How are you? This week has been a tough one, but a blessed one. Elder B was sick. And as a result we were inside for 3 days in a row. It was tough. Life was boring but i learned some very valuable lessons with the extra study time that i had.
I listened to a talk given by President James E. Faust. I dont have time to explain it in full so i will do my best to shorten it while still including the important parts. He spoke of an Amish community in the country side on Pennsylvania. They had a " Quiet milk man" who came weekly to do his rounds. He was pleasant, happy, and a friend to his clients. But one day his life changed.. His 1st born died. Angry at God, he decided to take his rage out in the most horrific way possible. He headed to his Amish community, took 10 of their young school girls, lining them up against the school house wall. He then proceeded to take a pistol from his belt and shoot every single one of those young women. Killing 5 and putting 5 in the hospital. Then using one of the 2 remaining bullets to take his own life. But the events that proceeded this tragedy touched my heart and soul and gave me a desire to be better. This Amish community reached out to the family of this murderer. Filling their home with flowers, cards, home cooked meals, and personal visits. Ensuring her, comforting her, and let this woman know that they had FORGIVEN her husband. Had forgiven his murders and wanted to make sure she was ok. After the public received word of this, money flooded in, in order to cover funeral and medical costs. And in the true spirit of charity, the Amish community gave half of the money to the family to pay for the funeral of her husband. They were half of the congregation in attendance. And mourned with this family the loss of their father and husband. They were disciples of Christ. And new and had allowed his gospel to become a part of them. Knowing that only as they forgave could they be forgiven. Let us become better. Let us forgive. Because when we do not we only hurt ourselves. And if we wish to be forgiven we must be willing to forgive.
Love,
Elder Garcia
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