The Best Week Ever!!!!!!!

Family,

 

I am loving life! I don't understand how the Lord can be this great to me! I feel as Ammon did, not boasting in myself but boasting in my God!

 

So this past week I have had the opportunity to be with a few elders in the zone for more than a 24 exchange due to certain situations. It has been a blast to learn from and teach those within the zone.

 

On Tuesday we had leadership council. Now almost all the leadership councils I have been to since I have been a zone leader have all been how can we get the work moving concerning the key indicators.(i.e. member presents, new investigators, church attendance, etc.) Well this Leadership council was very different. For about 7 hours we talked, dicussed, testified, and taught the doctrine of Charity. It was a blast! Then on Wednesday we had zone meeting where as a zone we discussed Charity. I have truly learned how to love on a deeper level as a missionary. As Victor Hugo put it, "To love another person is to see the face of God."

 

Then from Thursday to Saturday we were doing all the fun missionary work stuff. Finding new investigators and teaching lessons. Then Saturday afternoon we had the pleasure of seeing Linda Thomas get baptized. It was incredible! As Sister Nilsen put it, "it was definitely a team effort across the ages!" It always joyous to me to see the ordinance of baptism performed. The Lord loves his children! He wants the best for them no matter how long it takes.

 

Lastly on Sunday Linda was confirmed. Right after the confirmation we along with President and his family left sacrament and made the snowy drive to Radnor. We finally were able to teach the congergation. Sadly because of the snow many people were not there. It was the Dubanowich family and about 5 others I will forever remember the small moment where President and I were sitting on the stage in the small 1800's church. We talked about the amazing opportunity we were having at that moment. Presidnet and Sister Nilsen tactfully and lovingly shared the message of the Restoration. I was able to bear testimony in the best way I know how to which is through music. I was able to play piano reditions of Sweet Hour of Prayer, Oh How Lovely was the Morning, and I Know that My Redeemer Lives. After President spoke I was suppose to play I Know That My Redeemer Lives and then at the end of the service I was going to play I Believe in Christ. But as I got up to the piano after President sat down, the Spirit whispered to me that I needed to play Joseph Smith's First Prayer, so I did. What an amazing spirit filled that small chapel! It was amazing for me to see the blessing and goodness of our Father in Heaven. The thought that entered my mind was, "If someone can be so happy with only parts of the gospel of Jesus Christ, can you imagine the happiness when they recieve the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ." It was a amazing Sunday. One I will forever cherish.

 

Hope all you have a wonderful week!

 

Love,

Elder Baird