Baptism!

This week has been pretty busy and had many experiences that will last a lifetime! You'll never guess what most of my week consisted of....yep knocking on a bunch of doors. We have these pass along cards we stick in every door that doesn't answer and we had 100 of those. We went through that whole stack in 3 days. That's not including the 5 people who opened the door, but it's fun I enjoy it and try the make the most out of it. 

 

Ok the most memorable thing that happened this week was a baptism I was able to participate in! It was for a lady that I worked with my whole time while in one of my old areas (Estacada) but she never got baptized while I was there.  Well she texted me and told me she wanted to get baptized a couple of weeks ago and she wanted me to baptize her and my companion that I served with at the time (Elder Crum) to give her the gift of the Holy Ghost. So it was fun. The baptism was on Saturday we went on a little exchange where my companion went with Elder Crum’s companion and then me and Elder Crum came back to my area just for the night. It was fun to talk about old stories and keep making memories! So Saturday morning we drove down to the baptism. It was a wonderful day, got to see old members, friends, and memories! Baptizing Julissa was such a wonderful experience the Spirit was strong and to see the progress she has made was amazing! I am very grateful for the things I have learned from her and to see the faith she has in her Savior! God is good.  

 

This week one of President Botchways friends came to the mission. He is from Ghana as well. He served as a mission president in Nigeria, an area 70 twice, a Stake president, bishop, and probably many other things! Great guy! His name is (Richard Kwesi Ahadjie) he is a very smart guy who taught us very well. They are so kind as well.  Even though I have never been to Africa I feel like I’m pretty connected to it. Through my brother going there, and having another brother from Ethiopia, and my 2 best friends serving in Africa, a mission president and his friends, I've taught many people from Africa while here in Portland! I have seen their service bless the lives of others and are very sweet people and very grateful for their service to me! 

 

Well ok time for a spiritual thought. This week it comes from the prophet King Benjamin! Probably my favorite to read about! We learn from him in Mosiah Chapters 1-6 but today I want to focus on Mosiah 2:22

"And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you."

 

Obedience to God will bless your life in so many ways. We need to give Him our hearts! That is something that I seen develop in my life. One of the first things you give away when you get to the mission field is your pride. Well at least if you serve under President Haymond. But when I first got out here I thought I was pretty hot stuff. Well let me tell you something I’m not. And I couldn't do this work by myself. I had to learn how to rely upon Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father, so I could hear the Spirit! If we think of when we are trying to break a horse to be able to hopefully get some work done on it. We have to earn its trust and slowly over time that horse will start to allow you to do more and more things with it. And eventually if that horse gives its whole heart over to the rider and continues to learn so many great things can be accomplished! That's what Heavenly Father is asking of us! We give him a little of our heart and he will bless you, he will lead you to success. But when we decide we are pretty cool again that promise does not stand. But needless to say we need to trust in God more. I promise you that He has a plan for you and all He asks is that you give him your Agency (pride, selfish..etc.) try it and see what He can do! 

 

Love you all

-Elder Esplin