Well the highlight of the week was definitely Brandon's baptism!
The first time I met him about 10 months ago I lacked a lot of faith
because I thought he might never get baptized. But God has been
preparing him for such a long time and I was so happy to see that he
was finally ready to make that huge decision in his life. He is a
great missionary and spent all week inviting his friends, family,
lawyers, and every person that he knew to come to the baptism. It
worked because almost 20 non members showed up and there was also a
good Ward assistance and so it was packed. These two older white
ladies (his lawyers) showed up and literally screamed in the parking
lot they were so excited for him and couldn't believe all of the
changes that he has made. The baptism went smoothly and then after we
spent an hour and a half talking to all of his friends and family and
gave them a church tour. Most of them don't have any interest in the
church right now but it was really impactful on his step mom, sister,
and two or three friends that either us or other missionaries will be
teaching this week. On Sunday he was confirmed and then later he
received the Aaronic priesthood and was given a temple recommend for
baptisms. He will be passing the sacrament next week! He was so full
of happiness and light and was practically swarmed with members for
those two days congratulating him. He is a great example to me and
really built my faith. If he can do it, anybody can.
Another great miracle that happened this week was the progress that
Sergio has made. Our former Ward mission leader is pretty much his
best friend now and when he picked him up he gave him a white shirt,
tie and slacks and so he came to church looking like a member and we
hardly recognized him. Haha Then later that night we sang in the stake
priesthood meeting as a Ward and Sergio and Brandon both sang in it
and said it made then feel part of a family. It was awesome! Sergio is
going on the Ward camp out this weekend so he decided that he would
feel better doing his baptism May 30th but he is so excited for it, it
makes me excited just thinking about it. It's amazing because as soon
as we started teaching him a week ago he has been tried a lot with
ridicule from his friends and family and being present for a really
deep institute class after only being taught twice. But none of that
has fazes him at all. He said it has made him stronger. He told us
that he already refers to himself as a member of the church and tells
them "we Mormons don't actually believe that" or "if the whole world
was a member of the church we would have world peace" or many of his
other great comments that always make me laugh. Miracles are happening
and I feel so happy and honored to be an instrument in the Lords hands
to find the elect and help them come closer to Christ.
Love,
Elder Hyde
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