Great Week

Date: February 21, 2013
Area: Santiago, Chile
Companion: Elder Deming

Hola Familia!

Esta semana fue una muy buena semana. Volo. But it was a great week. We had much more success this week and the highlight of it all is that MARIA WAS BAPTIZED!! It was awesome but I will explain.

Up until this week she still was not sure that she wanted to be baptized but on Monday or Tuesday we had a really really good lesson with her. We were talking about baptism and why it is important and trying to help her to feel more comfortable with the decision and everything and nothing was really working. Looking back on the lesson, I know that it was guided by the Holy Ghost. I remember that there wasn`t too much to say, we had talked about baptism a thousand times before and she still hadn`t changed her decision. But a thought came into my mind and I asked her. ¨Maria, imagine that you die tomorrow. Imagine that you die and you go before God, what are you going to tell him? He is going to ask you, ´why didn`t you do what I told you to do so many times. Why didn`t you follow the answers that I gave you. Why didn`t you follow me?´ and what are you going to respond? What will you say to him?¨ and that is what really got her thinking. We read Alma 34 (9-12 i think it is) and talked about not procrastinating the day of your repentance. We then shared D&C 31 v. 2 and talked about how her family will join her after but that they need the example first. I think that it was after that day that she kind of made the decision.

But later in the week, Wednesday night we went by and while we were teaching her husband came home with the car and started to wash the car. He hasnt ever shared with us and he doesn`t really like the ´mormons´ but he lets her share with us. But we finished up the lesson really fast and we went out and started to help him wash the car and then afterwards we were able to talk to him for about 10 minutes about being a special forces police man and his training that he had to do and everything and it was great because I think that that really helped him to soften his heart. It was key because the next day we had to go over and ask him for permission for Maria to be baptized and he, by some miracle said YES!!

And so Maria decided to be baptized and she did it. It was a great service, it was short but to the point
and spiritual. She asked me to baptize her. Part of me wanted Elder Deming to baptize her because he is new and it would have been a great experience for him but I have visited her for so long and we are great friends so I kind of understand why she chose me. I always call her ¨aunt¨, shes like family. But it has been great to see her change and finally accept the gospel. She is going to be a great member and we are going to be working lots with her to help other people accept the gospel. We are working with her daughter right now too and we will see what happens.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who was praying for Maria. I know that the prayers helped her in her progress towards baptism and it wouldn`t have happened without those prayers.

But things are going well here. Last week we had interviews with President Essig and it was a fun interview. The next change should be interesting. They are going to unite the two Principal sectors and it is going to be one sector... and my companionS will probably be Elder Deming and...... ELDER PEREZ!!! It is very probable. We shall see. Pray so that it happens=) We will know next week. It will be that or I wil l go to another sector.

Anyway, it sounds like you are all doing wonderfully and keeping busy taking out teeth, snowboarding, shopping, traveling, going to the temple, and all sorts of other things. Its good to hear, time must be flying for you guys and if not it sure is for me. Only 1 month until Spencer leaves and 4 months until I come home! CRAZY!

I love you all, thanks for everything,

Elder Holland