He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world

BUENOS DIAS! This week I have been thinking a lot about the scripture in the the first two chapters of 1 Nephi, when Lehi and his family are asked to leave everything behind- home, friends, material possessions and travel to the promised land. And there are two different reactions in the family- 

1. Laman and Lemuel who complained and fought the decision of their father

2. Nefi and Lehi who did what the Lord asked without questioning.  I love the verse that describes that once they had departed into the wilderness- Lehi gave thanks! After sacrificing nearly all he had to leave Jerusalem he gave thanks to the Lord. Why were their reactions so very different??? 

In chapter 2 of 1 Nephi it reads, And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them. Laman and Lemuel did not understand what Lehi understood about the basic truth of our LOVING Heavenly Father. And That  ( 2 Nephi26:24)  He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation. 

 God is our Loving Heavenly Father. And all that He does is for our benefit. Really this is the secret to our happiness. To being content in life. To have patience in trials. Trust in God. Really this change in perspective allows us to see life as it really is. Our purpose and divine potential. I love the perspective and testimony of Nefi in the end of chapter 1 when he states in verse 20 

But I Nephi will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. 

 It has been a packed week here in Mollendo on Tues we woke up at the crack of dawn for a multizone conference in Arequipa (about 3 hours away), interviews and running between the citas for our two different areas. However it has been a fantastic week. A few tender mercies:

Two of the hermanas from the ward accompanied me on citas this week so we were able to cover a bit more ground. One is an hermana preparing for her mission. It was really special to share the work with her and answer some of the questions she had. The other is a convert of 5 years and shared her brilliant testimony and is helping us get the ward even more excited to work with the missionaries.

Another day this week Javiier (recent convert) joined us on a cita- and he bore his testimony, encouraged the investigator to read the book of mormon , and piped in on the lesson- clarifying points and even bringing up points we had overlooked.

After that lesson, the convert and investigator joined us and we taught other investigatorrs and they both shared their thoughts and testimonies during the lesson. So powerful.

These are just a few, but really this has been a week of miracles and I have loved every moment with Hermana Arias and Hermana Wheelwright. It has been a week full of laughs, surprises and miracles Including the surprise for Hermana Arias when we threw eggs and flour on her head for her birthday-Peruvian tradiitions hehe. And last night I got a phone call that this week I am going to get a new comp - Hermana Orani from the Philipines and finish up her training. Another adventure! haha I hope you all have a great week!