We had a Christmas devotional last Saturday and we had a great turnout including a college kid from Bethlehem that we met playing ping-pong and a former investigator invited by a member who is now actively coming to church and investigating again! It was really neat to see one of our members reach out to a friend who was going through a difficult time and invite them to come closer to Christ. That friend is starting to see the hope, joy and healing that Christ and his sacrifice brings.
Also we met with a really legit kid who is very smart and already was wondering a lot that we lived before this life with God for a long time learning from him, we his children with the potential to grow up and be like him and then that there is eternal progression after death. It was incredible to confirm to him the truths that God has been whispering to him. He really lit up, the spirit was really strong and he believes that we are brothers sent from our Father to reveal more of the truth to him. He loves the Book of Mormon and the rich restored truths that it brings to connect the dots of his beliefs.
Also our friend Kacper got Baptized, he was going through a really hard time and experiencing a lot of stress but he said that last Friday night as he went to the Heavenly Father in sincere prayer, he received the greatest sense of overwhelming perfect peace he has ever experienced. He decided to be baptized the following week! He says he feels that everyday now, especially today as he came out of the waters of Baptism and knows that the Savior truly washed away all the sins and mistakes and lost years of his former life. In his testimony today he testified and encouraged all the investigators present to truly follow Jesus Christ by repenting and be baptized by someone holding the proper authority of God. It was so powerful and sincere. He is truly living now in an oasis of peace(as he describes it).
I promise as well that if we all decide to remember Christ always and make and keep those holy eternal covenants with God we all can live in an Oasis of Peace, no matter what the current conditions are of the dynamic world we live in. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all mankind and that he truly lived and lives! The redemptive and enabling power which comes from his Atonement is very real and available to all and a desire to invite that power more fully into our lives is the greatest gift that we could give him this Christmas. I love him and I love all you. Merry Christmas.
with love, Elder Wood
1. Kacper's Baptism
2. My companion Lost his head ;)
