Gratitude - August 20, 2017

Awesome week!

Two of our investigators, Michelle and Jommer, were baptized and confirmed members of the church. I could feel that Satan was working double time to plant doubt and make sure we couldn't teach them last week... but no unhallowed hand can stop the work of the Lord.

The day of the baptism (Saturday) was quite the insane day. We got to the church around 1:30 to prepare for the baptism, fill up the font, etc. But when we got there, the doors were all locked and nobody was there. That morning we had been trying to coordinate with the bishopric about getting a key, but when we called and texted them, they were all either at work or busy with something. The ward mission leader also was not picking up his phone nor responding to our texts... so we were in a rough situation. The baptism was planned and announced last week in sacrament to be at 4:00, and we had no way into the church to set up. Luckily the Senior couple, the Porteous's, were there and they helped us get in contact with Bishop Edwards of the Puerto 1st Ward so that we could move the baptism to the Malvar chapel instead of the Santa Monica chapel. It was a stressful day.

Even so, the baptism was wonderful. The spirit was there and the testimonies of the two candidates were some of the strongest testimonies I have ever heard in my time being in the mission. It was such a special day. When Michelle was brought out of the water, she just broke into tears and started saying "Elder Thankyou so much" and I was like "Don't thank me, thank our Heavenly Father. Thank His son, Jesus Christ."

Michelle has always shown an amazing example of humility and gratitude, and it really touched me that day, especially as she bore her testimony with conviction and power.

I'm grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who presented a wonderful plan for all his children to return to Him. I'm grateful for His son, Jesus Christ, who laid down His life so that we too will live again.

I hope you all have a great week ahead of you. Don't forget to let Heavenly Father know how grateful you are for Him and all the blessings he's given you.

-Elder Ahn

PICTURES!

-Santa Monica District

-Cool light rainbow thing

-WE CAUGHT A JELLYFISH

-Our Zone Activity at the beach. Suuuper fun.

-We made district T-Shirts

-Backside