This Saturday we had a baptism!! My very first one!! Well actully my second one but my first one that I got to do the confirmation of the Holy Ghost! Elder Lewis, my companion, got the chance to perform the baptism. It was his first time doing it and he did an amazing job! During the meeting of the baptism we had Tupele's family members go up and give the talks and she could feel the spirit and love in the room! She started crying. It is an unforgettable experience not only to be there with her but also to see her be accepted into our big, BIG, BIG family! Tupele asked me on Sunday to do the confirmation of the Holy Ghost! This week I was trying my hardest to remember the words but as always the Spirit was there to helped me out! Afterwards people in the ward went up the shook her hand and welcomed her into the family. I don't know about you but seeing the sight of members welcoming her brings the joy into this work. It is not about who gets to perform the baptism or not it is about helping out brothers and sisters realize what they are doing. That when they accept the baptism invitation, they are not accepting for us the missionaries, but they are accepting Heavenly Father to be in there lives and help them on their journey. I am happy that Heavenly Father was there to witness one of his daughters reach the waters of baptism and come back into the fold of our family.
It was a lot of work to prepare for the baptism but
might I say...IT WAS WORTH ALL THE HARD WORK, PRAYING, AND TEACHING!
Worth it, worth it, worth it! I know this is just the start but there's
always someone out there who is waiting on the gospel to receive the
restoration message. I cannot describe the feeling that came over me, as
soon as she went into the water and came back up the room was filled
with this peaceful feeling, calm, and the worries were gone. Tupeple
Paleese is her name and she is now a full member of The Church Of Jesus
Christ Of Later Day Saints!!!!!!!!! WAAAHOOO!!!!
That quote from Elder Holland is strong, thanks mom.
He is right, at times as members we are tested, that just shows that
being a member of the church is fun but also hard. It is a way to test
ourselves, who we truly are and who is in charge of the Church, which is
Jesus Christ. On my mission I have had some days were people scream at
us "satan!" or start swearing at us but not reacting to what they say
and by our act of kindness is what really hits them because as members
and diciples of Jesus Christ we are to act like true diciples and
members as once he did when he walked on the earth. Even though we get
mocked, spit upon, or teased it just shows the people how mature and
well taught the members are. That is how we fight back, not by words,
not by angry action, but by setting a good example to others on how we
should be. I studied in preach my gospel, the "Christlike attributes"
and I have been trying to use them every day. They have worked.
Thank you for all the you have done! Hope you all
have a wonderful week! Here are some pictures of my area, the baptism
and my companion I love you all. Hope you all have a safe and exciting
week!
Love Elder Thorpe! NZAM (New Zeland Auckland Mission)
