Letter 4/01/13

Dear Family,
All chaos filled this week as we had many plans and goals to fulfill.  (Again, writing this in a car).  A strong wind blew in a flurry of baptisms for our district.  With mriacles and answered prayers workiing in our favor, eyes enlightened by the gratitude fo God filled our minds and humility is all that could be seen.  Elder Heldt and Elder burk were able to get their miracle family married and baptized this week as we, too, were able to see one of our investigators get baptized.

Tuesday begins the crazy week.  I was on an exchange with Elder Heldt in White Salmon, and we did service for a potential investigator named Dana.  We cleaned out his house and set up an appointment for later that evening.  We did something between our two appointments, and then returned for our appointment.  As we talked with him it became very evident how the gospel could bless his life.  With dips into drugs, alcohol, and other "worldly things" he decided to change his life.  A couple of years ago he quit drugs and has been clean for about two years.  As he began to tackle all of his other indulgences, he recognized the need for God in his life.  with the passing of his girlfriend, he decided he needed religion now more than ever.

As we continued our conversation, he told us that he had met with missionaries before.  he knew it was the right thing to do, but felt ashamed because of his worldly influences.  He felt as if he could no longer meet with missionaries.  So, as we talked, we told him about baptism, something he greatly desired.  When we told him the Joseph Smith story, he basically recited the First Vision back to us!  It was an amazing experience.

As Saturday rolled around, we prepared for the baptism.  when Jenny & her brother got to the church, He (Alex) was more excited than she was.  He exclaimed, "Finally! after 15 years! Finally!"  He was baptized when he was 19, and has been waiting for his twin sister to do the same.  As Alex baptized Jenny, the burden seemed to be lifted off of HIS shoulders.  It was amazing to see how the Doctrine of Jesus Christ was at work with this family,  How the gospel unified these siblings! 

Well, I have to go, but I love you all!

Love,
Elder Rex Hamblin