The Waters of Baptism

This week was absolutely amazing!  Our awesome investigator was baptized on Tuesday October 27th!  The spirit was so strong!  Ermilisa was and is just glowing with the light of the spirit.  She was so excited and ready to be baptized.  We had some members in the ward speak on baptism and the gift of the holy ghost.  They did a great job.  The spirt bore witness of the truthfulness fo their words.  Brother Kanupke, who is the gospel principles teacher in the ward, perfomed the baptism.  Ermilisa absolutely loves the Kanupkes, and asked if he wold baptize her.  That was a very special experience for Brother Kanupke, because he is a convert of two years. So he really enjoyed taking such a special part in her conversion. 

  Ermilsa's son, his wife, and their son came to the baptism.  He has been pretty hesitant about this whole process, but after the baptism, his demeanor has changed completely.  He is a lot more open minded about this new change in his mother's life.  Ermilisa said that he has a lot of questions.  So we are just waiting for the Lord to tell us when the right time is to help answer some of his questions. 

 Ermilisa was confimed yesterday in sacrament meeting.  It was a beautiful blessing.  Heavenly Father has such a great plan for Ermilisa!  She has such a strong spirit.  She is definitely a woman of faith.  I am so proud of her and her decision to follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized!  Ermilisa holds such a special place in my heart.  I know that i needed to serve a mission so i could help her come unto Christ.  She has made so many changes in her life.  Its been a long, hard road, but she finally made it.  And this is just the beginning for her.  She plans on doing more family history, and going to the Birmingham Temple to perform Baptisms for the Dead for her ancestors. 

I feel so privileged to take part in sharing the Gospel with Ermilisa!  Heavenly Father has a plan for each and every one of us.  It is amazing how our personal testimonies can impact other individuals so much. 

I know that our Heavenly Father lives.  I know that he loves us so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to come to earth and set the example for us all.  Christ, who was perfect, was baptized.  He walked 70 miles to recieve that saving ordinance to fulfill all righteousness.  H also atoned for the sins of the world.  It is through Jesus Christ and his atonement that we are saved.  I know that he lives.  I know that as we center our lives on Jesus Christ, we will be able to accomplish all that is required of us in this preparatory state on earth.  This time here on earth, is the time we have to prepare ourselves to live with our Heavenly Father.   I know that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ on that beautiful spring morning in 1820.  There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ restored his church through Joseph Smith.  I know that through the power of the Priesthood and gifts of the spirit, that Joseph was able to translate the Book of Mormon.  I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of god.  It truly is Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  It speaks of him every 1.7 verses.  As I have studied the Book of Mormon, I have grown closer to our savior, and come to know that it's teachings are true.  I know that we have a living prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson.  I know that he represents our lord, and savior Jesus Christ to lead and guide us.  The church is just the vehicle to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Its not the church that converts, it is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  As we have faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repent, are baptized, recieve the gift of theHoly Ghost, and Endure to the End, we draw closer to Christ and our Father in Heaven. 

I have done a lot of self evaluating while on my mission.  I have learned that the Gospel is so very simple.  We just need to start where we are.  As we pray sincerely and with real intent, Heavenly Father with guide us and help us strengthen our faith.  We just have to start somewhere, and where we are right now is the perfect place to start.  He doesnt expect us to be at a specific point on the path in order to help us.  He wants to help us where we are right now.  We just have to ask him.  I can promise that he will be there for us when we do.