It is starting to heat up here on the California side! Man, it is boiling the minute we walk out the door and I am drenched cause we all know I have issues. ;) But the sunshine keeps me happy!! I need the sunshine to survive!
Elder David F. Evans said, "We need tenacity in order to become true disciples of the Savior and to achieve the truly good goals--- Becoming a great missionary, completing our education, finding an eternal companion, and starting a family--- that our Heavenly Father knows we need to achieve to prepare for eternity. We need to know that there is simply no test until there is adversity."
We can't expect to grow and change without being tested and tried and making mistakes. We weren't meant to be perfect or even reach perfection while we are here on earth.
Anyways! THIS WEEK - Tesan got baptized!!!! On Wednesday night, June 1st she was baptized by our ward mission leader Brother Esplin. Her husband Jim was there to support her. It was amazing. She was glowing. The best part was that she came out of the water clapping!!
Let me just put this picture in your head!
After Brother Kilburn finished his talk on Baptism, it was time for Tesan to be baptized. Tesan, Sister Hernandez and I were walking into the door of the font and Tesan quickly turns around and waves good-bye to the crowd. (practically the whole ward) She gets into the water and looked at the picture of Jesus and John the Baptist in the water so that she could put her hands just like Jesus. Then she was staring at Brother Esplin the whole time just anticipating the dunk! She looked so happy. Sister Hernandez and I were standing on the side of the font at the top of the stairs. The minute Tesan went under the water the Spirit hit me so hard I lost balance and fell to a squat. (weird but true) She came out of the water clapping to the crowd and then immediately started crying! She walked up the stairs and we just hugged her and let her cry. They closed the font doors and we just stayed in our hug for a couple minutes and let her take it in. Then she says, " We are going to be in heaven together!!!" She kept saying, "I just got baptized." "I am baptized." "I am a mormon!!!" She was so happy and just kept praying to Heavenly Father aloud and saying how grateful she was. It was a beautiful experience!!
While Tesan was getting ready they showed the Restoration movie for the people waiting. When the movie was over Tesan wanted to bear her testimony for everyone at her baptism. It was beautiful and perfect. She felt so much love from the ward on her special day. She said it was the best birthday ever! (rebirth)
Thursday, Friday and Saturday we met with Tesan to help her get aquianted with her new scriptures that the Kilburns bought for her. They are burgandy with her name printed on them.
On Sunday, Tesan was confirmed as the newest member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and recieved the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She was crying, of course! The Spirit in the meeting was perfect and meant for her. Her husband Jim and her younger sister, Jenny came to sacrament to support her. It was amazing. At the end of fast and testimony meeting, Tesan popped up to bear her testimony. Pretty sure she was legitmetally glowing. To be able to hear her words how the gospel has blessed her life in a short month was priceless. I have been able to see it transform her in such a short amount of time because she was so open and willing for the Lord to transform her! When we are willing to align ourselves to the Lords will, he will work wonders in us!!
I couldn't be more grateful for the oppurtunity I have had in my mission to find, teach and baptize such a wonderful and humble woman. Truly a broken heart and contrite spirit. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has healed not only her temporary earthly wounds but will continue to heal and carry her for eternity. Tesan is an example to me and to everyone she meets. I see alot of myself in her. By small sacrifices and a willing heart it can make for miracles through the Atonement of Jesus Christ!!
Stella popped up and surprised us at church this Sunday! She was able to witness Tesan's confirmation and hear her testimony which helped Stella recognize a lot. She was shedding a few tears, I saw. Tesan and Her made quick friends!!
Madelyn is making way. Still won't commit to baptism but she is reading and praying as much as she can. So she is growing! :)
Lots more work going on but too many words to read for you! I just say the important stuff!
Love always,
Sister Holt
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| Navy Polka Dot theme! |
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| President Hobbs and Sister Hobbs came to support Tesan! |
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| Tesan ready for baptism |
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