It was a great week! One of our investigators had a break through! She has been attended our church for years, but has always been doubtful about why we obey certain commandments, such as the word of wisdom, or keeping the law of tithing, etc. We have taught her a few times about the basic and foundational principles of the gospel- the restoration, the importance of the priesthood and the significance of the baptismal covenant. After teaching this things in a very simple and clear way, she still could not understand why she needs to be baptized.
Due to chronic illness, she has not been able to receive us or come to church these last few weeks. But one of her friends, a faithful sister in our ward told us some exciting news two days ago- this woman now wants to be baptized! A few members in our ward have been visiting her to clean her home, to pay her visits and some priesthood holders gave her a healing blessing last week. After she received the blessing, she immediately felt better and was able to sleep through that night. She told this sister in our ward, "Now I understand the power of the priesthood. I'll do anything it takes to be baptized, I'll give up my coffee and drink orzo instead." She wanted to ride her bike all the way across town to attend Institute Wednesday night. The member advised her to take it easy and not push her body too much.
When I heard the sister in our ward recount this experience, I was filled with excitement and joy! While a sure testimony of the restored gospel is based on diligent reading of the Book of Mormon and having daily spiritual experiences, I was happy that this woman received an understanding of the power of the priesthood by experiencing its influence for herself. I am happy that she had the faith in the priesthood so that she could receive its healing power. Heavenly Father's love is truly manifest through the power of the priesthood. We're
( members) all preparing this daughter of God to receive a fulness of His blessings on earth- the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and eventually the blessings of the temple.
This week I learned a few things about humility. Sorella Padula said something that I love, "Humility is not acting inferior or coming off as if you are of less value, or less intelligent, less talented, etc. than others...humility is developing and sharing/radiating the gifts that God has given you to praise Him and to bless others. And with this, to always give the credit to God for what you have been able to perform. It is thanking Him in prayer for increasing your capacity to serve others."
She is an outstanding example of humility in this way. She lets her light shine, and its pure because she always uses her talents to praise God, and never to build herself up. She just wants to bring others unto Christ.
I hope that a few things that I have said will boost you up this week. Love you lots!
Sorella Oakes
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