Week 61: Baptisms!!✨️💙

 

What motivates me to do this work? I feel motivated by my personal experiences with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After a good feast upon the scriptures, I desire to have everyone feel that same joy! Especially with the baptism we attended this past week, I yearned to bring others unto Christ in that way! There was such a good peaceful feeling there. I am motivated because I KNOW that following Jesus Christ will bring people more lasting joy than anything else in this world. 

Our branch president's kids got baptized this week. He has 7 kids and sadly his wife passed away 2 years ago from covid. He works so hard for the branch and to manage life as a single parent. We went over to his house about 4 times to teach two of his kids, Éva and Keve ages 8 and 9. Éva always listened intently and quietly. Keve on the other hand never listened. He either ran around or wouldn't come out of his room. The baptismal day came and I was so nervous that he really didn't want to be baptized. But when he walked into the room, he was glowing. His hair was nicely cut and he wore a white ironed shirt and new shoes. He looked so aranyos! ( Hungarian word for cute which literally translates to golden.)

 There was a complete change! I don't know what happened. The next day in church he walked in quietly and sat next to one of the elders. He even sang! This is a little boy that usually scoots around the floor and throws things the entire meeting. But he was reverent and respectful. I'm so proud of him. We could also definitely feel their mom's presence at the baptism. I know that even though she is not here on this earth, she is an angel helping and guiding her children on the covenant path. 

Some other things that went on this week..

-We went street contacting in the freezing rain. We talked to two old ladies, the only people we could find in the park. We talked for a bit and she thought we were apart of a different church. We got to explain who we were and at least spread awareness about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

This is sister Seamons! She is from Pleasant Grove Utah and just finished her training. She will most likely be my last companion, and this will probably be my last area as well! We had a good laugh this week as a companionship trying to catch falling leaves in the park. 

- Being on the news has really been a help from missionary work here! I have met 3 random people that recognized me from being on the city TV channel! God works in mysterious ways!

- A member from one of my past areas, named Kamilla sent me the sweetest voice message this week. I received it at a time when I was feeling pretty down and overwhelmed. I cried on the bus as I listened to it on the way to Miskolc and realized how crucial it is to follow spiritual promptings.

Spiritual thought 

And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord. 

-4th Nephi 12. 

I Loved reading 4th Nephi this week. It really touched me. I loved that when Christ was with the Nephites, they met together OFTEN. To pray and hear the word of God. When I hear oft I think at least a couple times a week. Yes we get a good spiritual fill every week at church, but that can't be enough! We need to consistently fill ourselves with the word of God. We should meet often with others to discuss miracles, pray together, minister to one another. The Church programs are not set up to control us but rather to give us opportunities to share with one another what we are learning about God! What he has done for us in our lives. To be honest and candid with one another so we can know how to help. I was grateful this week to realize that as we immerse ourselves in learning about God and becoming closer to Him and His son Jesus Christ, living the gospel is not a chore. It is rather a lifestyle. And a joyous one at that. 

Ward Members and Friends Saying Goodbye to Sister Danneman! We are going to miss her in Eger!!