Baptism

Nov 28, 2011

Hey Family,

As you know the crowning event happened last Saturday. I'll never forget that experience. I have a testimony that if you do all that you can, the Lord steps in and always provides a way. I hope you enjoy the pictures! We took a few, and we're making a scrap book for David and Amanda's family.

The baptism of David and Angela was of course the highlight of the week. It was a highly anticipated event for the Stake of Rochester and Minnesota Minneapolis Mission. The turn out was overwhelming. We had 100+ people attend the baptism, and numerous investigators were there. Bishop Larsen commented that he's never seen so much support in his life for a baptism. A big solid family deserves a big support group. I'm grateful for the members in the second ward. As you know to complete the big stage, President and Sister Clements were in attendance for the baptism, as well as President Foote, the Stake Pres. We truly felt the spirit at this baptismal service. Elder Potter sang a musical number "Be Still my Soul" and it was powerful. David and Angela were full of light, and i couldn't but help smile as i sat by their family in the front row. Their whole family was glowing with light! They will be great members. Nothing brings me more joy than to see a kingdom builder family enter the fold. We confirmed David and Angela the same day. David asked me to confirm him and Brother Darsow confirmed Angela. It was an experience i'll never forget. Some big names were in the confirmation circle: Bishop Larsen, President Clements, and President Foote, men i truly look up to. A sister missionary commented after David's confirmation, " His face was beaming with light". Usually they're confirmed during sacrament meeting but David's friend passed away and he had to attend the funeral. I told David that before he went to see his friends in Wisconsin, that it was his duty to be the light and star to lead his friends to the truth during this difficult time. It's been neat to see so many deep relationships that David and Amanda's family have created. That's the only way recent converts will stay active-fellowshipping. Elder Potter and I have a very strong bond, so we'll be going over there tonight to decorate their Christmas tree with their family. =) I'm excited to keep in contact with them.

We've been working with a part member family. Tom (the father) is a member and his wife and 4 children have never been exposed to the church. Tom hasn't been to church in 20 years. He's your typical tough guy with a teddy bear inside. It's been hard to get him to church but he came and witnessed a powerful spirit at the baptism. Right after the baptism i talked to him and told him that we wanted this same thing for his family.

We still have a lot of work to do in the two wards. We're dropping a lot of investigators who are not progressing. We'll be focusing on working with the auxiliary leaders this week. We're trying to push the less active work because it's really the best source for teaching and baptisms plus bringing back someone that is lost. How can the Lord expect to bless a ward if they don't take care of their own members? We're pushing a Christmas message with all of the members. We're trying our best to inspire them to invite their friends to activities and try to have them take advantage of this holiday season. Here's the poem we've come up with, we're using this to get our message across.

Sounds like the family had a good time in Utah. Thanksgiving wasn't too lonely for myself. The weather hasn't been too bad here, and the snow hasn't arrived yet. Scary experience for Dallin and glad to hear he's ok.

Love you all and have a great week!

Elder Browning