Mon Dec 7, 2015 One Thought of Jesus Christ.

Hey everyone,

I am so grateful for another week here in my mission! I am extremely grateful for the incredible Spirit I have been able to feel as I testify of Jesus Christ to the people of Vancouver. Christmas changes people...they seem to be a bit more open and cheerful. It's a special time of year as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. First, I want to share two of my favorite experiences I had this week as we were out finding. 

First, a few days ago, I met Frank. Frank is homeless and panhandles every Friday night just down the street from the church. I got talking to Frank, and we soon became good friends. He has such a great spirit about him and has an attitude of gratitude. I admire so much his desire to follow Jesus Christ and go to church every single Sunday. At the end of our conversation, I handed him one of our pass along cards with a picture of Jesus Christ on it. He received it with a huge smile on his face and said, "Thank you for the best Christmas present." That really touched my heart. The greatest gift we have ever received and will ever receive is the gift of our Savior. "For God so loved the world (YOU), that He sent His only Begotten-Son." It is my prayer this Christmas, that all of us will be able to look beyond the lights, the presents, the food, and ponder in our hearts and minds the extraordinary birth and life of our Savior. It is because of Him that we have this wonderful time of year with family, friends, and so much joy. Let's not just pause and think about Jesus Christ for one moment before unwrapping our presents. Let's give every thought and effort into Jesus Christ. Let's give Him a present this year. Let's give Him our hearts. What will you give Jesus Christ for Christmas?

Second, I had a quick experience with trying to talk to someone at a bus stop. Of course, he had headphones in, just staring at his phone. I tried forever to get his attention, but nothing would work. So I pulled out another card with a picture of Christ on it and put it over his phone. He finally looked up and took his head phones out. He was a little surprised, but gratefully took the picture. That moment was so simple...but had a lasting impression on me. For one moment, this man had one thought of Jesus Christ. For one second, he pulled away from the world and remembered our Savior and Redeemer. It reminded me of my favorite chapter in the Book of Mormon...Alma 36.   This is when Alma the younger is telling his son about how he used the Atonement. It says:

 17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

 18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

 19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

 20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

 21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

Oh, how sweet our joy can be when we remember Him who "has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows" (Mosiah 14:4) I find this story miraculous because it was just one thought of Jesus Christ that changed everything for Alma. I pray that it will do the same for us!:)

This week, we were able to teach the Hermosillo family again. I don't think I've mentioned them before. They are actually our only investigators right now and they aren't even in our area. They met with the missionaries in Alberta then moved here and lost contact. The office finally received a message from the Alberta mission and gave us the referral. We had a 3rd lesson with them this last week over skype. This lesson was my favorite because we were able to do it in the home of members. Mario and Angela are so prepared and love the gospel so much! This lesson was so powerful..it's incredible that we can be miles away, but still learn and feel the Spirit together. Please pray for them!

Okay...seriously so good

 studies

There's the little chubs

So transfer news this week...looks like me and my little star, Hermana Polanco, are staying here in Vancouver. I am grateful to stay here and I am hoping that we continue to see so many miracles. I know we will be able to! Haha, all of the work we are doing right now is with the members and FINDING! Finding, finding, finding. Maybe the man on the computer next to me is interested in learning about the gospel.

Well, that is it for me this week! I love you all so much and truly am so grateful for your prayers and support! I hope you have a great Christmas season and remember the reason for the season. I know that God loves all of us so much. His love is so real. I know we can turn to Him for everything. Trust in Him and speak with Him daily. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I am so grateful for Him in my life!                                                                      Love, Hermana Hoth