We had two great baptisms this week—one is another potential Melchizedek priesthood holder: Dennis Morales. He is the last member of his family to be baptized, so now they are a complete family! Also, Aquino was the one to baptize him and Moniecel. And he blessed the sacrament for the first time yesterday. We’re trying to get him involved as much as possible in serving and using his priesthood. Because of Aquino’s example, Dennis also wants to be active in using the priesthood. He wants to baptize our next candidates in December.
Our success in Can-Avid comes because of the members. Every evening we work with two Relief Society members who give us referrals for the professors at the local university and other professionals. After a few months of working with us, we’ve noticed that these sisters have become fearless in sharing their testimony with all their friends and family. They know how to be a missionary and open their mouth to everyone, not worrying if they will be rejected or not.
Cool story: One of our investigators, Rowel, hasn’t been reading or attending church after several lessons. We were preparing to drop him until he is ready to keep commitments. Saturday evening we visited him and asked him if he had read. To our surprise he actually read for the first time. Not only that, but he is almost to the book of MOSIAH!! (that’s over 200 pages). He told us of his desires to get rid of all his vices and join our church. His countenance has completely changed after he had started to “feast upon the word.” The power of the Book of Mormon is real! It is the converting power to change lives. To change our very character.
Glenn still isn't allowed to continue the lessons or attend church BUT a few days ago, he asked for another Book of Mormon to give to his friend! That's the true sign of conversion: when we SHARE the gospel!! He's going to be just fine, it'll just take time.
We've been back to the police 2 or 3 times now and things are still going great! We've been able to narrow down the officers to the ones who are willing to act and are truly interested. Also, we taught the prisoners the Plan of Salvation, focusing on repentance and the Atonement. Two days later, they have already read up to 2 Nephi 2! They have nothing else to do, haha.
I've been studying about how Christ is the true vine, from John 15:1-5. It teaches that every good thing comes from Christ. Without Christ, we are truly nothing. We cannot bring forth any fruit of our own efforts. Christ is the vine and we are the branches.
I love you all! SEEYA NEXT WEEK!!! KITAKITS!!
Love always,
Sister Amanda Smith
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| Oceanside baptism for Moniecel and Dennis, with Aquino as baptizer (Aquino was just baptized himself just 2 weeks before)! |
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| meeting with police.. . ignore whatever is on my shirt, lol |
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| visiting the prisoners in jail! |
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| last district activity |
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| people like to decorate their homes with egg shells. . . .????? |
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| baptismal candidates |
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