I will never forget this week. I wish I could share some things in more detail...but I realize I don't really know who all reads this anymore. It all started off with getting my new companion, Elder Martinez. He is from Oregon (Portland area) and has been on his mission for 10 months. Pretty crazy. He is a really good missionary and I am excited for the next six weeks.
Top of Ensign peak with Elder Martinez
On Tuesday we picked up the new missionaries and had an orientation/welcome. It was awesome and the new Elders and Sisters are amazing. Then we had to say "goodbye" to all the departing missionaries. Two of them were my previous companions. Shoutout Elder Julian and Elder Canty...they taught me a lot.
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| Saying "goodbye" to the other Clay (Clay Canty) |
We also had a girl we are teaching say she wants to serve a mission. Then like two days later we had one of the most spirit-filled lessons I have ever been a part of. And it was while talking about the Word of Wisdom haha. We then talked about baptism and the Atonement. I know everyone there felt the spirit and how personal Christ's sacrifice is. We also brought a recent convert to the lesson and that was so critical. She chose to be baptized next week after that lesson.
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| Hiking up Ensign Peak with the new missionaries |
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| The Tabernacle with the new missionaries |
Okay...now for the really interesting part of the week. I don't even know where to start with this. I want to go in-depth but will probably have to wait... but remember my friend Clay we met last week? Well, we didn't get to talk a lot this week, but on Saturday in the morning, we invited him to attend another baptismal service with us. This one was for a family of four though, which is extra special.
After the baptism, Clay decided he wanted to get baptized right there. We were at a house next to the church and he wanted to get baptized in the swimming pool we were next to haha. In order to not just completely crash this person's baptismal party...we started making lots of phone calls to make his dream of being baptized come true this weekend. We scheduled and set up his baptism to happen less than 24 hrs later. It was a crazy day. Especially because we still had to do exchanges that night haha. Clay came to church and a quote from him was "I have been waiting too long. It's been 19 years..." He is such a good guy.
This is where the hard part comes in. We made sure the font was open and filled. We were doing it in this brand new building in the heart of downtown. Pretty legendary church. But less than 30 minutes before it was supposed to start, we got a text from Clay saying his family doesn't approve and were pretty upset. I won't go into details...but that was probably the worst text I have gotten on my mission. Mostly because I felt his pain and I know how much he wants to be baptized and make that promise to God. Please pray for Clay and the people that he cares about.
We ended up having a great little devotional with the Stake President who came to the baptism. The evening was good and all the members and nonmembers that came to the baptism supported each other and are so excited for Clay to be baptized soon.
To help describe what it's like talking to Clay, here is a quote I'll share that's from when he learned about the Plan of Salvation:
"Okay so they will also be given the chance to accept the gospel?" - Clay
"Yes" - Teacher
"SICK" - Clay
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| Tesla ride while planning his baptism |
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| Elder Canty, Elder Weed and Elder Julian |
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| Baptismal interview with Elder Fernandez |
Song of the Week:
- Gethsemane. This song was played at the baptism we went to with Clay, and he liked it so much that he chose it to be sung at his baptism.
Scripture of the Week:
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord aseeth not as bman seeth; for man looketh on the outward cappearance, but the dLord looketh on the eheart.
God loves you.
- Elder Ditto
Too bad about Clay, but maybe he just needs more time since you only met him a week ago, usually you have several lessons with an investigator, right? Seems like it usually takes at least a few weeks. What did you think of the Tesla? Make it a great week! love, the Button's
ReplyDeleteIt must be very disappointing, but as a parent I can see that they would want him to be certain with a bit more time and consideration. Give them opportunity to adjust and understand more of what he is committing to, hopefully that will help in their relationship and his ability to keep his covenants.
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