Elder Ian Rich: March 4: Carnival Week

This week was solid. Because it is now March Ecuadorians do this thing for a week straight where they go nutz and throw eggs, soap, and water at people walking down the street. It's kinda funny. We have to be in our house at 6 pm every day this week, and today for our p-day we have to stay home all day.

We found a 19 year old kid named Aldridge a couple of weeks ago and lost contact with him for a long time. We were riding the buses around town, and we saw him freestyling in the bus. There are a lot of people who ride the buses and sing, or rap, or all kinds of crazy stuff to make money. We talked to him, and invited him to church and he actually came. On the way to church on the bus, he threw on a beat and freestyled the whole way. It is seriously the funniest thing. During sacrament meeting, while everybody was bearing their testimonies he goes "I want to go up and preach." He stood up, and walked up all slow and steady and talked for like 7 minutes. I was so scared he was going to swear or say something stupid. He pretty much talked about how we need to enjoy this life because there is no next life. It was so funny. While he was walking back to his seat he stops in the middle of the congregation and goes "Don't be afraid go up and preach." It was hilarious.

We have also been teaching a family who we found a week ago. They are dope. They are progressing well, we taught them on Saturday and had a super spiritual lesson. The only problem with them is they are not married, and they have a 7 year old girl. They explained how they want to get married but they just don't have the money to do it. (marriage probably cost somewhere between 80-90 dollars) I really testified that if they put their trust in the Lord he will provide a way. I invited them to pray about it and to see what they can do. They attended church with us as well, and they absolutely loved it. Afterward, they approached me and said "I received my answer while we were sitting in class. I know this is the true church." I'm super excited for them, and to be able to continue teaching them.

A scripture that I really studied this week is in Ether 12:27

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.

I really know this to be true. I know the Lord can make weak things strong in all cases no matter who you are or what you are facing. I hope we all can study this short scripture this week.

Love you all,

hope this week is a good one.

Elder Rich