Baptism x 3

Hello, friends!!

Wow, what a week! 

This week was a busy week: full of exchanges, lessons, baptisms, and of course—miracles!

Our week started by heading to Santiago to do exchanges. I got to be companions with Sister Taufoou on Tuesday, and then with Sister Gabriel on Wednesday. It was especially fun to work with Sister Gabriel because we were kabahays in my first area. It was amazing to see her growth! We had so much fun meeting new people. I love the process of learning that happens on exchanges. I loved seeing how Sister Taufoou and Sister Gabriel did missionary work and learning from them as well as sharing ideas to help! They are both amazing missionaries.

When we finally got back to our area, there were a lot of people to teach, so we got to work!

Almost immediately, the miracles started pouring in.

On Friday, my companion and I had lots of people to find and a full day of work ahead. On our schedule, we were planning on visiting two friends (Sister Edith, and Sister Angel) who had not been keeping commitments. It is sometimes tricky, as missionaries, because we must have faith to work with the people who are ready to commit and work towards baptism, which means that we sometimes need to allow some of our friends a break. It is never easy to say goodbye, and it takes faith to let them go… trusting that the seeds we’ve planted will grow when they are more ready.

With Sister Edith and Sister Angel, we were preparing to say goodbye with a final lesson. As we were teaching, the Spirit was so strong. We shared with them 2 Nephi 25:23 and talked about what God asks of us. As we spoke, we offered one last commitment by inviting them to church, and both of them said they would come!

Fast forward two days, Sister Regorosa and I hopped out of the tricycle at the church building Sunday morning, and Sister Edith was already waiting for us! After just a little while, Sister Angel also showed up with her whole family! Edith told us after church that she is looking forward to next week, and Angel told us that she is interested in being baptized!

They are both miracles. It was a testimony to me that God is aware of all of His children. He directed us as we taught them that Friday. He helped us know what scripture verses to use and how to invite with the Spirit. I am so grateful that this is His work, and I get be His hands.

The miracles didn’t just stop there: One of our friends, Tatay June, has been coming to church for two weeks now. As we were teaching him about baptism, he stopped the lesson and asked us how he could be baptized. We happily explained and invited him to be baptized in September. I am excited for him! His desire was a miracle!

Probably my favorite miracle—however—was the baptism of Maricel, Maureen, and Von. 

We met Maricel because we were teaching her sister. Maricel was looking for a church and told her sister that if she ever met missionaries from any religion to send them her way. Well, we were those missionaries! We were teaching her sister when Maricel showed up and asked us to come to her house too. She introduced us to her other sister and her son. They came to church that week, stopped drinking coffee, and the rest is history!

They were so ready to be baptized. On Saturday morning, they were over an hour and a half early for their baptism! They were so excited! As they were baptized, the Spirit was so strong. They told us afterward that they felt light and happy after their baptism. They were so prepared. 

I love them so much and I am so grateful to have been part of their conversion. And their light truly does shine as they keep introducing us to all of their family! 

The people here in Ramon are amazing. This is truly the place of miracles.

This week, I read an amazing talk. It was by Elder Bednar called “Becoming a Missionary.” In it, he shared what it means to become a missionary, but also what it means to become a disciple. 

He said:

“You may enjoy music, athletics, or be mechanically inclined, and someday you may work in a trade or a profession or in the arts. As important as such activities and occupations can be, they do not define who we are. First and foremost, we are spiritual beings. We are sons [and daughters] of God.”

I love this quote. We have so many things that can define us, but the most important is that we are sons and daughters of God. We have a divine destiny. When we know who we are, our choices become easier. We feel God’s love more and can become disciples of Jesus Christ.

I hit 15 months as a missionary last week, which has caused a lot of pondering. I want to give my all. In Elder Bednar’s talk, he said that there is a difference between going on a mission and becoming a missionary. I hope that by the end of my mission, I will have become a missionary. 

I know that this church is true. God is so good! He is a God of miracles. I love being a missionary and I love sharing the gospel!

I love you all!
The Church is True, God loves you,
Be happy, Be brave, Be smart,

Love,
Sister Miller