Baptism! (February 26, 2017)

Hi Family! So we had a baptism this week, it was super great! It was Brother J. On my first night in Sangin, he called us and said he wanted to try attending a church and, that our church was close. He found our number outside the church door, and was standing outside the door when he called us.  We were inside having family night, so we went and grabbed him and came back up and finished family night together. The rest is history! I have learned so much throughout this experience teaching Brother J. He is awesome--so prepared. He is faithful, willing to act and use his agency, and do what is right! I learned a lot about repentance, becoming better, trying again, and improving.

Brother J was so receptive and awesome to it all. He was always willing to show faith. As we taught the difficult commandments, even though changes were required in his lifestyle, he did it! He tried and did his best! He made a mistake, and we would meet and talk about it, about repentance, how the atonement doesn't only clean us, but enables us to overcome sin, to empower us through difficulties, replace impure desires with purity and holiness. He was so faithful, and recommitted, and overcame. And he was baptized, and yesterday received the gift of the Holy Ghost! How wonderful and beautiful of a thing. And right before the baptismal service started, he grabbed a tithing slip, and on Sunday paid tithing after he was confirmed. He is so good! I have learned so much about teaching, overcoming difficulties, and conversion through this experience. With Brother J, it would have been easy to blaze through the lessons and baptize him! But the spirit prompted us to really try to focus on the little things--prayer, scripture study, and repentance, which lead to great changes and lasting conversion--and I am amazed at Brother J. But make no mistake about it--Brother J was the one who acted, who chose to use his agency and ability to follow God, consistently and carefully, and the Spirit was the teacher! I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father to have been a part of this wonderful experience!

P-day Adventure

(P-day activity; credit to Nate's companion, Elder M for these last 2 photos!)