Week 65

Hey Everyone!

This week was amazing! Probably the best yet of my whole entire mission! :D  Our investigator, Brother Romeo... has been listening to the discussions for a couple of months now and hadn't been able to make a decision or recognize an answer.  The week before his scheduled baptism came and he had to finally decide whether or not he wanted to be baptized.  Even though he still wasn't sure if it was true, he decided he liked what he was hearing and was willing to make those covenants with God and endure to the end... so he qualified for baptism.  When our district leader interviewed him, he could tell that Brother Romeo is still a little confused about some of the doctrines, but he said "well... the spirit says he can be baptized."  That made me feel a whole lot better.  If the spirit says he can be baptized, I don't need to worry about it.  The last lesson we taught before his interview was about revelation and the scriptures and we explained to him that there are errors in the bible and showed him some Joseph Smith Translations... I felt like I just told a little kid that there was no Santa.  But he took it well... and he believes that everything we are sharing is true.  The day of his baptism, he was super nervous... he was also super excited and was not turning back.  He was baptized by President Aquino... his special request... which is very rare... but an awesome opportunity.  When he came out of the water he had a great big smile on his face and afterwards he had the opportunity to share his testimony.  When he stood to share his testimony, he just looked like he was glowing.  He was SO happy!  He didn't share that he knows the church is true or that Joseph Smith is a true prophet, but he shared his experience about having to make a decision and about just wanted to find the truth and find happiness.  And I think he has definitely found the happiness he has been searching for.  Yesterday, he received the gift of the holy ghost and was interviewed to receive the aaronic priesthood.  We are very excited for him and admire his faith.  I have no doubt he felt the spirit a lot these last few days and we just need to continue to help him recognize that those feelings and that happiness he feels if from the Holy Ghost that is witnessing to him that this really is the way to salvation. :D  I have no doubt he will gain a true testimony over time and that he will become a great strength to the church.

 

Our other investigator brother Conrado, was also baptized Saturday.  He is amazing as well and although medyo old, he will also be a great strength to the branch.  He is very poor, so we're just trying to do our best to make sure he has a way to come to church every Sunday.  He's wonderful and funny.  He was a little confused when asked to share his testimony... he stood up, folded his arms, and began to pray... oops, haha.  The Branch MIssion Leader helped him out. :D  We love him. And I am just so happy!  

In Sunday School, the man who started the debate last week was there again... and he was at it again.  We watched the Restoration DVD and I'm sure that everyone, including him, felt the spirit.  Afterwards, this brother started saying how it was a work of man and that the catholic church is God's church, but he says he believes that this church is also true... he kept contradicting himself and just wouldn't listen.  Luckily, we had a member from the stake come and got him to be quiet for a few minutes and allowed several others to share their testimonies and what they felt during the video.  I was very proud of all the other members and investigators in that class who shared.  Everything they said was out of love for this man and for God and everyone shook his hand after class.  Of course I want this man to continue to come to church, but part of me is a little worried about what other things he might say that could confuse our other investigators.  It just made me happy to hear all the others defending the church and I know their testimonies were also strengthened through this experience.

Our investigator, Brother Reynaldo, who is more than amazing, was not able to come to church.  We had heard the other day from his wife that he was sick so after church we decided to stop by and see how he was doing.  He really did not look good at all! Apparently the had gone to the hospital earlier that day.  We started to explain about priesthood blessing to his wife because she wasn't there when he received one to help with his Word of Wisdom, and just as we began to explain to her, Brother Reynaldo who was lying on the couch with his eyes closed began nodding and said he would like one.  Ah, his faith is so strong!!! :D  We called our branch president who said to call another brother who lives close by.  We walked to his house and he was so willing to come with us even though he wasn't sure how and I think it was one of the very first times to give a blessing of healing.  He was nervous, but it was a beautiful blessing and afterwards, Brother Reynaldo immediately looked a whole lot better and started chatting with this member and smiling.  It was amazing! I love the Priesthood. :D  That member ended up working with us the whole rest of the night and he was amazing and I could see that the experience really strengthened his testimony as well.

I am so grateful for the gospel in my life.  I know that it is true.  I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth and that if we live by its teachings until the end of our lives, we will fulfill our purpose here on earth and return to live with God again and receive a fullness of joy in his presence.  I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.  I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and that through him, the Church that Jesus Christ himself established, was restored to the earth.  I know that if we don't endure to the end... and if we don't keep the commandments... we will not reach our full potential and will be miserable.  We taught a less active man the other day and really just explained it to him very simply.  Sister Butler and I called that lesson "Operation POS Smackdown."

We shared Mosiah 2:36-41 and I think he understood.  He came to church for the first time since I've been in this area and I think he intends to stay and finally fulfill his calling... we've been struggling without him for a while.  His calling is kinda important... :D  The work is hastening... we can't afford to waste time or go astray.  We need to continue to hold fast to the iron rod and press forward.  If we don't, we'll fall and it will be too late to come back.  Anyways... I love you all so much!  And you are all amazing!  And... I am so lucky to have such a great family.  I can't express how much I love you all.  And I can't express how much I want to live with you all again for eternity. hehe. :D

BYE!!!!

Sister McClellan

 

 

PS HI! This is Sister Butler. I'm Sister McClellan's awesome companion. I'm just adding a bit on here...because I want to. So I have a request for all of you. I know that you LOVE Sister McClellan SSSSOOOO much...and I know that it would be just awesome if you would SHOW her your love by sending her a HAND WRITTEN letter by the end of August.  None of you are exempted. Each of you (little children included) should send her a letter. It would mean the world to her and it would make her very happy. Please do it. :) Thanks! you're all awesome! I love you...even though I don't know you. :) Have a great day!
 



At the baptism

 

 

My district