What
a week.
Highlight by far was
the baptism service for Matt and Eddy. Matt's parents came to support him and
we're very open to his decision. And the service was really great. Their friend
Josephine gave a talk on baptism and the time came for the ordinance. Brother
Akina (conducting) said "who wants to go first?" they looked at each
other communicating with no words. They often did this in our lessons when we'd
ask, "Who wants to say the prayer?" Them Matt got up and made the
first move and was BAPTIZED!
Their friend Anthony,
who joined the church a year ago preformed the ordinance. He very gently guided
them into the water, we weren't sure if they'd get all the way down at first or
not, but all is well. As Matt walked up the stairs and Eddy down into the font,
Anthony clapped his fist into his palm and moved them together in excitement as
if saying, "Alright! one down one to go, let’s do this!"
Sister Akina,
and some other fellowship bore their testimony as the three young men changed.
She said many powerful words. It was wonderful to see all these people in the
room that loved and supported them. Eddy's parents did not come :( but you
would have known by looking at his face. They were so bright and smiley. I feel
so blessed to have witnessed their transformation
We gave them the
opportunity to bear their testimony after their baptism. Eddy stood up and said”
I know this church is true-" ZIP! His fly was down and someone in
the audience motioned to him, so he quickly zipped it up in front of everyone. We
all laughed, he took it as such a sport- nothing could ruin this day- and he
proceeded with his testimony.
The next day at church
they got the Holy Ghost. When that was announced the first councilor said,
"We will now be having the confirmation of Matt and Eddy- sounds like a tv
show..." the congregation laughed. They were so excited; Eddy got it first
and hugged all the men in the circle. It's great to see the bond with all the
leaders he has made. Matt got up to let him in the pew, and started walking up
them stopped turned around and fist pumped Eddy :) It is just so great to see
teenage boys so excited and bonded in the gospel! After they were sustained new
members the bishop had them go up and bare testimony to the ward. They used to
be such quite guys, but they were very comfortable at the pulpit and both were
amazing. Matt said "Hello, I'm Matt in the Matt and Eddy Combination"
then proceeded to tell how he knew this church was true and how much he loved
the scriptures and the special feelings he got when reading them and listening
to the missionaries (hey that’s me!) in lessons and the words of the
prophets.
Jessy (who is getting
baptized THIS Saturday) wasn’t at church. This was the first time since we
started teaching him that he hasn’t been there. we were a little worried and
after sacrament asked sister toliver if she knew where he was she said,
"why yes I do" and she showed us a picture he sent her of him and
sister hiatt. He went to the Ventura ward where she was serving so he could see
her. (she was my companion last transfer!)
The other day sister Dixon and I were walking on the street (wait what?! go figure ;) and a young mom was bringing her son home from kindergarten. WE got to talking (my opening line actually was a comment on the boys sonic t-shirt, so thanks Tanner and Brady for educating me in the cartoon). We taught her about prophets and the apostasy, the book of mormon etc. She actually has already been to an LDS service with her friend a few weeks ago. When we gave her the book of mormon she said, "This is mine?!" and we have our first appointment with her tomorrow." God prepares his children to receive his message. We can tell she is one of them. We talk to many people, lots of good people too, but their hearts just aren't open.
I've become quite
attached to the people here in Moorpark. I know I will eventually have to leave
so I’m just soaking in all I can now, because I know wherever I am sent next
will be when and where I am supposed to be at that time.
I started rereading
the new testament (I finished Jesus the Chirst did I mention that? SUCH a great
book). I am 1 chapter away from finishing john. I love the new testament and
how the first 4 book are laid out. You read the story of the savior FOUR TIMES.
repetition means there's SOMETHING important going on. I was excited to get to
John this time around, because I remembered really loving it last time.
Then...to the epistles!!!!!
I particularly love
the story of the Samaritan woman at the well lately. She is learning from Christ
not knowing who he is. When he tells her that he has water of everlasting life
that those who take thirst not, she asks him if he will give her this water.
Obviously the water is Christ. He does not come out and just tell her, "Ok
well, I am the water and I am Christ, so you should follow me." He goes
about the situation in a way that she will receive her OWN witness in HER heart
that he is Christ. He does this by doing the following: he asks her to bring
her husband to the well. she replies she has no husband. The lord says you HAD
five but they have all died. She is astonished because no one knew of this but
her. She says, "Sir I perceive thou art a prophet."She asks him about
Christ with faith knowing he will tell the truth because he is a prophet. then
(john 4:26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am
He."
She runs to the city
and tells others that there is a man that has said things to her know other man
knew and that he surely is the Christ. Many believed her testimony, or
spiritual witness, and went out of the city to see for themselves. They asked
Christ to tarry and he taught them for two days. "and many more believed
because of his own word; and said unto the woman now we believe, not because of
the saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the
Christ, the savior of the world." john 4:41-42
Look at all the good
that came from Christ talking to a woman at a well and making the water an
object lesson? So often I want to just tell and give people the answers. But
answering their questions doesn’t provide them with a foundation of Christ.
they must come to know FOR THEMSELVES. I hope to be like the woman who
fearlessly told all she knew and those she didn't that Christ was without the
city. He is so close. Yet many do not come... But when they do, they approach
the savior; hear of his words and KNOW FOR THEMSELVES that he is the Christ,
the son of god, the savior of the world. I KNOW this to be true. It has been
testified to me numerous ways a number of times. God loves me and so he sent
his son. You too can know, or be reminded of this by listening to his words; by
reading the scriptures and feasting upon them like the bread of life. Just like
the water of life those that partake will never hunger or thirst again. There
is such joy in the work of salvation. You too can find that in your own
journey.
Love you all,
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