Stuck In The Mud

-This week was good. I titled the email the way I did because we got our car stuck in the mud, lol. Elder Rakotomamonjy was driving through Illinge the day after it rained pretty good. But basically, he went like 5 mph through the mud, so we got completely stuck. The Elder's quorum president from the ward had to come help us get out. It took forever to get out. The first attempt we used a rope, but it snapped, lol. So, President Mjiba went and got his tow truck and got us out. Which was super nice of him because without him we'd have been done for and never have gotten out, lol. 

-Tuesday we played soccer with the young men at the chapel. Yo, those guys are smooth with it. But it's nice to get out and play. We then taught then their Seminary lesson which was actually super fun.

-On Thursday we felt inspired to go visit a member family in Illange that we haven't visited yet. Even though we hadn't scheduled it, we felt we needed to be there. On the way there my phone which had the walking directions started acting super weird. It suddenly turned off and started beeping. Honestly, I have no clue what happened. Something didn't want us to find the house lol. But we followed the road where we knew their house had to be and we finally got there and talked to mama.  She said there's someone she wants us to talk to. We go in and meet Siyabonga, a woman who I've never seen at church.  The Mama asked us why we came and I told her we just felt prompted to come visit them. Mama said it must be the Holy Ghost, which I agreed. She told us missionaries hadn't been over since before covid. We started talking with Siya, who's an inactive member. We asked her some questions about why she's been inactive. Eventually told us it's because of some addiction she has had, so we talked for a bit. We talked to her about the Atonement and the enabling power it gives us, of how God expects us to put our best effort in, but only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ can we overcome addiction. We also talked to her about how the church has addiction recovery programs. But she just kept telling us there's nothing we can help her with or that anyone could help her. And at that point, I didn't know what to do, feeling a bit helpless. But just in that moment I felt inspired to share Ether 12: 12-14, 27. We spoke of how God only works miracles in our lives after we show Him our faith. And if we exercise that faith with humility trusting Him, God will make our weaknesses become strengths. I told her that applies with addictions as well. You could see the spirit hit her and she told us that makes a lot of sense. I then felt inspired to share my testimony of these verses. And as I was about to close, she was overcome with emotion and just broke down. At first it was a bit uncomfortable, but then I was filled with compassion for her. I think Rako was so confused, he was just sitting there staring, lol. I don't think it was anything I said in particular. But I know for certain it was the spirit she felt. She expressed how hard it's been and just let it all out to us. But she said she really needed to hear those verses and thanked us for showing up. We're going to visit Siya weekly now and do our best to be a support for her. But something I learned here was just how important it is to listen to the small promptings we receive. They can lead us to those who need to feel the Savior's love. It's crucial to live worthy of the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. That way we can be instruments in our Father's hands for those who need His love most.

Ether 12: 12-14, 27.

"12 For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith. 

13 Behold, it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth. 

14 Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

-Elder Quick