Basically everything can't go perfect but it's all going to be ok. K will make it, and C, N, and J will make it to baptism this Sunday if they can quit smoking. It's not so easy when you find out they smoke or don't live where you think they do, 2 weeks before baptism. J got her wisdom teeth out too so she missed the last two lessons but making the date isn't the most important thing. The most important is that we help them change things so they can be baptized. I have no doubt they will all make it, they accepted the commandments and have such faith it's awesome, the only question is when. C and N both seemed pretty sure they could make it and I believe they can. They have the will and the faith. I'm not worried at all though because they are so self motivated. So this week had some surprises and step backs but all is well, they are still so strong. Both the S family and the D family fit right in in the branch and function almost as if they had been there for a long time. It's awesome to see.
So unfortunately my first conpanionship has come to and end. my trainer and comp leaves tomorrow to be a zone leader and I will recieve a new comp who I've never heard of. Bad timing seeing how we have 1-3 baptisms this Sunday but apparently he is needed elsewhere. I've really just felt so peaceful in all this uncertainty lately which is a blessing. I know it's all going to be good. We have seen so many miracles and success and also crappy times together. Sad to say goodbye but we know it's time. 4 month companionships don't happen very often. Especially not with your trainer.
We have some other new investigators that are promising. We have been teaching an orthodox and also a major catholic and they are the nicest guys you will ever meet and we have got them to think outside the box a little bit. The concepts of revelation and prophets today and that we aren't born in sin are hard for them to grasp but they have both admitted it makes sense. Progress will be slow but it will be worth it if they eventually accept it all. Teaching them has really strengthened my testimony though. One is 60 the other 80 and they are very religious and know the bible wayyy good but the doctrines in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants that they don't have bring so much clarity and peace to the gospel and I'm just really glad to have the knowledge that comes with the restored gospel.
The Christlike attribute for this week is knowledge. 2 Nephi 32:1-5 tells us a lot about knowledge. Once we have "entered in by the way", or been baptized, we then are told to recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost and by this gift can we receive knowledge. We receive it by the laying on of hands, but this scripture talks about really receiving it by choice, letting it in, inviting the Holy Ghost to enlighten us. To do this Nephi suggests we need to "feast on the words of Christ." Really STUDY the scriptures. He also says if we read and are still in the dark, if we don't understand quite yet, we need to "ask and knock." Pray for the Holy Ghost to enlighten us and give us this knowledge. With study and prayer we can then "recieve the Holy Ghost and speak with the tounge of Angels," or in other words we can give this knowledge further, we can preach, teach, and act on promptings. So all in all we receive knowledge by being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost by studying the scriptures and praying, and once we receive this knowledge we are then expected to share this light and knowlege with others. It's the gospel of Jesus Christ and we are to recieve it and teach it to each other but first we must understand it.
Anyways this week will be crazy with a new companion and the preparations for baptisms and everything! Much love, til next week.
Elder Clayton
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