Baptism Saturday

Hello Wonderful family! 

This week has been another amazing week! This week was pretty interesting. Elder Hayes has been sick. So in the beginning of the week I was jumping around between members for lessons and finding, while for the most part Elder Mallory stayed with him. Then another elder in the zone was sick so Sister Nilsen had us put them together. 

So this up and coming Saturday Linda is getting baptized! I am so excited! This baptism taught me one thing, revelation in the portion of the vineyard that you are over. I have only taught Linda maybe 3 times the whole 5 months I have been here. But without fail I would pray for her every night almost. With only teaching her one time back in December I had received distinct feelings that Linda need to meet with President Nilsen. So finally after many attempts because of schedules, we were able to have her meet with President a few weeks ago. Then she backed out. President truly got the ball moving on her getting baptized. I don't know exactly what he talked with her about, but I believe he addressed and destroyed many of the concerns she had. Then last Tuesday she backed out. Again with prayer I had the distinct impression that President Welch (the stake president) needs to come with us to teach her. Well on Wednesday President Welch and I went and taught Linda. There we bore our testimonies, addressed and resolved her concerns, and let her know she is ready! Well she accepted baptism for the 8th. Now I know that this time it is different because she has never planned the program! Well we have it all set in stone! 

Well right after Linda gets confirmed on Sunday, we will be traveling up to the small city of Radnor. The reason being is we will be teaching the congregation with President Nilsen! Also I will be playing the organ for the service! I know what you are thinking mom, "does he even know how to the play the organ?" The answer is not really but oh well! I will learn by Sunday! You have no idea how many times the small miracle has occurred where people have asked me to play songs I have never played and I do it almost perfectly. So I have faith the Lord can help me with this one! 

Also last night we went to a youth group and a Methodist church. They actually were okay with us being there. Grayson and Griffin are the ones who wanted us to go (there family is the one who runs the church in Radnor). The kids were so excited that we were there is was kind of cool! 

Another cool thing that happened this week was a missionary came home 2 weeks ago and he came out with me on Tuesday! So we decided to teach his neighbor and we did. He was a really cool guy and wants to know more! So we are really excited about that! 

So it has been a really awesome week and this week is even going to be better! It is amazing for me to see the enabling power of the Atonement work in me as a missionary. I don't think I would be able to do all that is required of me without the uplifting power of the Atonement. I go to bed exhausted and usually wake up thinking already 630 but have no problem during the day. I truly feel the Spirit uplifting me, guiding me, and helping me. That is the only way the work can be done with 100% success. But we have to give it our all! It is amazing for me to see the missionaries that give it their all and those who do not. The missionaries who work non stop are the ones that are happier. They are ones with the most success. My new favorite scripture is, "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us ^acheerfully ^bdo all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the ^csalvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." 

We must do all that lies in our power throughout, our lives. This is enduring to the end.

Well I hope you all have a wonderful week! I love you all!

Love,

Elder Baird