Volcano in Chile! Missionary work in Talcahuano Progressing

April 27, 2015

Dear Family,

Greetings from the highly volcanic nation of Chile!

It is good to hear from you all.  The best thing about p-day isn’t going to get groceries, or picking up clean laundry from a members home, or even having a little break.  The best thing about my p-days is hearing that you guys are all right, doing well in the things you do, and just being awesome.

Here in Talcahuano things are going well.  The volcano hasn’t affected us, but a lot of people are talking about it.  It was a really big eruption.  It was quite a long ways from where I am, so don’t worry, the ash isn’t piling up here like it is farther south. 

Things here in Talcahuano have been going a little bit crazy.  We are teaching a guy named Roberto.  He has one leg; his other leg was amputated because of diabetes.  He has gone to church three times in a row.  He has a wheel chair, and there are different members with cars that go to pick him up.  He is about 65 and we found him talking to people in the streets.  He has to stop smoking and drinking coffee but he has come a long ways with the Word of Wisdom.  He said last week he stopped smoking and drinking coffee.  He has been slowing down gradually, but if he smokes again we will change his baptismal date from the 9th to the 16th of May. 

Christian, the guy who used to smoke, drink, and consume coffee and tea, has been doing well with the Word of Wisdom, but we have to keep postponing his baptism because of his work, he is often far away for up to 2 weeks at a time.  There is a possibility that we could baptize Christian this Saturday, but we aren’t sure if he will be in town.  Please pray for Roberto, that he will never smoke or drink coffee again, and for Christian, that he will be able to find a more stable job.  Your prayers of faith make a difference. 

You guys are awesome.  I love you all.  I hope you all have a great day today.  I love you all more than the number of square inches of Chile and Argentina that have been covered in volcanic ash.

With lots of love,

Elder Withers