Study Guide for "I Believe in Angels"

In this talk, Elder Carlos A. Godoy shares his personal experiences with angels in his life, not celestial beings, but people who served as instruments in the hand of God. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating these angels in our lives, and encourages us to be willing to serve as angels to others, particularly those who are new or returning to the Church.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does Elder Godoy mean when he says he believes in angels?
Who were the "angels" in Elder Godoy's life and how did they help him?
What does Elder Godoy suggest are the key elements in helping new converts adjust to life in the Church?
What role can each of us play in being "angels" for others?

Topics

Recognizing Angels in Our Lives

Elder Godoy emphasizes the importance of recognizing the "angels" in our lives, those people who serve as instruments in the hand of God. These angels are often those who help us in our spiritual journey and provide support in times of need.

The angels that walk among us in our everyday lives are powerful reminders of God’s love for us.

Thanks to all these angels, and many others I encountered during those important early years, I received enough strength to remain on the covenant path as I gained a spiritual witness of the truth.

Who are some "angels" in your life and how have they helped you?
How can recognizing these "angels" help us see God's love for us?
Who are the "angels" in your life that have helped you on your spiritual journey?
How can you express gratitude to these "angels"?

Serving as Angels to Others

Elder Godoy encourages us to be willing to serve as angels to others, particularly those who are new or returning to the Church. He emphasizes the need for us to step out of our comfort zones and provide the friendship, responsibility, and nurturing that these individuals need.

The Lord is always looking for willing volunteers to be angels in others’ lives.

Brothers and sisters, would you be willing to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands? Would you be willing to be one of these angels?

Angels are needed, right now; angels who are willing to leave their comfort zone to embrace them.

What does it mean to serve as an "angel" to others?
Why is it important to be willing to serve as an "angel" to others?
Who are some individuals in your life that you could serve as an "angel" to?
What are some specific ways you could serve as an "angel" to these individuals?

The Challenges Faced by New Converts

Elder Godoy discusses the challenges faced by new converts, including feeling out of place and alone. He emphasizes the importance of friendship, Church responsibilities, and nurturing by the good word of God in helping new converts adjust to life in the Church.

As you can imagine, remaining active in the Church was challenging for a teenager whose lifestyle had just changed and whose family was not taking the same path.

When it comes to your happiness and salvation, it is always worth the effort to keep trying. It is worth the effort to adjust your lifestyle and traditions.

What are some of the challenges faced by new converts?
Why are friendship, Church responsibilities, and nurturing by the good word of God important in helping new converts adjust?
How can you help new converts in your ward or branch feel welcome and included?
What are some specific ways you could provide the friendship, responsibility, and nurturing that new converts need?

The Role of Church Activities and Responsibilities in Conversion

Elder Godoy shares his personal experience of how Church activities and responsibilities played a critical role in his conversion and integration into the Church. He emphasizes the importance of these elements in helping individuals feel a part of the Church community.

These good friends made a big difference, but not having the gospel taught in my home with a supportive family still put my ongoing conversion process at risk. My gospel interactions in the Church became even more crucial to my growing conversion.

He gave me the chance to act and to learn and not just be an observer of the gospel. He trusted me, more than I trusted myself.

How can Church activities and responsibilities help individuals feel a part of the Church community?
Why is it important for individuals to not just observe, but also act and learn in the gospel?
What are some Church activities or responsibilities that have helped you feel a part of the Church community?
How can you help others feel included and involved in Church activities and responsibilities?

The Gospel as a Source of Love and Ministering

Elder Godoy concludes his talk by expressing gratitude for the gospel, which he describes as a gospel of love and ministering. He testifies of the opportunity the gospel gives us to change and become better, and the role it plays in guiding us to serve others.

I am also grateful for His gospel that helps us to change and gives us the chance to be better.

This is a gospel of love, a gospel of ministering.

How does the gospel help us to change and become better?
What role does the gospel play in guiding us to serve others?
How has the gospel helped you to change and become better?
How can you use the principles of the gospel to serve others in your life?