Week 72

Every rose has it's thorn -Poison

With some members after church on Sunday

This week has been bittersweet in many ways. It seems like roses are blooming everywhere I go, yet at the same time the thorns have their way of prickling. We have been teaching

Relief Society Presidency

many wonderful people and as I have previously mentioned a good number have been progressing towards baptism; We had five people scheduled to be ready for their baptism this week, but in the course of a crazy week the events have transpired where only one was ready and able for the service on Sunday. I have made many wonderful friends here in Adyel/Lira, but unfortunately it seems that the time has already come for me to transfer (but we'll talk about that later). The coming transfer brings a lot of excitement but I will dearly miss these people, and I will excitedly await the news that those we worked so hard to prepare for baptism finally had their turn.

Monica's Baptism

The highlight this week was definitely Monica's baptism! Even though there could have been plenty of others baptized this week, Monica's was nothing short of a miracle. She was introduced to us by a recent convert (Violet), and we immediately began teaching her. She quickly felt the spirit testify to her that the church was true, and worked diligently to change her life completely to prepare for baptism. She previously struggled a lot with alcohol, but because she knew the truth she acted without hesitation and quit her job at a bar so that she could live worthily and prepare for baptism. She didn't wait for another job to come up, or , but she acted in faith and reaped the benefit. It was wonderful listening to her share her testimony, She is usually a bit quiet and reserved but she spoke boldly about what she knew was true. 

I know that when we have the faith and courage to do what is right, the Lord blesses us and He provides "something better" for us. Our trials of faith are meant to lead us to perfection, "for without sufferings they could not be made perfect". (Hebrews 11:40, see JST)  I know that as we seek the Lord's will and act accordingly, the Lord gives us the experiences we need to acquire his attributes, that one day we may become like he is. This is part of God's plan for our Salvation, and we can take comfort in that every day of our lives.

Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Winn

With Paul and Daniel