Easter Baptism

Dear Family and Friends,
Sounds like you all had a great time in Yosemite. One thing I noticed in the pictures was that Marissa was more tan than everyone else! Riley and Andrea look like they are getting taller too. Fun stuff.

Well yesterday we had a great baptismal service right after church. Yadira got baptized by one of the young men in the branch. Her best friend who invited her and everything, Liz, was so excited. Now her best friend is a member of the church. President Castillo (the branch president) had Elder Haslam conduct the baptism meeting, in spanish of course. He was way nervous but he did a great job. I'll send the pictures next week.

So we had a good week. Its a big change switching from having a companion who just jumps in and starts talking in lessons to a brand new missionary. Its been hard for both of us because I find it hard to remember to have him explain some of the principles too. I remember being in his shoes and you never know when to talk or when not too. We are doing our best and the Lord will make that work.

So this one part-member family that we've been working with is doing great. The dad, who is a member, said the opening prayer in sacrament meeting. He is really excited and as soon as they get his membership records from mexico he can get a calling and advance in the priesthood. The two sons aren't baptized as of yet but in the near future they will be. The older one is 14 and hasn't really like church because he doesn't get along too well with the young men and at the other church they went to he had friends. We had a little heart to heart with him in english, since we speak it a whole lot better, and then his parents can't interrupt because they don't know what we are talking about. Since then he has seemed more interested. Its awesome.

One random thought. There are a few less-active members who work nights. They work a shift saturday night and then don't go to church. Their shift isn't even long just 8 hrs or less. I love telling them about my dad, who would work all night, get back and go right to church. I tell them that he knew what was most important and he didn't let anything get in the way of him going to church. Its way cool that I can tell them that, thanks Dad.

The priesthood leaders in the branch are getting excited about reactivation and missionary work. I've really learned that us as missionaries are really not very effective at finding people to teach. Our calling is to be teachers. Yes we are guided to those who are really prepared, but we have to talk with a lot of other people to find those ones. So basically, when you invite friends to church and activities and are talking to people about the church, get the missionaries involved!!! Be creative and just tell your friends what you like about the church, whatever might appeal to them. If they ask about beliefs, tell them that there are two guys who can explain it a lot better and they'd loved too!!! There are people around you, in school, work, etc. who are prepared to hear the gospel. Talk about the church, invite them to the house and get the missionaries involved!!! Miracles will happen.

I love being a missionary and love that the gospel is for everyone. Living the Gospel will bless everyone in the world. They just don't know about it yet.

Love,
Elder Wagner

PS. Mosiah 2:21