 | |
| Virginia's Baptism |
Dear Family,
 |
| Elder Porter & Elder Cowan with Virginia's Family |
I have to jump right into the story of the week! Honestly, one of the happiest moments in my life! Those moments when you can think about it and it brings tears to your eyes. What they say in the scriptures is true. To bring someone unto the restored gospel brings a sweeter joy than any other thing in this world. That's what happened with Virginia this week. I had the privilege to baptize this wonderful woman!
To back up a bit, first, you need to understand that Virginia has always appeared strangely familiar from the moment I met her. I honestly believe that one reason I was sent to this mission was to baptize her, to bring her the truth and fullness of the gospel. She and I have had a bond since that first lesson back in October. I can't believe the story that has happened between us all! I came here to help my friend, from before, come back to Christ and Heavenly Father again.
Thursday night, Virginia got to meet President Stapley as he did her interview. He described her as one of the most prepared people spiritually for their baptism that he has ever met. It's amazing that out of the hundred plus this mission baptizes every month, that we can have the blessing of knowing Virginia.
Saturday, February 4th, 2012, Virginia's most anticipated day in her whole life! She described her baptism date as being more exciting than any wedding or event! The only thing that compared is having her children born. Anyway, we arrived at the chapel, began to prepare all the things that needed to be done like turn off the font, set up the chairs, prepare the refreshments, and talk to the bishop and Virginia. We changed and went outside to take pictures for a bit. After chasing a few kids around, we finally got the pictures taken and, as Virginia promised, she smiled for me in her picture! After all that was done, we when back in to start the service.
The service started with a hymn, prayer, you know the usual. After a few quick announcements and greetings, it was time for the first talk about baptism by Hna. Ester Gimenez. Just as she began to speak about the covenant of baptism, I looked at Virginia and saw her face begin to twist as tears began to stream down her face. I don't remember a single thing from that talk. All I can remember is the amazing spirit that I felt and that Virginia was experiencing so strongly. It was a special moment that I'll always treasure!
As we went back for the baptism, Virginia and I waited as the branch had the little girl's baptism first. Then, it was time. I stepped into the water and brought Virginia down with me. With a simple smile and quick eye contact, I turned and began the ordinance. Virginia was baptized without problems! But as she left the water, as she has described, a fire began to burn in her feet. Slowly, throughout the rest of the service, the fire inside grew until she was burning with a fever that you could feel in her hands too. After the service ended, she left and went home.
The next morning, at eight thirty, Elder Porter and I sat next to Virginia's bed and talked with her. We planned to come back and give her a blessing after church with the bishop. Then we took Alan and RIci to church. I was worried all day and finally we went back at night without the bishop and gave her a blessing. It was one of the most spiritual places I have ever been. She has unbelievable faith and knows that this trail is because Satan doesn't want her to be happy. Her sister in law, Mari, believes that the waters of baptism are healing her body and now she is sweating out all the remains of her cancer that she has had.
This morning, we got a text message from Mari saying that Virginia's fever has gone away, and she is feeling better already. It's amazing to see a priesthood blessing react immediately like that one did. I'm so grateful for the Restoration and that the power and authority of God was restored again on the earth. I know that with this power, it is possible to bring to pass the ordinances necessary for the eternal life and salvation of man. And I am grateful to bring this truth to this family. Now that Virginia's immediate family are all members now, it's amazing to see the blessings of our Father in Heaven and how He will work mighty miracles to help bring His beloved children home.
Wow. Again. I am left speechless at times. I never could have imagined the miracles that take place here before the mission. Anyway, that's basically the story I have for the week. We found some new people to teach this week and we visited lots of members to help their understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many non actives have desires to follow Christ again in their lives. We are finding a lot of less actives to help and to strengthen this ward. I'm sad to know that there may only be one more month for me here. I don't want to leave here. I love the members and the people that I have met.
Well, to take care of some of mom's questions, yes, it is a scary place here. The mission president advises us to not go into the slums, or villas, after dark or at all if possible. We are always out in the villas though! Ja ja! Nothing happens though. We are protected servants of the Lord. We walk with confidence and with our testimonies shining in our faces. Whenever someone asks what we're doing, I respond by saying the the God of Israel sent us to bring a message of truth and happiness to his lost sheep. Many times they look back in silence like I'm nuts or have lost my mind, but it's definitely fun to bear testimony in everything that I say and do!
No, I have not received the package yet because mail week has not come yet. The office holds everything until every third of fourth week. I think it might be this Wednesday when we get mail again. I'm never sure. I don't measure time. But I am sure it is here, though, just at the offices.
Well, it is time to go. I love each and every one of my friends. I love my family. I love my Father in Heaven who is always mindful of His imperfect son. I love the gospel. It truly brings more peace and happiness than anything. I can't wait to go work or to get up every day. I am more excited and happy than ever before in my life! I wish I could strap a camera to my shoulder and show everyone what I get to experience every single day here. I love Argentina! I love the people. Missions are just so full of love. I know that I am changing a lot. It's because I am handing my heart over to the Lord to form me into the man and servant that He wants me to be. Thanks for all the support I receive from back home. Love you all!
Love,
Elder Blake W. Cowan
No comments:
Post a Comment