June 9th, 2014

Familia!!
   Never before have I felt the joy and power of the gospel as I have this week.. I pray that as you read this, you will let the Spirit touch your heart, so that you too might be able to taste of the joy that I have experienced recently. 
   We taught Rocio and Genesis a few times this week. Each lesson we have gets better and better. We talked about the Sabbath day and the importance of keeping it holy. After reading a few scriptures, she sat there quietly. She told us she is going to close her Salon on Sundays. She said "I have the faith that God will bless me. I need to keep the Sabbath day holy. Just be patient with me, i have to tell my 4 employees that they won't have work on Sundays." I sat there in awe. Rocio is amazing! On Thursday, Hermana Favila came with us and we read the baptismal questions to Rocio and Genesis. Wow. Another spiritual moment when Rocio testified of the blessings we receive from living the Word of Wisdom. Hermana Favila served a mission and mentioned to Rocio how prepared she is. How willing she is to act upon the things we teach. On the way home, Hermana Favila told us in the car.. "Hermanas, she's going to be a Relief Society president one day. She is the most prepared investigator I have ever seen." It's such a humbling experience to be able to take part of the process of conversion. To see the changes the gospel makes in people who truly come unto Christ.
   Tuesday and Wednesday we were on exchanges and weren't able to work in our area, so Thursday was a busy day. We were supposed to meet with Erika and Karen in the morning for a lesson, but Karen canceled and said her life isn't in a good place right now and she would call us later. She's Erika's friend who we have taught 3 times. We were saddened, but knew that the Lord would provide a way for her to make it through. As we were at dinner that night, Karen called us. She told us "Hermanas.. can we meet tonight? I want you to teach my kids. Please?" Of course! We met her at the church before piano class. As we started talking about the restoration with her 3 kids, Karen said "Hermanas.. I want to be baptized." She said she had read about receiving the Holy Ghost and wants to be baptized. Then her 3 kids all said "We want to be baptized too. Our mom taught us about it." We set them for the 5th of July.  Karen called us this morning and asked if our Bishop could marry she and her boyfriend. She then told us her boyfriend-who, before, was super against our beliefs-wants to take the lessons! They're getting married this Saturday :)
   Friday we went to MLC. AHH! It was amazing. We get to listen and learn from President Slaughter and the assistants. It was fantastic. I have so much respect for President Slaughter. He is called of God. We discussed the Doctrine and Covenants and the power in conversion. Especially through the Holy Ghost. We can talk about all the things I've learned at MLC when I get back. I can't fit it all in one e-mail :)
   Saturday we had a long, rough morning. Lots of dropped appointments, knocked doors, and mosquito bites in the humidity and heat. We taught a few lessons then went to Stake Conference. It was the greatest thing. They talked about Hastening the Work of Salvation. They provided Preach My Gospel's for each person to keep. I thought it couldn't get any better..     Sunday came around and Rocio and Genesis came to Stake Conference! They had headphones on for translation. The meeting started out great, with the temple president and his wife speaking. They gave fantastic talks! Rocio was emotional and was smiling as they talked about eternal families. Sister Slaughter got up and powerfully testified of the Gathering of Israel. She is amazing. Now this is the part that I pray you can really feel in your heart.. President stood up. He started with "For those of you who are not members of our faith.." The Spirit hit me so hard. He continued by saying "for those of you who are looking for a people who don't just talk of Christ, but rejoice in Christ, you have found us-come join us. If you're looking for a people who have the fullness of the everlasting gospel, you have found us-come join us. If you are looking for a people who believe that the heavens are opened and that God speaks to His prophets, you have found us-come join us. If you are looking for a people who still believe in the ministering of angels, you have found us-come join us. If you are looking for a people who still honors the eternal nature of families, you have found us-come join us. If you are looking for a people who honor the divine nature of women, you have found us-come join us. If you are looking for a people who belong to Christ's true church, you have found us. Come, Join us." 
   There wasn't a dry eye in the building. The Spirit testifies of truth. I felt it, and I will never forget that moment. The meeting ended with talks from our Stake Presidency. They are fantastic. I felt a new sense of commitment in the members as we left Stake Conference. 
   I wish I could tell you everything that happened.. This e-mail is already long enough, but I want y'all to know that I know this Church is true. It IS Christ's Church here on the earth today. We have a living prophet. The Book of Mormon is true. The Priesthood has been restored through a prophet in this last dispensation. I am ever so grateful for Joseph Smith. Jesus Christ is our Savior. He lives. Let us find joy in the Gospel. 
   I love you and hope y'all have a great week :)

Con mucho amor,
   Hermana Egbert

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY yesterday Dad!!! love you!


Karen and her kids (Marissa -12, Haiti - 10, Kevin - 8)

MLC with Sister King :)