October 21, 2014

"A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost."

- David A. Bednar













This weekend we were
able to witness the baptism of 4 sons and daughters in the Mansfield ward. It
was truly a great experience!  









This week has been great with preparing the kids for their baptism. Their
mother was so excited and was inviting everyone that she could send a text to.
It was so great to see her excitement for her children. Although none of her
family was able to come to the baptism or confirmation, the baptismal service
looked like a sacrament meeting; there were so many people that came to support
these wonderful people in their decision to follow Jesus Christ and take upon
themselves His name. 









We were able to have a lot of less-actives come, one including Sis. Mills. We
decided to go and check on her Saturday morning, and she answered the door
frantically exclaiming that she "wasn’t ready yet." Sister Dana and I
looked at each other confused and just listened to what she had to say. She
then proceeded to ask what time the baptism was at and then all things started
to make sense. We told her that it started at 6 and that we just wanted to
check up on her but that we would be back later to pick her up. As we were
leaving, we both were laughing because we had totally forgotten that we have
invited her to come. She has not been to church since the 80's and when she
walked in the doors, many members who were there when she was baptized were
shocked to see her. It was a great experience for her though because it
reminded her of her own baptism.












After the actual ordinance took place, Tracey, the kids’ mother, was crying. We
had talked to her earlier this week about a goal for baptism, and she said that
she wanted to shoot for November 8th. Well, Saturday night sealed the deal!
Everyone was asking her when she was going to get baptized, and she would say
confidently, "November 8th!" A member in the ward hosted an "after party" to celebrate the choice that these individuals made, and
it was a great opportunity for these new members to meet and mingle with
members in the ward; it was also great for the less-actives to get more
acquainted with the members.  









We were also able to talk to Tracey last night about working towards her baptismal
goal and some of the things that she needed to do before then, and one of the
things was get married. The Spirit guided our conversation, and we were able to
set a goal for her to be married on November 1st and then be baptized the week following.
We are so excited for her and have a plan in place to get things started going!  









There is so much more that I want to talk about this week, but there are a few
things that have been on my mind this week as we have helped God's children
enter into the fold and also as we were asked to help teach Relief Society
about pass-a-long cards. I really want to encourage you all to think of one
individual, friend, acquaintance, or even a colleague that you know that could
benefit from the treasured truth that you cherish and know. Each of the 4
baptisms that took place this last Saturday were not done by missionary
efforts; they took place because members of the church OYM'd (Open Your Mouth).
Treyvon and Ak-elee started coming because their neighbors invited them to cub
scouts. Merilyn was baptized because a member struck up a conversation with her
in line at the dollar store about family history. Cheryl was baptized because a
member in our congregation started befriending her and slowly but surely
started getting into some gospel related topics that led to coming to church
and ultimately becoming a member. All of the instances happened because someone
held to their baptismal covenants, all because some members were an example of
Christ. All because some members took the initiative to invite. Friends and
family... it is truly so simple. For those who are not members, you really need
to learn of this! I urge you to ask questions! That is how the gospel was
restored to the earth. I know this to be true! I know that the covenants that
we make are true and sacred. We truly can show forth our love for God by "keeping
His commandments" every single one of them. Again, I strongly encourage
you all to OYM- Open Your Mouth. There are many people around you that are
looking and waiting. Post things on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram (if you know
how to). Tell people what you are doing and what you learned at church. I
promise you that you will find someone who is anxiously waiting and looking.  









I love this gospel so much. I know that it is the one true church on the earth
today. I have the blessing to see firsthand what peace, light, and happiness it
brings to individuals and families lives. I know that it can bless you all so,
so much. I know Thomas S. Monson is a prophet today and that he is called by
God to lead this church during these Latter-days. I love you all so much, and I
love my job! 









-- Sister Gale