Hello lovely people!
So I'd give this week a solid 8 out of 10. It began with finding the tree of life at the church! Like who knew, right? Unfortunately someone hasn't been taking care of it so it was more like an apple tree with rotting apples on it. But we saw it for it's potential!
We made frantic plans for David's baptism this week. We mostly just had to wait and I hate waiting. But Monday he had his baptismal interview. We both just held our breath to see if he'd pass. And he did!! Our district leader came to find us waiting in the young womens room and all he said is he's good. So I guess I stressed a ton for nothing--not unusual haha.
We had exchanges this week! I got to go to Neenah with sister Koford. It was the first time since I've started training that I left Oshkosh for an entire 24 hours...and it was much needed. It is always so good to learn from a more experienced missionary--even though we were MTC comps haha. I was reminded of the importance of Christ-like love when helping people change. It can't be done by force. It must be done with love. When someone feels that love they suddenly want to change. Things seems more doable and light. At least that was my experience.
We met with Nik this week which was good. We didn't get to meet last week so we were so glad to see him. He is struggling with the motivation to come to church, but he said that he would in the near future. He is starting the Book of Mormon and sincerely desires to know if that book is the word of God. His real intent was felt as asked him when you come to know that this book is true, will you be baptized? He said he would! We are very excited for him.
We were in Ripon this week for a dinner appointment and decided to stop by this part member family while we were there. Sam opened the door--the husband who is not a member--holding their new baby. Man. She is SO cute and has a TON of black curly hair. He was super nice and let us come in. His wife wasn't there, but we chatted with him for a bit. He told us we saved his night because the baby stopped crying when we came in--crazy, right? It was something so small, but it just made me so happy.
So David. We had a good lesson at Paige Thompson's house with him. It was so cute to see him play with Lydia, her daughter. Saturday didn't come soon enough. I was so anxious the whole day. We came to the church early to set up and saw David already there. He had a shirt and tie on! He's never worn a tie before to church. The service when smoothly, despite my less than perfect piano playing. His mother (a Lutheran) and girlfriend came, so we got to talk to them. The service was simple but beautiful. He shared the most heartfelt testimony afterwards. He has come a loooong ways. It was so amazing to see the change in him. After his baptism and confirmation we both agreed that he looked difference. Not only has he changed his actions, but his countenance was lighter. He seriously glowed. He was so happy!
So that was honestly the best part of the week of course. Nothing could top that. It just was a testament to me of the truthfulness of the gospel. It really does have the ability to change hearts. It reminded me of the people of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 5:2 "And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually." Never forget the power of the Spirit. And never forget the importance and value of the knowledge found in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and latter-day revelation. I would encourage you to share the knowledge that you know with someone who needs some lifting this week. It can be a small act and may be awkward, but it will be worth it. The Lord truly does work through us, imperfect as we are, to help His children. Sorry for the novel and ranting. :)
Love,
Sister Brianna Johns
PS I almost forgot! We decided to to talk to people at the farmers market this Saturday--even though we didn't have a booth to run. Aaaand we discovered what Wisconsin people do for fun when they don't have mountains or cliffs to climb...(I'll send the picture).
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