Dear Family,
wonderful news! Since before I arrived here in Ceres, we've been working with some people that live here in Keyes - a boy named Dwayn Gomez, 12 years old, (whose abuela es miembro), and Luz Maria's (miembro, menos activo) kids (Rafael - 13 years old, Vivian - 10 years old, Zulema - 9 years old) - who aren't members.
Dwayn was always a problematic - he didn't like us. He would hide and say bad things about us.... and his neighbors (Luz Maria's kids) would always do things to get around any commitments that we would extend. Now, under the given circumstances, you might ask... why are you extending baptismal invitations to 9 year olds? Well, we felt really strongly that it was necessary.
Anyway, something happened in January. To this day we are unsure as to how it happened. All we know is that the Lord changed the heart of Dwayn Chavez.... attached is a picture of Dwayn (center) - which took place last night! (5 Feb. 2012)
The baptism that followed was one of the best I've ever seen. There were well over 60 people there.
However, the hearts of Rafael, Vivian, and Zulema remained the same.... that is, until last night. After Dwayn's baptism, we had the post baptism celebration (with food, desserts, etc.).
As I sat down at the table next to them, on her own volition Vivian said, "that was the first baptism I've ever seen! Now that I've seen one, I want to be baptized!"
"Yeah, me too!" Zulema piped in.
I sat there, stunned - unnable to fully comprehend the change that just taken place. A few moments later, as I came to myself, I finally bursted out with "when?"
"Oh, next Sunday."
Later that evening, Rafael was asking Elder Burnett if you had to part your hair to go on a mission.
I just want you to know, Family, that the Lord is pouring out rich blessings upon our area. This last week, we had over 130 people at church - 13 of which were our investigators.
I love you family.
Elder Ostler
No comments:
Post a Comment