The lady we helped baptize last week, Glória, was supposed to be working this Sunday, so we were hoping that there was still some way that she could receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. We had run into her several times during the week and always reminded her to ask the day off from work, however, she didn't get it. We were passing close by on Sunday morning, when we decided to see if her children would go to church with us. Who meets us at the gate other than... Glória!! The train was having problems, so she returned home and was going to go later in a friend's car. She went to church and was confirmed a member of the church and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost!! Too great!
We are teaching one young man named Rodrigo who absolutely wants to be baptized. Talking with him, we decided to change his baptism date to Sunday instead of Saturday so that his friends and family could be here. He was super strong! He said he had work on Sunday and would be baptized afterwards, so we were surprised to see him there at church! He had quit work a couple days before to go to church that Sunday and every other Sunday. We knew his baptism would go through, but were hoping and working for more baptisms!
Monday night, we had stopped at Luciane's house and talked with her and her three children, Lucas (19), Nicoly (13), and Tayna (8). Luciane was in a mess. Tons of crazy things were happening and she hated all the hardships she was passing through. She had tons of questions, like why bad things happened to good people and vice versa. We talked things out and helped her understand God's plan for her and she calmed down a little. She left after a little and we chatted with her children about how they could help their mother. It was a super cool lesson. I felt like a family counselor. Friday we went back. Luciane started off saying that she wanted to be baptized as soon as possible, so we marked her for Sunday on the spot. She spoke about the prayer she had said, the comfort she received, and the miracles that happened. She then gave us a weird look and expressed her fears about her readiness for baptism. I had no idea that she was smoking and drinking coffee. Luckily, the Spirit was with us and we skillfully helped her understand the need to stop before baptism, but didn't give her a specific new baptism date. We waited in silence a little, then, she said that coolest thing I've ever heard. "After today I will never put another cigarette in my mouth or drink coffee. You may mark my baptism for this Sunday." The Spirit was SO STRONG AS SHE SAID THAT. We knew it was right for her. We gave her every piece of advice we could, including drinking water, praying for help, and reading the Book of Mormon. Then, we prayed fervently all day long Saturday for her. We got to church and saw her and she just smiled real big and nodded. :)
Luciane was baptized by her work manager who referred her to the church. Tayna, had decided to be baptized on the same day, and we had one more surprise baptism. About 5 minutes before the meeting, Nicoly went up the Bishop here and asked if she could be baptized as well. Luckily, she'd already passed the interview and was baptized as well!!! It was a fantastic day. I felt so happy. I got to baptize Tayna, and it was super special! It was like baptizing my sister Paige all over again. Now, we will work with Luciane's son to be baptized this week with a few other people we hope! We are truly being blessed here. It's so great! Heavenly Father loves us all so much and wants everyone to be closer to Him through baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost!! I'm so happy to be a part of this amazing work! Christ lives and loves us!!!
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Sincerely,
Elder Ashford
PS: The guy next to me is a missionary that did the interviews, Elder Bustamante! Rodrigo asked to be baptized by him!
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