Everybody's Coming to El Paso

March 22, 2021

Hola Hola!! Another great week down by the border! I guess everyone else thinks El Paso is as great as I do because I heard we are getting a lot of newcomers coming across!! Haha but for real El Paso is the best and it was a great week! 

We had some huge progress with several of our friends this week!! 

First off, we had a great lesson with Alex and his mom this time too! She was baptized when she was 10 but has hardly been to church since she was 16 and doesn't remember much. We were able to teach them about the Sacrament and the spirit was so strong, especially as we were able to testify of the Atonement, our Savior's infinite and intimate sacrafice. Then later in the week Alex was able to go to the youth activity and attend church! His mom has 2 jobs and is going to school so her schedule is crazy so she isn't able to make it to church but Sunday afternoon she was home and we were able to go over with Obispo Ramos and take her the sacrament! She said it was the first time she's had it in 17 years. As well, at the end she set up a time this next week to have an interview with Obispo for her patriarcal blessing! Really neat experiences!! 

Then we had some big things with Irma and her son Gael! Gael also came to the youth activity and Irma to our english class. Then we taught them both that night and had an incredible lesson. We were sad though because they were supposed to be moving this Saturday. But then, not only did they come to church, but they also told us they aren't moving until April 15th!! So we've got another few weeks to work with them towards baptism! 

And my favorite for last, Luis y Carmen!!! They are the most elect people ever. We invited them to read a page in el Libro de Mormón and they ended up not just reading but reading 5 pages!! Haha a huge miracle in itself, it's so hard to get people to keep committments. Then we finished up the Plan of Salvation with them and they especially loved the resurrection and the Celestial Kingdom after. It was incredible to testify of the end goal of the Celestial Kingdom and hear their desire to get there as well. They are so awesome, for a sec I was like ok are you sure you aren't members already? Haha it's so much fun teaching them. The only thing that is tough is Luis plays the guitar at a restaurant every Sunday. Pretty sick honestly but it makes it tough for them to come to our 9am church! They want to come so bad, so please pray with us that somehow they'll be able to make it with us soon!! 

Time has been flying by here in El Paso and I'm loving every day!! It is such a gift to be a missionary and have this time to dedicate myself to the Lord. 

This morning I read in Mosiah about the people of Alma, who were so righteous and faithful, yet had such harsh trials. Just a few verses I loved. "21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. 22 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people." And then a little bit later it says "And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts." I love their response to their trials, the way poured out their hearts to the Lord, trusting in Him constantly, and eventually receiving relief. I know the Lord hears our prays and blesses those who excercise their faith in Him and do His will. It is a process every day but I have seen this to be true as I strive to do so! 

Have a great week, love you all so much!! 

Con mucho amor,

Elder Jackson 

1 Half of the worlds best district 

2 Elder Hannemann bc why not

3 Tacooooos