The Flood

 A very quick week to say the least. It’s a great day to be a missionary. All sorts of things are going on here in Durán! One thing that was big was this “Canciones de Esperanza” put on by the tabernacle choir that went to Lima to do a massive concert. And they were going to project it at all the stake centers, so we had to pass out A TON of invitations. It was really cool to watch and I was a fan for sure. It started to rain halfway through the concert. We had to leave at 9 as missionaries so we went outside and I forgot my umbrella. Not a bad thing at all, it's refreshing! The street was well flooded above the side curve and the river that was next to the church flooded and the water was past my knees so that was a rare missionary privilegio to unintentionally almost go swimming. I thought I was in Halo for a second with all the flood. It was chevere. 

On the topic of big storms, one analogy that I really like to think about. We all have hurricanes in our lives, but there is always an eye to the storm. That is our savior, Jesus Christ. Of course you can’t sit down in the eye or you’ll get swept away in the storm again. But if we walk with Jesus and keep going with him, we will have the eternal life that he has made it possible for us to have. Taking breaks doesn’t work for salvation. It’s a constant effort, where quitting is unaffordable. Vale la Pena! Perfected in Christ

We have been teaching a friend named Guillermo! He might just be the drippiest man I've met. He pulls up to church like King Richard with his gold watch, 10 rings, and a chain. I remember the first time he went to church was great, and he texted us later that night saying, “I have to tell you guys something.” I’m thinking, “uh oh” another secret catholic, or he just wants to drop everything completely. But he really said, “I want to change my life and never go back”. We had the privilege of helping him prepare for baptism and get him to Christ! I’m excited to see where he goes from here! We also had one Hermana Hilda! She’s awesome! Didn’t go to church the first week, or the second and we were just about to drop her. We went to her house to do it, and she was very sick with a fever. She knew about the priesthood and wanted a blessing of health. We gave one to her and miracles happened. She came to church that next day with a feeling in her heart. She said “I don’t know why I'm here. I still feel sick, but I know I have to be here right now.” I was a little mind blown, she’s got a lot of faith! 
These people are really fighting battles with Satan out here! 
Placentero nos es trabajar! Hay gozo en mi alma hoy! Go cougs, Selah! 

In case I don’t see you Buenas Tardes, Buenas Noches, y Buenas Noches,
Élder Sheppert

Photos:
1. Guillermo
2. Moisty Mires
3. Hermana Anita and Hermano Richard
4. Jordan and Guillermo



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