Baptisms,Transfers, and the Power of Pizza!

So this week we had our baptisms of Eliana and Dagoberto! It was special to say the least. Eliana got to be baptised, (and she was super excited) and a man got to re-enter the church after 3 years. Ive never seen a bigger smile. It makes me think of the phrase, "You never know how grateful you are for something until you lose it." I am so grateful I get to participate of all the things the restored gospel offers me. It truly is a grand blessing.

On thursday, we had our "noche de amistad" or "Friendship Night" It was a huge success. After 4 weeks of only having 15 people show up,  we decided we needed to do something big. So of course, we told everyone there would be pizza. Around 70 people showed up that night. We hope that it will continue like this and that we have lots of people coming from the branch and non members as well.

Also transfers came! Me and my companion are staying, but 2 of the Sisters from our district are leaving. We are sad to see them leave as they were super awesome and we have a good friendshiup with them.

On Sunday I gave a talk in church and it was on "Keep the Commandments" and I also tied in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how no matter what I do in this life I will never be good enough on my own to enter into the Kingdom of God, only through the Grace of Christ. I thought it went rather well! :)

Today we went to the waterfalls again but this time it was just the young men and us. It was quite a hike yet again but I think its totally worth it. I forgot to take pictures but hopefully my comp can pass me some to upload.

Other than that I dont know what else to say! I hope everyone has a good week and that you all stay safe! 

Until Next week,

Elder Larkin

 

Baseball and Water Balloons

o THIS week, I was a little, how do you put it, crippled! Haha while playing baseball last week I accidentally stepped into a hole and messed up my ankle! That wasn't fun cause I had to stay with members while my companion left with others so our investigators don't disappear. But 'Im all better now so that's good! We had a really good week anyways though!!

We are having 2 more baptisms this Saturday! Eliana, a friend of Jendy's, and we are baptizing a member who had been excommunicated for who knows how long! He is probably one of the best members we have and we are so happy for him! SO that should be an awesome night for us.

This week we had a zone activity at our chapel and we had a great time! We made hot dogs and had chips and soda and stuff, (how american right?) and then played some baseball, had a water balloon fight, and talked, ya know. :) But I have a lot of pictures so that's why I'm not gonna write a ton this week :) BUT I hope everyone had a good Valentines Day and Presidents day! 

ALSO shout out to my little brother Matthew. Turns 17 in 2 days! haha happy birthday bro!

Baptism and LOTS of fotos!

JENDY GOT BAPTIZED!! Yeah it was a lot of fun at the baptism! There were lots of people who went who weren't members so that was very cool! When all of his friends who were members gave their testimonies at the end, one of his friends, who isn't a member, and who had previously fought with us over the restoration and the Book of Mormon, ASKED the branch president if she could stand and read something from it. It was an awesome experience and it shows that the youth of the church are a big force in missionary work.

Also we had a fun noche de hogar, (FHE) and played baseball with the youth! super fun. Pictures below.

And other than that I dont have alot much else to say! Ya know its really hard to write home now since I have 18 months in the mission. I run out of things to say! But I hope everyone had a good week and make sure you guys send ME pictures!!!

Elder Larkin

Baptism Week!!!

So Alexander, (later we found out his actual name is Hendy) Is going to be baptized on Saturday!! Its going to be so awesome to have him take that step! And we have another baptism set for the 25th of February. 

So yesterday was fast and testimony meeting, Alexander got up to invite everyone to go to his baptism! He got up and said, "excuse me, but I just want everyone to know that I know this church is true, and I hope that everyone can be able to make it to my baptism on Saturday, but I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen" It was super awesome :D. After, one of the counselors stood up and after and said, "I remember when that one, his brother and his friends were just punks in the street who threw rocks at the church and made stuff chaotic here. Now look at them. Almost all of them now are members." It made me feel a certain way that I cant explain when he said that. It is just another reassurance that this gospel is true. It changes lives for the better. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here as a missionary. I hope that my efforts here will help many people come unto Christ. 

Also this week I forgot to take pictures again but I WILL NOT forget to take pictures at our baptism and soon when we go play baseball soon with some youth. 

Anyways! pictures I do have are of a Family Home Evening we had with Kilian (an awesome member in our branch) and his family, with Alexander and his brother!