When I first got to Cafayate, I was able to help Josue get baptized. Since then, Josue was ordained a priest and has helped us teach 2 of his nephews, Bruce and Uriel. This weekend, Josue was able to baptize both of them. Watching Josue’s joy was genuinely one of the most gratifying experiences that I’ve ever had. It means more to me than even my proudest accomplishments in the army or my other life endeavors.
I read a quote from Elder Eyring recently that has become very meaningful for me. He states that the Lord’s work and glory aren’t to run an efficient organization. His work and glory are our progress. I have been thinking about this as we try to give the recent converts and members opportunities to contribute in the church. It would be so much easier to just manage the load between the 4 missionaries, but instead we are giving converts and members opportunities to speak in sacrament meeting, teach classes, & help administer ordinances. Supporting them in their efforts– and bailing them out when they fall short– has been some of the most energy-sapping and exhausting work that I’ve done in my life, but it is so gratifying to see their self-confidence and spiritual maturity grow.
Elder Hansen
