My heart is full as I had an amazing week! I witnessed two of our greatly elect and prepared baptismal candidates enter into the waters of baptism! This week was full of preparations and making sure that they were ready, ready! And, they definitely were! Brother C even gave me a HUGE native bag/purse and a another littler purse for his gratitude and said he has something for the boys and for everyone in my family! He loves you all, whether you're here or not--so i'll bring them back for you! It's crazy how big the purse he gave me..it's half my big suitcase and i think it'll be my carrying on because if I pack it i'll have no room for anything else! He was so nervous for the baptism and so shy..everytime his son who baptized him tried to practice, he'd tell him to stop because he was too shy..he did have to be baptized three times and on the third time it was finally okay! His testimony put me into tears as he shared his experience of approaching me where I was from and knew at that minute that this was the time for him as we asked to meet his family--from there, it was history! He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.. what a powerful experience/baptism that I was honored to be apart of!
Then, on Sunday, we had the baptism of B! Man, the trials that came as he was called to work on Sundays and he wasn't going to be able to attend church on Sunday until his baptism at 4pm. Then, I found out if he would have work on Sundays from now on and he responded "yes, man, the trials that i've been given as I've tried to prepare!" I started questioning whether we should go through with his baptism or wait until he is solid and won't have to work on Sundays, etc. because I knew he would be baptized and be inactive...well, I felt a distinct impression that we needed to go through with his baptism and low and behold, we showed up to church on Sunday and our prayers were answered..he was called earlier that morning and told he wasn't needed..The Lord, I testify, gives us trials, but it's to make us stronger and if we continue with faith, he'll bless us like he did Benjie! He was baptized and will be confirmed next Sunday as a member as well!
We had an interview for our candidate, J next week and he will be baptized Saturday! He even gave the prayer at B's baptism as preparation and did great! But, we are fulfilling the goal of the mission as a companionship..we have a baptism scheduled every week until mid march! It was quite a rough journey, but the Lord blessed us with the fruits of our labor and we're just at the beginning of seeing them enter into the waters of baptism!
What a great and blessed week! I feel blessed to be serving in this ward at this time..as transfers are coming up, I am trying to accept what may happen..I may stay to see them all continue into the waters of baptism or I may be transferred..But, whatever it may be, I was placed in their lives for a reason and know that if I may transfer, my purpose was finished here..if I stay, we'll contine to harvest the fruits here in 5th ward!
I love you all and know this church is true! Stay strong through anything and everything in our lives and the Lord will bless us..I am praying for you all, pirme (always)!!! xo
I'm headed to go golfing..i miss it! We'll see how great the golf courses are here! :)
Sister Arnold
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