Hola mi familia y mis amigos, ¿Como esta? Este semana fue un poco mas difícil de las otros pero fue bueno, y yo tengo un testimonio de la obra que estoy haciendo aquí en Chile fue es mas fuerte que cualquier o todas las otros sentimientos antes en mi vida. It's been so great to hear from those of you who have written me these last couple of weeks and I'm so grateful for the things that each of you has had to say to me. Thank you also for all of the prayers and thoughts that have been sent my way, I can honestly say that I have felt them and seen their impact.
This week my companion and I have had trouble contacting people to teach, but we have been able to do quite a bit of service. One young man by the name of Erly needed help moving a bunch of junk out of his house and we helped with with that for awhile. He's also asked me to teach him how to arc weld because he's got several things he's wanting to build onto his house that he needs to weld for, and I told him if my President is okay with it I'd be more than happy to help him as much as I can. The homes here are incredibly humble, and I am so much more thankful for the circumstances of my family throughout my life because of the blessing to live where we do. Yet as humble and poor as some of these people are, they must have some of the most powerful testimonios of the Savior and faith than any others I have known before. We've helped a people with their homes a lot, and as Elder Loveridge, a misionario I live with would say: "the houses are built from concrete and cardboard." And It's not far off from the truth.
The most dificult thing has been seeing people I know I can help that will not accept it. Whether it's physical labor they need, my knowledge, or the message of Jesus Christ, many people here are not very receptive to us. We are in a pueblo called Graneros a little ways out of Rancagua, and it's a really nice town with tons of great people. But as there is anywhere else there are a few hard headed people around. My companion and I have a sector of the town that has aparently the most problems with drugs and enemployment. I've seen many people without purpose sitting on the side of the road drinking away their lives each day, and they have no desire to see that there is a better and much happier way to live. The Hermanas (Sister Missionaries) have a lot more trouble with harasment than we do, but we get the occasional gesture and comment that aren't the greatest to hear. It's funny to realize the the only English people know here, are "Hello" and then about every swear word you could think of. It's makes me glad that The pronouciation of English here isn't too great and I reply with an "¡Hola! Yo quiero usted tener una día que es genial y que tiene mucha felicidad en su vida. ¿Como puedo ayuda usted tener estas cosas?" or something along those lines haha usually they just walk away.
I don't ahve a lot more tim but I'll try and send some pictures to you all. To end I'd lik to share a scripture that has helped me this week. I know above it might sound like I'm complaining or feeling down or a little bit depressed about the circumstances, but this is nopt the case. I'm saddend because of the struggle to help people, this is true, but I am more convinced than ever I am fulfilling my purpose in this life and I am not ashamed of the words I speak or actions I do. In 2 Timothy 1: 7-8 it says: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power, and of love and of sound mind. Be thou not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;" In this scripture, Paul clearly tells us not to be ashamed of our testimonies, and that living this gospel is not always going to be easy. But we can always know that we are doing what is ruight because of the Spirit. I have felt the "spirit of power" in my time here and I have begun to conquer my fears. I know the message I carry of our Savior Jesus Christ is the truth, and through Him I can do all things that are expedient to the Lord. This is the time to prepare, and there is no better time to start than now. I love and pray for you all and hope you are well.
Elder Conger
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