4-26-2010

Hey everyone,
Well, it looks like our work finally payed off. After a few hard weeks,
the Lord has blessed us with success. After some hard work, we got two baptisms. The
Story is really cool

I dont know if ive ever mentioned Georgina, but she is really one of the elect persons
that is just ready for the gospel. About 2 weeks ago, she went out of town, and we hadnt
seen her since. Everyday, we tried to call and send text messages, but to no avail. Finally,
on monday, she answered one of our messages, and we were able to make an appointment for
Saturday. The goal we had made as a companionship was that we were going to baptize Gina on
Sunday, so that made it really difficult for us. Im sure all the return missionaries know
what im talking about. Its pretty nuts not to see someone for a couple weeks and then the
day before you want her to get baptized, challenge her. So, we decided that we could at
least communicate a bit through texts. We sent a few inspiring texts with some references
in the Book of Mormon and hoped and prayed for the best. On saturday, we went over and got
to finally see her. She mentioned how a bunch of problems have come into her life recently
and how she just didnt know what to do. She looked at us and asked, "What do i do?" of
course for us, that was just the golden question. We didnt jump right to the challenge, but
reviewed the lessons, by asking the baptismal interview questions. We were able to clear up
all her doubts and questions and when we felt it was ready, we hit up baptism. She told us
that she was caught between yes and no and she just didnt know how she could decide. So, we
decided to use a technique that we have grown to love during this transfer. We call it, ask
God in your head, and open up the scriptures. It sounds funny, but the Lord really answers
questions, if they are sincere and from the heart. We have seen it time after time, that if
a person is sincere, they will recieve an answer in the first verse they read. So, thats
what we did with Gina. The first question she asked was if she should get baptized. She
first tried with the bible, but appeared not to recieve any answer, so we suggested the Book
of Mormon. The scripture she read talked about Coriantumr, when he invaded Zarahemla and
killed the chief judge. It says that after taking control of the city, "se animo" or he got
decided that he could go against all the land of the nephites. Now it may appear to have no
revelance to Gina, but she analized it like she needed to animarse, or she needed to just do
it, its tough to explain that phrase in english, but it means just go for it. She analized
that going against all the land meant to go against all her doubts and problems and all the
people that said she shouldnt do it. Then, she asked God when she should get baptized. Elder
Valencia offered his triple combination for that petition. She opened up to a verse in D&C
that talked about buying land for the church, according to the laws of the bishop. Again it
seems like it has no relevance with Gina, but she looked at us and asked, "so the day will
be according to the Bishop". I suggested that we call him and ask him. So we called him and
after explaining everything, he said that she could get baptized tomorrow, on sunday. Gina
didnt even know who he was but when he told her, she accepted. But the story doesnt end
there. The next day at church, Gina was already there with her son when we arrived. As I sat
next to her and her son, I wondered if her son could also get baptized. Hes 8 years old,
and I figured it was worth a try. Elder Morales was already going to come to do the
interview with Gina, so he could easily check to see if her son, Axel, was able to get
baptized. In the interview with Gina, Elder Morales asked if she felt her son could get
baptized. From what he read, he decided no. That was fine, we werent even planning on it.
But then, as we were talking with Gina about her interview, she mentioned that her son had
asked if only she could get baptized. Elder Valencia siezed the moment and challenged them
to get baptized together. So, with some luck, and a lot of blessings from the Lord, we ended
up with 2 baptisms. Great story huh!
Thats my story of the week. I really like it. Its something ill never forget. I hope it
makes up for the weeks without cool stories.

Today are transfers. Sadly, Ill have to say goodbye to Elder Valencia, and ill be entering a new phase in my mission. Im really excited about this one. Looks like ill be training for a bit! Im really exciting. In a few hours, my companion will get here. Wish me luck!

I hope you all have an amazing week. Love you!
Con amor, Elder Turley