Email from Elder Lofthouse 9/9/13 Baptism!!

So, last week, I mentioned that we would be following up with J on tithing and getting baptized that night.  He had to talk to his wife, because she handles all the finances, including his social security check.  Well, we went over there and he said his wife had said no.  They just couldn't do it.  After talking with him about faith and sacrifice and God's promises, it became clear that it wasn't his faith that was lacking.  It was his wife's.  So we asked if we could meet with her the next day and he said he'd let her know we were coming over.  We had zone meeting that day and it was such an inspired meeting!  The Spirit was strong, and we talked about increasing our faith and loving our investigators.  Something specific that was talked about was listening sincerely and being patient and loving as we resolve investigators' concerns.  

Well, we had the appointment at 4pm.  Zone meeting ended at 1:30, we had lunch after that, then we had to give a ride to the Atwater elders and they had to fit a big dresser in the back of our car and then there was tons of traffic on the way back and we probably didn't get to Julian's until 4:20 or 4:30.  We had dinner on the other side of town at 5 and had to pick up the other elders.  So we ended up having very little time.  Someone was working against us.  The very first thing J said as we sat down with them was, "We've decided that I can't get baptized.  We just can't make it work."  Turning to the training we had received that morning, we relied 100% on the Spirit.  I don't remember what we said or what was talked about, but the spirit was there and his wife said, "Alright. I'll give him the part from his check he needs for tithing.  I'll do it for God, and I'll do it for J because he loves your church so much."  So we invited him to be baptized that Saturday and his wife said, "Can it be on Sunday so that I can go?"  Well, of course!

So yesterday, J got baptized!  And his family was there too.  Hopefully they will follow him soon.  If I can find someone with a card-reader, I'll send you pictures.  Elder Benson baptized him since he found him and taught him everything, but hadn't been able to baptize him last transfer because of the tithing issue.  

That was the highlight of this week.  And we have zone conference tomorrow!  Woohoo!  Also, only 26 days until General Conference.  I'm so excited! This gospel is true!  Miracles happen.  Being a missionary is so great.  I love it!  

I love you all!  Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Lofthouse