it was transfers this last week, and I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER! It was super sad leaving Cosquín (I had been there for 6 months!), but I'm stoked to now be in La Rioja! My mission consists of 3 different provinces, Córdoba (where most of the mission is), Catamarca (where I started my mission), and La Rioja (where I'm at now). I got the trifecta! This province is well known for being HOT. SO SO HOT. Seriously though, my first day it was toooooooastyyyyy and they said it was a calmer day. Today, a storm came in (which NEVER happens here) so it's a cool day today, but everyone tells me I need to buckle up.
Another great thing is that my new companion is Elder Corgiat, who I've known since I started in Catamarca. Also in this zone are familiar faces Elders Singley, León, and my trainer Elder Farfal! It'll be a good transfer, and there is a LOT of work to be done. The people have already been so open and nice!
I'll send some cool pics I have from the week, it's been pretty great.
This week I've really loved studying the topic of the Savior's atonement and repentance (I hope you are all reading Ven Sigueme (Come Follow Me)). In my farewell talk in Cosquín I talked about the story of Alma the Younger. A wicked dude, lots of trouble, against everything the church stood for. However, after his encounter with an angel of the Lord, the was left motionless and speechless for 3 days. At the end of that time, he awoke and proclaimed that he had repented and that God and Christ exist and love us, and then went on to become a great missionary. He talks later about his experience (Alma 36), and one part always stands out to me.
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus aracked with torment, while I was bharrowed up by the cmemory of my many sins, behold, I dremembered 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, ahave mercy on me, who am bin the cgall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting dchains of edeath.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my apains bno more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
20 And oh, what ajoy, 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.
Alma's conversion and repentance all began with the simple act of remembering the Savior and His sacrifice, then calling upon his name for forgiveness. That turned all his sorrow and pain into joy and light.
The same can happen in our lives! If any of you are "racked with torment" or feel pain because of your sins, remember Christ! He is there and real and He loves you! Ask Him for forgiveness, and you can feel the same sweetness and joy as Alma did. I testify of that!
Love you all, have a great week!
Elder Jenkins
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