The rose buds in our patio started to bloom the other day.
Yesterday I was present for one of the most powerful Sundays of my life. It was a fast and testimony meeting and of course, the familia Salas came, looking so eager and willing to learn more about the gospel. Today was a special day for us. We had two baptisms planned for today. Today was also special for a reason that I wish I had known before, which was that it was the day that the hour changed forward. Luckily, we were awake when we received the call asking where the missionaries had run off to.
We got to sacrament meeting about 10 minutes late and immediately went to go fill up the baptismal font. Ive gotten used to these rushed days, but its always hectic and a little nerve wracking when you have a baptism, let alone two. But for some reason I wasn't that nervous. I want sure what it was, but I felt a calm sensation as I came into the chapel. I felt a strong spirit even before anyone said anything. Maybe I was just excited that there were ten investigators that had showed up to church, so I kind of just brushed it off.
As the meeting progressed, the spirit grew stronger. All of the testimonies that were borne (it being fast and testimony meeting) were very powerful, and even one of them; Ernesto, a less active member who turned his life around after being hospitalized a few weeks ago, especially impressed me and made my eyes water. I felt the power of change that comes through the gospel. I felt it not as a concept, not a hope of a better tomorrow, but as a tangible, real presence. I really didn't know what was going on during sacrament, but I knew I was not the only one because when I looked over at Elder Chapman, I could tell he was being affected the same way that I was.
After church we had the baptisms of Mitchel Sepulveda (16) and Denisse Campos (8). They had both come a long way, especially Mitchel. When I saw their baptisms (their relatives did the ordinance), I was able to catch a glimpse of their changes from the beginning of the time when we began teaching them. When Denisse went into the water, I thought of her family. How her mother, although supportive, was not the greatest role model. When Denisse left the water, she left everything with her. The horrible living conditions, her mothers infidelity, the police escort from her daughter, everything. When Mitchel was baptized, the force of the spirit struck me like a Mac truck on a highway. Mitchel was baptized by immersion, and when he came out of the water, he left behind the drugs, his girlfriend, the tattoos, everything. He changed from what was, to what could be. That's what the gospel does. Right there, that moment. That's the power of the Atonement. That's the power that we have.
After the baptisms, I felt so grateful just to be able to be here, to be able to be a part of their lives, I really couldn't say anything to them but "Thank You". As we were waiting for them to get changed, one of the hermanos pulled me aside and asked to talk with us. "Thank you, Elders," he told us. "Thank you for what you have done for this ward." He went on to explain why he had pulled us aside. [Paul recounts a very sacred experience that he prefers to keep somewhat private at this time.]
I knew I had a testimony of the gospel before. But now I can not doubt it. This is the truth, and we have God on our left hand, and on our right. He is always with us, and he always wants us to follow him, even unto the waters of baptism.
I really like that those roses are finally starting to bloom.
Thank you guys for all of your love and support. I feel honored to be here and serve these people.
Con Amor,
Elder Westover
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