A Ministry in Mexico: An Unsettling Experience

Hiya y'all!

This week was good. We had interviews with President, and then directly after training with the assistants. It was fantastic; they taught a ton of technique for securing people for attending church which was wonderful. There is a lot that Preach My Gospel doesn't have that we needed to learn.... For example, when a person says "Que Cree..." the following will always be a lie about why they can't come to church wish us, and we have been practicing navigating around these "reasons." Haha.

Despite all of this work and practice we were unable to bring investigators to the chapel with us, which was a huge disappointment. We were able to reactivate two menos activos (less actives) this week, which was great, but my heart is full of my investigators, and every time we have empty seats next to us in the chapel, it breaks.

We are trying to figure out what is going on, but so far have been unsuccessful. Looking forward to answers to our many prayers and fasts; as soon as we fix whatever it is we are gonna have super exito!

One quick thing:

Last night Elder Medina and I were working in one of the Colonias close to our house and were waiting for the bus. Across the very busy street in the dark we saw a man dragging what we could only assume was his girlfriend by the hair several yards to their car, when he started to literally beat her up.

We couldn't do anything because we couldn't get across the street, but I have never been so angry and frustrated at the same time. Fortunately after a couple of minutes one of the men on the other side of the street stepped in and stopped it, but it doesn't negate the fact that it happened.

Men, there is no excuse, ever, absolutely no excuse, to lay a finger on a woman out of anger. It takes a coward who has the heart of a worm to do so. Every woman is a precious daughter of God, a princess of a king. When you pass away you will have to look the Eternal Father in the eye and say that you hurt one of his beautiful daughters. I can guarantee the shame and the pain you will feel in that moment will far outstrip any offense or fault you may have found with the woman in question. There are not words sharp enough that can cut deep enough into your heart to understand this.

Women, if you have a boyfriend or husband who is like this, please know that a.) you are loved by your Father in Heaven and those around you, and b.) that there is ALWAYS someone better. The most heartbreaking thing I have seen yet in Mexico is when this woman went to the defense of her abuser, stopping her savior, only to be beat up again about fifteen minutes later. You are the best judge of what to do in your situation, but do not forget to counsel with your loving Father in each judgement you make.

....

Calming down....

Maybe.....

Ok. Ready.

Thank you all so much for your continued love, prayers, and support. Know that it is returned equally, and I appreciate every bit.

Love,

Elder Kennington

Preguntas Mas Rapido

Q: Where do you hang up your laundry to dry?

A: We hang it up outside on a clothes line that you can't see in this photo :)

Q: Has the altitude (you are at 8,793 feet) affected you?

A: Yup. I am so grateful that the landscape is flat as paper because I am often very short of breath. :)

Q: Did Elder Medina have a fun birthday?

A: Yes, as long as the P day lasted. He was a little upset that we had our P Day cut short. :)

Q: Toluca is the fifth largest metropolitan area in the country; are you in a suburb or in downtown Toluca?

A: Downtown Toluca for sure. The nearest green is a neon building down the block. Will send a photo if I can sneak one. :)

Q: Do you think you might be able to visit the volcano there? According to Wikipedia you can drive right into the crater and there are a couple of beautiful lagoons to visit.

A: If we have time on P Day! I can see it from the street; it is huge! That would be way cool.

It is Birthday Time with Elder Medina and one of the families in the ward.