from 13 Jan 2014

from Jan 13 2014
Mom!
This week was absolutely great! Laurindos baptism was awesome! We got there with two members that have known him for several years. We shared a message about the Plan of Salvation and it was great. When we started to talk about baptism he said that maybe not this week but next week. We said that there's no more time to wait. One of the brethren that was there with us has known him for 45 years. He said that it was his birthday that day (no one else knew that it was his birthday so that was completely unplanned) and that he wanted him to be baptized. Laurindo said, "Well let's go then. I'll be baptized today." His wife (who has been a member for 13 years) started to cry and the Spirit was really strong. When we got to the chapel, we started calling several people and we filled up the baptismal font. We were so excited! When Laurindo got to the chapel he had an interview with another missionary and then he asked who would baptize him. I said that he can choose whoever he wants. There were several people there. He asked me if I could baptize him and I just gave him a hug. There were so many people that could have done it that he has known for years but he asked me. It was great! I've got some photos that I will send you another week. I've got so many photos!

I absolutely loved the experience that you had with Courtney's dad. I met him one time about 4 or 5 years ago at his house out in the country. What an amazing experience! You felt the Spirit and saw the Spirit touch and change her heart. I am 100% convinced that people just need help. No one is lost or impossible or too hard. Everyone just needs help. Some more than others but when you search for people's needs and do everything to meets those needs, the person will feel your love and the Spirit will change their heart. Never forget these spiritual experiences. Search every day to have spiritual experiences. If you feel the Spirit every day of your life, you know that you're doing something right.

We had several other things this week that were really great but this was the high light. The day of Laurindos baptism, I made 1 year and 8 months on the mission. It was a great day and a great week. I love you mom and hope to hear from you soon!
Jared