This week was wonderful! Last week when I wrote we still werent sure what was going to happen with Amaury. His girlfriend doesnt support his choice to get baptized and is a strong opponent of the church, he was still really torn between the gospel and her, and we were praying and fasting he would do the right thing. We kept telling him that he didnt need to choose between the two but he wisely explained, "Yes. I do. Because I want to get married in that temple and have something that lasts forever. And if my girlfriend doesnt accept this then I cant have that with her. Eventually I will have to choose between the two." Friday we passed by Amaurys house in the morning. The ward mission leader had passed by earlier in the week and told us that Amaury didnt feel ready still because of the situation with his girlfriend. When we got there I tentatively asked him how he was feeling about his baptismal date for the next day. He was quiet for a little bit and then said, "Lets do it." So I called the district leader to schedule and interview and the bishop to make sure we could use the church the next day and everything started to fall into place.
Since the first time we taught Amaury there was a special spirit there. I still remember looking through the area book and finding a completely blank record with just the name. We felt impressed to visit him and asked members until we found one that remembered where he lived. Then that first lesson he told us he had been praying about whether to meet with missionaries again the day we found his paper. The Lord knew all along that it was time for Amaury to listen to the message of the gospel again. Each lesson he was more and more prepared and ready to move forward with such faith. We would walk in to some lessons and ask if he had done his ready and instead of responding with a yes or a no he would tell us what he needed to change. Like when we showed up to teach the word of wisdom and asked if he had read he promptly said, "Yes and I know that I must stop drinking wine. I love my wine but if the Lord says I shouldnt do it, well then I wont." He has great desires to follow the Lord and great faith. He broke his heel about 8 months ago and is just starting to walk again but it never stopped him from coming to church. He would walk the long way on crutches each Sunday to be there in time. Just goes to show that you never know when someone is ready. He had met with missionaries many times in the past, and this time was his time to truly accept the gospel.
Since the first time we taught Amaury there was a special spirit there. I still remember looking through the area book and finding a completely blank record with just the name. We felt impressed to visit him and asked members until we found one that remembered where he lived. Then that first lesson he told us he had been praying about whether to meet with missionaries again the day we found his paper. The Lord knew all along that it was time for Amaury to listen to the message of the gospel again. Each lesson he was more and more prepared and ready to move forward with such faith. We would walk in to some lessons and ask if he had done his ready and instead of responding with a yes or a no he would tell us what he needed to change. Like when we showed up to teach the word of wisdom and asked if he had read he promptly said, "Yes and I know that I must stop drinking wine. I love my wine but if the Lord says I shouldnt do it, well then I wont." He has great desires to follow the Lord and great faith. He broke his heel about 8 months ago and is just starting to walk again but it never stopped him from coming to church. He would walk the long way on crutches each Sunday to be there in time. Just goes to show that you never know when someone is ready. He had met with missionaries many times in the past, and this time was his time to truly accept the gospel.
Saturday we were able to have one of the most successful and spiritual baptisms Ive been to. Usually in this ward we have around 7 members show up to the convert baptisms and it is a bit of a fight to get a member of the bishopric to come. This time we didnt have enough chairs for everyone to sit and the bishop even came. The spirit was so strong throughout the entire program and Amaury was just beaming.
Sunday I called Amaury early in the morning to see if he would like a ride to church. When we went to pick him up he wasnt in his house. We went to the corner to find him frantically banging on a less actives window. "Wake up! Youre late for church! Weve got to go!" He turned to us to explain what was going on and then turned back to the house practically running with his crutches and bad foot. There are no words to describe how I felt in that moment watching Amaury hurrying with all his might to try and help someone else come to church. There is no joy greater than to watch someone accept the gospel and then turn to try and share it with others. We got there a little late but he was still able to be confirmed. He said he is so happy to be a member of the church and feels his life has been refreshed. I couldnt be happier for him.
I know that the Lord is working miracles all around us. He loves us so much. This really is the plan of HAPPINESS. There is no other way in this world to find the peace and joy that comes from living the gospel. Accept this happiness and this plan in your own life and then dont be afraid to share it with others.
I love you all!
I love you all!
Hermana Ewell
Hermana Santana and Hermana Ewell
Amaury's baptism
Amaury's baptism
Hermana Santana and Hermana Ewell
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