Elder Ethan Jeppson's missionary adventures in Osorno, Chile: Back to Fresia

Hola hola todos! This week flew by. Serving with Elder Quezada has been super good, we have worked with members a lot this week and have seen lots of little milagros with them. One of which was that we had 18 people at the church!! That's the most people we've had since I've been here, honestly those 18 almost made our cute little building feel crowded. I acapella (ocapela? A-capella?) Directed the hymns, and I am positive most of them hadn't heard them before because the number of different pitches present was astounding. The spirit was strong regardless and Elder Quezada was able to lead a great meeting.

I've been studying the Bible a lot this week, and one story that has really stuck in my mind is of Saul.

When the people of Isreal desired a king, the Lord directed the prophet, Samuel, to the Person for the job. The Lord's anointed ended up being Saul, who was "a choice young man, and a goodly. and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he." Regardless, when Samuel started talking to Saul, Saul's reaction was one of self doubt, saying that he was of the smallest family of the smallest tribe of Israel. He even hid himself at the time of his anointing out of fear. However, he is still the Lord's chosen. He gets annointed, and saves his people from the Philistines.

I love this story for two reasons:

1) the bibles use of "goodly" and "goodliest"

2) It shows how powerful callings from the Lord are. Saul was of humble background and had no experience as royalty, but he was anointed by someone who held authority from God. The power that he had came from his calling, came from God, not his own experience or strength.

Similarly, as we try our best to fulfill our roles within our responsibilities and callings, the Lord will bless, sanctify, and consecrate our efforts. With the Lord's help, the least experienced missionary can perform miracles, and without the Lord's help, miracles will cease.

Love y'all!