¿Qué Pasó Fonzfam?
This last week was full of so many miracles and amazing experiences that I don't even know where to begin! I guess I'll start with saying thank you for the packages you sent from Oregon. It was a real treat to receive the one earlier this week with all the chocolate kisses as well as the other one a couple days ago with the pictures of the snowman you built on Mt. Hood. Thank you so much for those, you guys are always so awesome!
We taught an awesome lesson an older woman who is staying with family here in the U.S. for about 6 months. She's originally from the white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, but loves to visit her family annually here in Oregon. Because of her willingness to learn more we have become great friends with her family and were even invited to the 9 year-old's birthday party this next week (more opportunity to find more investigators...YES!). Anyway, she loves her Bible and has a huge print version but now she also loves the Libro de Mormón. Every time we visit we quickly teach our lesson then we answer her questions using the LDM and the Bible together. I can testify of the increased power of when you combine the two together and get the whole word of God.
We went by an awesome family who we've had brief contact with in the past. They let us in and they told us how they have a couple nephews who are serving in various parts of the world. After thanking us for our service they said they would like to leave their door open for us to teach them because what we have is something special. I'm excited to begin their journey with them of learning the gospel. People like this make my purpose as a missionary shine even brighter. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be continually finding and teaching people like this.
Now let me get to the juicy part of my week:) Yesterday, Alexis really was baptized! And let me tell you how amazing it was. I was able to call one of my good friends from the Spanish Ward and he was so kind to come pick me and one other Elder up from Tigard and drive us to the baptism in Hillsboro some 45 minutes away. When we got there I saw Alexis wearing all white, white Adidas shoes and all. I looked at him and ran over and gave him a huge hug. He laughed and said "I'm finally doing it, aren't you proud of me?" Of course I told him that I was extremely proud and excited for about his decision.
Before we could get started the font had to finish filling, which could've been done sooner but the ward mission leader started only an hour before the event with the water heater turned up half-way. This resulted in us filling giant pots and heating them on the stove in the church kitchen to get it warm enough and deep enough in time for the baptism. But after it was filled we began with an amazing baptismal program, who by the way was well attended by all the missionaries who were all involved in teaching Alexis, many of the ward members, as well as President and Sister Bullen too. There were well over 50 people in attendance, and one face-timed in. Because Alexis has been living away from home, his mom was dressed up very nice and sitting in her home in Mexico watching the whole thing via live video. What an amazing opportunity for Alexis to share his special experience with her.
After we all sang the opening hymn, Alexis had asked earlier if I could offer the opening prayer, we all listened to a couple amazing talks by the YSA age members who have helped a ton with the teaching of Alexis. The best part was when the curtain was opened and Alexis was standing there in the water. There was this peace that came into me as I sat there and watched as he went under the water. Unfortunately his right foot came out of the water because it wasn't deep enough, so we had to hold our breath again until it was said and done again.
After the whole program was finished Alexis came up to me and grabbed my shoulder and said, "Thanks for not giving up on me, even though I was so stubborn." That right there makes my whole mission worth it. As we talked for a few minutes longer I was able to see a true change in him. He said he recognized it and felt like a new person, clean. He then said, "Well I better get started on my missionary work, I've got a couple friends who I'm going to invite to church." I just want to say that Alexis is a true convert, that he wasn't forced by anyone, just the by the raw power of the Holy Ghost. He is considering serving a mission when the time comes, but that will be story for another time. I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for all he has done to play such a powerful role in helping to convert Alexis by the Spirit. What an experience that was, and what a thrill I'll be able to experience in the future because I know there are more out there, the ready and the elect. I appreciate all the support from home, all your prayers and love is definitely felt. I'm going to cherish this memory forever and always.
With Love,
Elder Fonnesbeck
Nothing like seeing your friend in white ready to be baptized. Way to go Alexis!
Conversion isn't a light bulb event, it takes time and patience, and a lot of missionaries;)
There will always be plenty of sunshine here in Oregon thanks to Brittany for her sunny package!!
Elder Montague and I were able to teach another lesson at the temple this last week to a recent convert about baptisms for the dead and about making sacred promises in his own endowment.
Human Foosball was the best last P-day with all the missionaries in my zone!
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