearfully we shared one last prayer pleading with the Lord to help us all endure to the end. I love that family so much. 

Tonight is the last family home evening with the whole ward and I'm going to share one of my favorite scriptures:

Yea, and that same God did establish his church among them; yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full     Alma 29:13

My joy truly is full because if all the people I've met and to think on my small part in the work of the Lord. I'm so grateful that the Lord has trusted me enough to help His children come unto Christ. The miricles I have seen and the testimony I have are too much for me to ever deny the goodness of God. He lives and walks with His children in these latter days. This is the work of God.

See you all soon 
Elder Allen 



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