If You Build It, He Will Come

This week was one of the most memorable weeks of my mission because of one simple fact: the McAllen, Texas, Temple was dedicated as a House of the Lord yesterday. Elder Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came down here to dedicate the temple. We got to watch the dedicatory sessions at our church buildings via broadcast. It truly was an amazing experience to be a part of, and the Spirit was so powerful.

The title quote this week refers to something I've heard as we've prepared for the temple. Every time a temple is dedicated, the Lord Jesus Christ personally comes to accept it as His Holy House. Although we can't see Him, His presence truly can be felt.

This has truly made me appreciate the blessings that come from having a knowledge of God's plan of salvation, having a living prophet and apostles, and the opportunity to make covenants in the temple. The people of the Rio Grande Valley have been praying and waiting for a temple for so long. So many faithful members haven't been able to receive temple blessings because they can't make it past the checkpoints or go back to Mexico. They literally are stuck in between, but they finally have a temple available to them. The Lord truly is aware of all of His children.

A few days before the dedication, my zone had the opportunity to help finish planting flowers and plants on the temple grounds to help prepare the temple for dedication. It was super cool to be a part of that and help with the final preparations.

The work is going super well, and our friends are progressing really well. Jacob had been having some doubts about whether he was ready to be baptized, but as we've kept working with him, we've helped him see and realize that he is and got him back on track. Emma is still beyond excited, especially since we were able to introduce her to another 9-year-old in the ward. They became friends super quickly and are so excited to support one another and see each other at church. We were also able to set our friend Mike, who watched conference, on a baptismal date, and the sisters set a guy named Alan, who lives in our area, on a baptismal date. Needless to say, October is living up to and exceeding all of our expectations and dreams.

Be sure to keep them all in your prayers that as they prepare to be baptized soon, they can do all they need to and listen to the guidance of the Spirit in their lives.

¡Les amo!

-Elder Teeples

Last week's email: "Through Heaven's Eyes" Movie: Prince of Egypt – When Moses leaves Egypt and is living with the people out in the wilderness, he's finally able to understand and know his true worth in God's eyes, and they sing the song "Through Heaven's Eyes."

Pics:

Zone at the temple after service
Planting flowers
The standard works (see if there's maybe something that doesn't fit)
Enjoying some food with President after tech council
Cat falling through the roof
The temple at sunrise before service





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