It would be a bummer to leave Columbus after such a short time but whatever the Lord wants.
This week was event full to say in the least. I am going to narrow it down to three main things: The Wedding/Baptism, A Unexpected Confirmation, Temple Trip With a Miracle.
The Wedding/Baptism
Jose Bucio finally married his wife (a member) and then was promptly baptized like immediately afterward, the marriage was only 15 minutes. I was tempted to be one of the witnesses to the wedding but they already had enough and we needed to move along. Jessica Ruiz (17 year old with a lark mom) then followed with her baptism. It was difficult because we only had access to the building for one hour, that was it as such everthing had to be crammed together but it all turn out well. There was a lot of joy and spirit in the air. I had Norma (Jessicas member friend) give a short testimony about her baptism experience. She gave a wonderful and spiritual testimony.
Temple Trip With A Miracle
This last Friday we had the great privilege of bringing two recent converts to the temple to do Baptisms for the Dead. Specifically a son and a mom. The son who has some special needs was flat out refusing to go in because he was nervous, uncomfortable, and just didnt want to. The situation developed to such a point he was crying and we were planning for one of us to stay with him outside while the mom went in. Finally after a half hour we were able to get him to enter. A rather marvelous thing began to occur. He started to smile and act like his normal happy self, he still was very nervous, but he had changed. Finally when it came his turn to do some baptisms rather than refused which we thought would happen he got up immediately and went right in the font. After doing two we didn't have any cards so he began to get out when the Ordinance worker asked me if he wanted to do more. I went to him and asked and no sooner had I done so he took off his glasses and went right back into the font doing another 10 names. Near the end of the trip when I talked with him about it he was smiling and laughing completely of a different mind set from when he had begun. He commented he was proud of himself. I was proud him. But I felt that more importantly heavenly father was proud of his courage to go and do, and as a result blessed him with a wonderful experience and the spirit.
I will tell you the planning and preparation necessary for a wedding and two baptisms this Saturday was pretty stressful. Luckily the Lord was a part of it and as such all was successful.
The Wedding/Baptism
Jose Bucio finally married his wife (a member) and then was promptly baptized like immediately afterward, the marriage was only 15 minutes. I was tempted to be one of the witnesses to the wedding but they already had enough and we needed to move along. Jessica Ruiz (17 year old with a lark mom) then followed with her baptism. It was difficult because we only had access to the building for one hour, that was it as such everthing had to be crammed together but it all turn out well. There was a lot of joy and spirit in the air. I had Norma (Jessicas member friend) give a short testimony about her baptism experience. She gave a wonderful and spiritual testimony.
An Unexpected Confirmation
A very good blessed day for them and especially for us as missionaries. However a rather unexpected turn of events ensued when Jessica (now Sister Ruiz) asked if I could do her confirmation. We had not yet asked her or Jose about it. But when asked who she wanted she immediately pointed to me. I agreed but oh boy was I scared. I would of been nervous to do my very first confirmation in English, but this one had to be done in Spanish. I looked over the specific words that needed to be said and studied various words for the blessing afterward. Needless to say I pretty much forgot all my Spanish but still manage to Confirm her and dictate a few things the Spirit prompter me to. Truth be told afterwards I couldnt remember what I said to her. Its taken time and some prayer to recollect all of it. But in the end she was confirmed and is now a member. Thank goodness for the gift of tongues.
Temple Trip With A Miracle
This last Friday we had the great privilege of bringing two recent converts to the temple to do Baptisms for the Dead. Specifically a son and a mom. The son who has some special needs was flat out refusing to go in because he was nervous, uncomfortable, and just didnt want to. The situation developed to such a point he was crying and we were planning for one of us to stay with him outside while the mom went in. Finally after a half hour we were able to get him to enter. A rather marvelous thing began to occur. He started to smile and act like his normal happy self, he still was very nervous, but he had changed. Finally when it came his turn to do some baptisms rather than refused which we thought would happen he got up immediately and went right in the font. After doing two we didn't have any cards so he began to get out when the Ordinance worker asked me if he wanted to do more. I went to him and asked and no sooner had I done so he took off his glasses and went right back into the font doing another 10 names. Near the end of the trip when I talked with him about it he was smiling and laughing completely of a different mind set from when he had begun. He commented he was proud of himself. I was proud him. But I felt that more importantly heavenly father was proud of his courage to go and do, and as a result blessed him with a wonderful experience and the spirit.
Well that is the news for the week. Many a things happening. We shall see if I am lucky and get to spend my birthday here in Columbus or if they will banish me from this place. I dont know, I feel confident I should be staying but who knows. Probably I will continue to work with Elder Cruz.
As always I close with my love for you all and the hope that all is going great for you guys.
No comments:
Post a Comment