The Fruits of Repentance

This email is from January 9, 2017

Finally got around to posting a picture with the great Christmas tree the ward sent. Tell them thanks!

We had a double baptism on Sunday, so that was pretty cool. Francisco and Elizabeth came through in the clutch and passed their interviews in time so they could both be baptized in the same service. Great things are happening here in Waller and I am so grateful to be a part of them.

Double baptism:  Francisco and Elizabeth. Elder Marquez came up from Cypress to do the baptism.

Elizabeth's baptism

The Coll family came up from Katy for the baptism

Anyways, highlights from the past week:

On Tuesday we had a lesson with Elizabeth and she let us take her coffee and tea from her kitchen so it wouldn't be a temptation for her. As I think of an investigator that is sincerely showing the fruits of repentance, I think of her. She kept every single one of the commitments that we gave her. No hesitations, no complaints, no justifications, just pure faith and determination to do what the Lord would have her do. It has made me think of my personal discipleship, and how dedicated I am in doing everything the Lord would have me do. As well, she's already doing missionary work, which is such a blessing. We'll probably have her go knock doors for us and teach the people she finds. Next up are her 4 kids. They are a little rebellious, but one of them came to the baptism and I think we can reach all of them, it will just take a little bit of time and patience.

Francisco has been meeting with missionaries off and on for a little over 2 years. At times he has been a little bit difficult to work with because he has some personal beliefs that have been hard for him to change, but over time the Spirit has softened his heart enough to get baptized. But we can't really take credit for his baptism, nor any other baptism because it's the Lord that's doing His work in accordance with His timing. As well the members of the branch have been instrumental in working with him. Last Sunday, after our branch mission leader Hermano Alvarenga took him home from church, Francisco told him he wanted to be baptized on Sunday, January 8th. So we asked him what had changed, set up an interview, he passed, and was baptized on Sunday. Really truly a miracle.

That's about all that happened this week. Y'all should send an email my way when you get a minute, It'd be cool to hear something about the outside world that isn't related to politics or religion. 😅

Elder Barrus

The famous Weller baked potato. I promise there's a potato under there somewhere.

P-day with my old district who I will miss dearly.