Week 24

LETTER FROM JORDAN - WEEK 24 (11/17/14)

Well this was the week that I was waiting for since I got in the field: My first Baptism!!!!

So we had a couple in our branch where the guy, Necker, was a less-active member and the girl, Brenda, wasn't a member. About a month ago, they had a baby girl, before they were able to get married. So out of nowhere, about 3 weeks ago, Brenda shows up at church and tells a member that she wants to get baptized. So the member calls us up and tells her that we need to teach her right away.

On a slight side note, this month of November is the 70th anniversary of the creation of Chocope, so there are a huge amount of festivities going on, with concerts like every other day, fireworks all the time, stores selling random items, and trampolines and jumper slides throughout the plaza.

With the festivities of Chocope, there was a day called "Matrimonio Masivo" where they marry a whole bunch of couples for free. So we took the opportunity to use that day to get them married to meet with the requirement to get baptized. But the problem was it was Friday and the marriage was on Wednesday and all of the city offices are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Through a few miracles, we were able to get all of the papers in by Tuesday (a day late) and we were ready for the wedding on Wednesday.

So everything turned out perfect with the wedding and the couple was really happy with everything, so now it was time to prepare for the baptism on Saturday.

We were visiting that family at least once a day to get Brenda ready for her baptism, and the day finally came where I was able to baptize her. It only took two dunks, but it all turned out great.

Elder Terry, Brenda holding her daughter, and Elder Cuevas

Brenda's Family

Everyone who attended the baptism

The next day, my companion was able to confirm her as a member of the church and give her the gift of the Holy Ghost, which he had never done before. Also throughout all of this, Necker was also reactivated back in the church.

My companion and I have been able to see all of the blessings that they have just started to receive by making this wonderful choice. Their family has grown way closer together and they have all gotten closer to God.

Here is a picture of my finger and how it is progressing.

Well that's about it for this week, and let the work keep on progressing!

Elder Terry