I Will Go and Do : Week 81: Goodbye Bridgeport

Hello everyone! I've got big news from this week. But first, I want to bear my testimony and declare my witness that I know that President Russell M. Nelson is a prophet of God. It was confirmed to me as he spoke this morning and as he even in a news conference ministered one by one to the media. His counsel is the Lord's counsel and his words are the Lord's words. "The best is yet to come".

The other big and exciting news is that tomorrow I will be transferred from Bridgeport, CT to Revere, MA. When I found out Friday that I would be leaving, I was initially sad because of all the great things happening here in Bridgeport. But, I will go where the Lord wants me to go. I have truly come to know that President Miller is lead and guided by God in this mission and that he knows the best for me. I am excited to serve so close to Boston and to work with my new companion, Elder Pulu. I'll tell you all about him a little more next week when I actually meet him.

Elder Warner and I have been so blessed. We have loved serving with each other and witnessing the miracles God has blessed us with. We are currently working with so many amazing people. As I have said my "goodbye's" it has been eye opening to see how many people we have worked with over the last 3 months together. There really is no work on earth more rewarding than missionary work.

This week we had a super powerful lesson with Marjorie about temples. Haitian people have some cultural concerns about working with dead people and so we were expecting the worst going into the lesson. As we testified of the temple and explained to her why we have them, she said (in her broken English) "When you talk about temples, I feel the Spirit". It was amazing to see the Spirit resolve any concerns she might of had right in front of us. She is now preparing names for the temple so she can go after she is baptized.

Also this week we were able to set a baptismal date with the whole Abilome family! Caroline, Alexcia, and Brianna are all preparing to be baptized on February 3rd. As we taught them the Plan of Salvation, Caroline was so amazed and happy about this new information that she had concerning her purpose in life. Funny side note: Because they cannot remember our names, they came up with nicknames for us. Elder Warner is "Austin" and I am "Sean".

Over the past couple of weeks, the Ochoa family who we have been teaching has become one of my favorite families on my mission. A couple times a week we go there and have family home evening and teach them one of the lessons. Eugenia, the mother is so determined and faithful to raise her family in the church. She repeatedly says that she wishes she had never left the church and now is going to do all she can to remain strong and faithful. She is such a great mother and I love all her kids. If their father gives them permission, they will be baptized very soon, if not we will hope for a miracle!

Over the past 4 1/2 months, I've grown very close to the members of the ward here and I am very grateful for their love and support, especially the Mitchell family. I am going to miss them. I've been blessed to serve in the Bridgeport Ward and am very excited to hear about the work that will continue to go on here.

Thank you all for the love and support! I'll let you know how Boston is next week. Thank you to everyone that has sent birthday wishes as well. I love you all!!

Love,
Elder Gutierrez