Hey so I am a noob because I didn't even make that poem rhyme. Sorry Danielle
Now for the miracles.
Joey was baptised and confirmed this weekend. He has joined the fold!
requirements with him over the phone. He had some concerns with a couple of them. Naturally. I would be blown away if he didn't have any concerns.
The whole week turned into a battle with Satan! Every day Satan had something to throw at us, and something to throw at Joey. We had lessons, cry sessions, a couple of blessings to be given. Tons of stuff. I had a little thing in my mind that would say, it would just be easier to move his baptism to the 4th so it would relieve some stress on us and the members who we were rallying to help us. Than I would have a counter thought. Do you have the faith to make this happen? President Rasmussen sent us this challenge by revelation, "From the pool of investigators in your area, prayerfully identify one who will appropriately complete all events that lead to baptism and confirmation as listed in the daily planner and invite them to adjust their date and prepare to be baptised at a baptismal service held on June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 or 28th."
The whole week turned into a battle with Satan! Every day Satan had something to throw at us, and something to throw at Joey. We had lessons, cry sessions, a couple of blessings to be given. Tons of stuff. I had a little thing in my mind that would say, it would just be easier to move his baptism to the 4th so it would relieve some stress on us and the members who we were rallying to help us. Than I would have a counter thought. Do you have the faith to make this happen? President Rasmussen sent us this challenge by revelation, "From the pool of investigators in your area, prayerfully identify one who will appropriately complete all events that lead to baptism and confirmation as listed in the daily planner and invite them to adjust their date and prepare to be baptised at a baptismal service held on June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 or 28th."
He knows that we can do this. The Lord knows that we can do this.
Holy smokes. Elder Boshard and I looked at each other on Monday night after planning. "Do you think we could move Joey to this weekend?" Elder Boshard asked me. I was daunted even thinking about it. "Yeah, it is possible. He's been to church twice already." Trying to have a faithful outlook. "I'm going to call him!". We took note of concerns he had and began praying immediately that Joey would stay with us. Not falling away from the path of investigating.
I questioned myself every day this week saying "Do I have the Faith needed to do this?" I should. I know that God can do anything. I tell that to my investigators a lot! Than I would keep going forward. Trying to make everything work out in the best way for a baptism.
We ended up miraculously having a ward activity on Saturday night which had been announced on Sunday. We decided that it was the best way to get as many members as possible at the baptism. Bishop Baker agreed and lent us his full support to have the baptismal service right after the activity. It worked out well. Up to the very last
moments there were struggles and temptations. My biggest temptation was to give up. I'll be honest.
Elder Boshard performed the baptism. We had a great turn out and the ward is so great here. Some were a little surprised by a baptism but hey, there are worse surprises out there.
I honestly have never had a greater test of faith in my whole mission.
Holy smokes. Elder Boshard and I looked at each other on Monday night after planning. "Do you think we could move Joey to this weekend?" Elder Boshard asked me. I was daunted even thinking about it. "Yeah, it is possible. He's been to church twice already." Trying to have a faithful outlook. "I'm going to call him!". We took note of concerns he had and began praying immediately that Joey would stay with us. Not falling away from the path of investigating.
I questioned myself every day this week saying "Do I have the Faith needed to do this?" I should. I know that God can do anything. I tell that to my investigators a lot! Than I would keep going forward. Trying to make everything work out in the best way for a baptism.
We ended up miraculously having a ward activity on Saturday night which had been announced on Sunday. We decided that it was the best way to get as many members as possible at the baptism. Bishop Baker agreed and lent us his full support to have the baptismal service right after the activity. It worked out well. Up to the very last
moments there were struggles and temptations. My biggest temptation was to give up. I'll be honest.
Elder Boshard performed the baptism. We had a great turn out and the ward is so great here. Some were a little surprised by a baptism but hey, there are worse surprises out there.
I honestly have never had a greater test of faith in my whole mission.
Hey Padre! Happy Fathers Day!! There is no day that goes by that I don't think of something you have taught me. So, well done on the practical side of parenting. I'm applying it and surviving. Also, I know that you love me so well done on the nurturing side. Ya Done Good. Ya done good.I love you Dad.
Last week, due to my poor time usage I neglected to tell yall about our meeting with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland! This is probably old news if you've read elder Boshard's emails, but Elder Holland visited our mission and we were all able to shake his hand. He told me that he was supposed to give me a hug (from Grandpa Packer) when he saw me. I didn't ever have a chance to get that hug, but it is the thought that counts. Thanks Grandpa! Happy (Grand)fathers' Day to you!
The conference was awesome though. It was super sad because of the group that will be leaving this transfer. around 30 missionaries gave a 1 minute power testimony. They are my good friends. I'll be so sad to see them go. The next sad thing is that President Rasmussen and Sister Rasmussen gave us their departing testimonies. We're getting a new mission president. weird.
Love,
Elder Packer
(Burton on Trent)
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