The highlight of this week was the baptism (week 44)

The highlight of this past week would have to be Marino's baptism. We were also able to have some great meetings during the week. 

So we are going to start out with some of the cool miracles that we got to see this week. One that stood out to me was something that happened after we tried by some potentials in Royal camp and decided to try one last door. As we walked over to the house we watched as they piled into the car and left the house. So seeing as there was no one home we decided to know the house next door since we had never talked to them. We knocked on the door and it turns out to be a really prepared former investigator. She invited us to come over later the week and when we did she told us of how she wanted to get baptised but has problems that stand in her way. We are looking to work with her and the man she lives with. We have been able to see how the Lord works in leading us to those who have been prepared and it has been a great experience. Oh and another cool thing is that Marino and his dad happen to know the lady we found. We are going to use this as an opportunity to help strengthen Marino's testimony as well as support this next investigator. 

Last Wednesday we had interviews with President Lewis. It is always great being able to sit down with him and Sister Lewis. This time sister Lewis taught us about the importance of keeping a journal and how it plays a key role in turning the hearts of the children to the fathers and the hearts of the fathers to the children. So that she said that I liked is how we can relate to the knowledge we collect to a library. When we die all that knowledge is lost and a library burns down. The only way to preserve that knowledge and those experiences is by writing them down. It's also important to write down the true feelings that we have and even include little details that we think are insignificant. We also had a really good district council on Thursday. We talked about teaching towards commitments and how they play a role in us becoming better teachers. If we teach to commitments they become committed to themselves and more committed to the Lord. We need to have the commitment as the lesson and the doctrines and principles as the way to teach that commitment. 

So on Saturday Marino got baptised. It was a great time although we were worried when the time came around for his baptism and no one was showing up. But everyone ended up being their and it was great. He was able to have his dad baptise him which was great for the two of them. Then on Sunday he was confirmed and also received the priesthood so he can go to a youth temple trip this Saturday. Yesterday we went with him and some other members of the branch to the stake priesthood meeting. He enjoyed it and told us that there were lots of pearls to take out of the talks. We spent most of our time translating the talks for the members of the branch that don't understand English. 

Something else that happened this weekend is that we were able to attend a funeral. It was for a family member of non-members who the branch president offered to hold a memorial service for. I was asked to sing for the musical number and lead the music while Elder Sanchez played the piano. I didn't have much time to prepare since we were told about it the night before. I think it went well nonetheless. 

A scripture that stood out to me this week was 4th Nephi 1:15-16 

   "15 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.

   "16 And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God."

I like this scripture because it talks of how because of their love of God there ceased to be contention and they became some of the happiest people. We need to have that same love of God as well as avoid the things listed as causing contention. 

We have another great week ahead of us and the last full week of the transfer. Hopefully we are able to find more people that are being prepared and bring them into the fold. I hope all is well back home.

With love,

Elder Boren

Marino's Baptism! His dad was able to baptise him.