Here is a letter that Aaron sent to our Bishop. It was hand written, but I typed it here to share with you:
I would like to say how grateful I am to all of those that have supported me and made it possible that I can be here on my mission. I hope that I have done well to live up to your sacrifices. This time the Lord has given me to teach others His gospel has been very special. I would have to say that it is not the easiest thing, but it's very fulfilling. I think I somewhat take for granted the Gospel at times in my life, but being here in Peru has helped me realize how grateful I am to be a member of the Church and to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. In the Doctrine and Covenants Joseph Smith said that after all the testimonies that could be given, the most important would be a testimony of the Savior. I feel the same. Of the things that I have been able to experience, the most powerful has been to be able to witness the atonement take effect in the lives of people. I personally at times have forgotten the importance of repentance in my life, but I'm thankful that I have a personal testimony of the Savior. Probably the most powerful experience I have had so far on my mission would be seeing one of my investigators take the step of repentance seriously in her life. When we were teaching Martha and her daughter, Pilar; Martha was pretty doubtful at times, but kept the commitments. She wanted us to focus more on teaching her daughter. Pilar got her answer first and was very excited to be baptized. She even told her mom that to get her answers she would have to keep praying. I remember when we taught the 3rd lesson, that was the turning point for her mom. We taught her of repentance and left some scriptures for her to read in the Book of Mormon. A couple of days later we passed by. She told us that she had read and her attitude was very different. She asked me about the importance of repentance and that for her it was very important. I shared with her my testimony and promised her that if she would pray to be forgiven of her sins and be baptized that she would be clean. She promised us that she would. The day of her baptism was very special to me. After they were baptized, I was able to listen to Pilar bear testimony of the Book of Mormon and prayer. It was very powerful. Then when Martha stood to share her testimony she looked out at everyone for a moment, started to cry and said, "I feel happy." A very simple testimony like hers made me feel the Spirit stronger than ever before in my life. Her testimony changed the focus of my mission. I am so thankful to know that the Church is true, that the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and that Jesus Christ was willing to die for our sins. I know that He is the Savior and that His Sacrifice, if we apply to our lives can make us happy. Again, I am very thankful for the support that has been given to me. The time I have left in the mission is very short, but I hope that I can help more people receive the happiness in their lives that can only come from the gospel. Love, Elder Barrett
The Best Two Years
Elder Aaron Barrett's Mission to Cusco, Peru May 2011 - May 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Mom,
Well after 20 hours of travel I made it to Juliaca as you can see in the pictures it is pretty flat, but it's huge, probably the biggest sector I've had. The people here are a little hard hearted. We have an average of one person per hour that wants to talk to us (and that's a contact) I'm thinking of some things we can do to reach more people, but there is a stake here so there is growth. My companion is Elder Hidalgo from the jungle of PerĂº in Iquitos. He is awesome. Pretty sure he is my last companion. I'm in my second ward of the mission. I've been in 2 family goups 2 branches and 2 wards so I think that evens out. Things are good, hope you have a great week, love you.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Mom,
Glad everything went well with your surgery. Things here are a little cold too and it rains everyday! Well it's about to get a lot colder. I'm going back to Puno to end my mission in Juliaca. I have 20 hours of travel that start tonight ha ha, thanks to the terrorism in Cusco and all that. It's the shortest time I have ever been in a sector here, we didn't have much success, but I feel the sector is better than when we got here so that makes me feel good. Wow I can't believe I'm going to my last sector, that is crazy to me. Have to pack up all my stuff again, and get ready for the 20 hour BUS ride ha ha. (well 19 hours, there is a one hour break). I hope you guys have a great week! I love you guys
Monday, February 18, 2013
Mom,
I'm glad you and Dad were able to do temple work for the family, I'm sure that was a special experiance. I hope Cara and Chad can get into the apartment they want. This week went well, we had a awesome family home evening yesterday with a reference the branch president gave us. This Sunday are transfers, I think I might have a transfer, but I guess I'll find out. I'm thankful that Heavenly Father is always helping me to learn and grow, and realize how much I dont know. I felt reminded yesterday sharing my testimony with a family about how amazing the gospel really is, it's everything. Like you said just the fact of knowing that God has a plan for us so that we can be happy and being able to know that then feel the spirit in our lives, I think makes all the difference. I remember a few scriptures where Jesus talks about those who want to be his disciples, and gives a parable to ask if were willing to pay the price, today I was reminded that instead of asking God to take our pains away we should ask to have the faith and the strength to support our problems, I think maybe that's where the price comes in and we are able to gain experience and become as heavenly father. Love ya Mom hope everyone has a good week.
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