Hey folks!
This was a pretty darn good week! I think that the highlight of it was
definitely our baptism that we had for Vincent and Petra on Saturday. I wasn't
a huge part of the conversion process for them, and was only present for a few
lessons prior to their baptism, but it was still a very cool experience to
have! Vincent said that he really felt like a new person after the baptism, and
said he was feeling a change in his heart because of it. I was very happy for
them and it makes me want to work harder now to help others have the same joy
they're feeling! Also, I got to give a talk at the baptism and didn't
completely butcher the grammar, *as far as I know*, so that was pretty
fun!
We met with an investigator, Louis, who is from Cameroon, this week. We
had a lesson in the Plan of Salvation, and that was actually the first lesson
I've taught over it in the mission field so far. I felt the spirit very
strongly, and I'm hoping that he did as well. We got him to commit to
baptism, as he has expressed willingness to do so, if he ends up being able to
come to church. We've set a tentative date for November 12th, and it has to be
a bit later because he has quit his job in order to provide room for Sunday
worship, but we have high hopes, and he does as well! His sister has also been
getting taught for a while. We haven't gotten a commitment from her for
baptism, because she was unable to attend our last lesson, but I'm really hoping
things work out with her!
We had zone conference on Tuesday, and that was fun! I got to see some
friends I met in the MTC, as well as seeing TWO FORMER MAVERICKS, Elder Clements
and Elder Stiles! That was very cool to see them!
In other news, I got about halfway to being able to try a Döner this week.
I got a Pommesdöner, which is essentially the equivalent of emptying out a Döner
into a to-go cup, then putting French fries in it. It was really good. Also,
really unhealthy. But that's less relevant. I thought I could say that I had
tried a Döner after that, but my companion says that I need to have a "real"
one. So the search continues. Seriously, it shouldn't be this hard, but it
helps provide an "exciting" side-story to my missionary work.
Language study is going well. It's really odd right now, because my
understanding dips up and down constantly. We had a fast and testimony meeting
yesterday, and a lady came up to give her testimony. I understood everything
she said and got super excited for a second. Then like six more people came and
I understood virtually NOTHING. At was pretty funny, and really sums up my
situation now with language. But it's great, still. It's coming along, and oh
boy, it's a work in progress.
I read through my favorite, possibly, part of the Book of Mormon this week,
through the end of Alma, through Helaman, and through 3 Nephi. The crowning
event of the Book of Mormon, as stated in the introduction to it, is Christ's
visitation to the Americas, in 3 Nephi. There are many chapters about His
ministry to them, and I can't really select one passage specifically, because
everything is SO GOOD in it. But this really was a wonderful reading. It has
increased my love and testimony of Jesus Christ. I think it's hard to
comprehend just how truly significant His Atonement is for all of us. I know I
can't. But every time I read the Book of Mormon, I can feel a bit more of that
understanding increase. He truly is our Savior and Redeemer. I know it. I can
feel it. Because of Him, we can be made entirely clean if we choose to come
unto Him. Because of Him, we really will live again! I love the truths that
the Book of Mormon provides about Him! It's such a sacred, special gift!
We explain a lot that the Book of Mormon works hand in hand with the Old
and New Testament to testify of Christ. I don't know if any of my non-Mormon
friends read my emails often, but if they are, I ask them to read the Book of
Mormon, and really seek to develop their love and testimony of Christ, as well
as any members, because we all need to increase our faith in Him. It makes our
existence so much more beautiful to believe and know that we have a Redeemer!
We're told the following at the conclusion of the Book of Mormon, and I'll just
leave you with this:
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be
wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the
Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down
until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your
hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would
ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not
true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith
in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy
Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all
things.
Thank you for your love and care and letters and support! I love you all!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Love,
Elder Wallentine
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