January 5th

Although I wrote an email only 3 days ago, lots has happened! This weekend I was able to help complete two marriage licenses for two different couples and we're hoping to have them all baptized January18th! This Thursday we should be doing the ceremony through zoom and I get to translate! No pressure! They are so ready to be baptized, but needed to complete this step first. It's gonna be a huge celebration in the ward seeing two different couples be baptized and receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Our ward has gotten a little accustomed to baptisms with two sets of Elders so we'll see if we can't add a little animo! 

This last week we met a friend named Alex. He's from Moldova, speaks a little bit of English and Spanish, and has no background in religion. That presented us with the interesting proposition of teaching not only the Restoration, but basically Christian doctrine, like why we need a Savior and what that means for us. 

   12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;

   13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance...for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice...

   14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice;...which consigned them to be cut off...

   15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.

Alma 42:12-15

Because of the justice or law of God, we can trust Him. We know He will do what's right and because of that, we may have faith in Him. Because of His mercy, we may love Him. He has sacrificed His life to save us from the consequences of our own sin and permitted us to live with greater freedom, joy, and purity. As we follow the principles found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ we accept His Atonement in our lives and apply the medicine of healing, change, and love that has already been paid for. 

For that reason we say:

"Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem." Mosiah 15:30

After I completed the marriage license for Sonia y Ivan, Alex asked us about why they needed to be married. We explained the Law of Chastity, assuming it was not relevant to his situation. He then asked if he could do the same process, as he had a girlfriend moving from Ukraine to Spain soon. It sounds like we'll have some more works on our hands with that soon, but I'll keep y'all updated! 

Elder Dougall