This
was a week to remember!! Many, many miracles!! I don't have much time
but I thought I would let you all in on what amazing-ness happened this
last week!
MIRACLE 1: We were visiting some recent converts
when we had the chance to meet their niece, Atenea who is 11 years old.
She had gone to church and LOVED it. We taught her the importance of
following the example of Christ and being baptized just as he was. She
excitedly exclaimed that she would love to and that she wanted to do it
as soon as possible. Her aunt, a recent convert, shared her excitement
but explained to us that she would need the permission of her father.
Rather directly, she told us that her father would probably not give
Atenea permission because he barely let her even go to church. We
taught Atenea prayer and invited her to pray that her father would let
her do something so important and special. She finished the lesson with
the prayer and asked the Lord to help her father give her permission.
Friday when we passed by again she happily informed us that he had
given her permission!! I was amazed at the power prayer and faith that
Atenea had and the miracle that they produced. I was humbled by that
small lesson she taught me and I am so happy for her!!
MIRACLE 2: Francisco and Patricia get
baptized!!!!!!!!!!! That was the most amazing baptism I have had yet!
Getting them there was no easy feat and took a miracle. Tuesday was
the last time we were able to talk to them...and until Saturday we saw
them. President Fuentes, the 1st Counselor in the mission presidency,
came to do special interviews with the two of them to help them repent
of past mistakes; something they wouldn't be able to be baptized
without. We had been trying to call them all week but they never
answered. We later found out that he had run out of money on his phone
and that's why he could never answer. However, not knowing that made me
worry a ton. I had prayed and prayed asking for miracles and I was
worried that it might be not them. Fortunately, upon arriving at their
house, we found them still there. They were on their way out when the
architect that is helping them with their 10th or 11th house they are
building had shown up. Miraculously, we were able to find them home.
President Fuentes talked to the two of them and they came out of the
interviews having decided on being baptized the next day!
The baptism was so beautiful. Many members came and
were happy to see another priesthood holder join the ranks. (side
note: the ward doesn't have many priesthood holders and we have taken
upon ourselves to find some!) Paco and Paty were beside themselves with
emotion. We took a really great picture that I had hoped to send to
you guys but my memory card with its viruses didn't let me... Anyways, I
baptized Paco and when he came out of the water with a huge smile, I met
him with a huge hug. He whispered a sincere thanks and I responded with congratulations. I will remember the feeling of love I felt as gave him
that hug, as if it were feeling a little bit of what the Lord feels for
him. Then Paty came around the corner crying her head off. HAHA,
literally alligator tears. Thankfully, the member that had invited her
to the first lessons gave her a hug and shared a moment of excitement.
Paty entered the water and Elder McMullin baptized her. She came out with
the hugest grin and determination. They were each given a moment to
talk about their experience to which they shared with us a Spirit driven
desire to really leave their old life behind and start a new one! I
can hardly wait to see them progress. OH, Mom and Dad, I told them that
you guys were coming to pick me up and they REALLY want to meet you
guys. They want to take us out to eat while you are here!
Well, what a wonderful week! We also had a family
of four, the Rangel Cruz Family, come with us to church and we are
helping them prepare for baptism this coming week! I'll have to let you
all know how things went! I love you and I LOVED the pictures you took
both in Manti and on the Daybreak letters!! What a beautiful family I
am blessed to be a part of!!
Love,
Elder Janis
