Baptisms of Boni and Franklin!

That's right! Franklin and Boni were both baptized this Sunday in a very beautiful service. Two recent converts to the church were able to do the baptisms as they have made good relationships with the friends and it is wonderful to see the chain of friendships deepened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ that connects them. Franklin shared his testimony after the baptism about how we must be disciples for life. Although weekly attendance to the church is necessary, even laudable, he taught us that we must also share the joy we have received with others and invite all to come unto Christ. Boni also shared a more tender testimony of how those she had met in the church had been a great support to her, and thanks to their almost familial love, she had decided to take this step of baptism.

Another friend named Mari came to the baptized and loved it! She tried to come to the church a week ago, but got lost haha. I sent a sister from the ward on a rescue mission and she was able to come to second hour. This week they have actually spent time together away from the church too. It has been quite fun actually to feel like matchmaker in the ward and watch as friendships develop.

In sad news: Lola passed away this past week. Lola was around 80 years old and was being taken care of by Flor and Jessica, two sisters in the ward. Flor and her husband actually lived in Lola's house and Flor's job was to take care of her. With Lola's death, they both need to look for a new job, and a place to live. It was Flor's birthday this past Wednesday and there are some photos here of the celebration. I don't normally ask that people would pray for friends or people here as it would be too much, but I do invite y'all that you could pray that Flor and Roger (Flor's husband and Mission Leader) could find a place to live and a new job. 

With my reading in the Old Testament this week I was able to read in Samuel which has some amazing stuff. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it reads:

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

 

It is the Lord who calls and qualifies us. It is the Lord who assures and reassures us. Maybe deeper than the heart, the Lord looketh on our potential. He calls us to where we will be changed, and shaped, and edified, not in which simply we serve comfortably. Do not look on the appearance of others and judge their future, including your own. You have no idea what the Lord has in store for you. 

Elder Dougall