A Marvelous Work

Franciana, Jean, Renato, a Ward Member, Nicolle, Elders Davis & Sander

Hey Everyone-
It’s been a great week. We had a few baptisms on Saturday which was awesome! We baptized 3 investigators, Franciana, Jean, and Renato and then one member’s daughter, Nicolle. She asked me to baptize her also. I love her family so I felt honored. Franciana, I have been teaching since we first got here in August so that was great to see her finally take that step. Jean’s wife is also a member so that completes a family which is a wonderful thing. We are hoping that in a year Elder Sander and I can see them go to the temple to be sealed as a family. Renato’s family are also members and he has not joined for 30 years and one day he just came up to us and said he wanted to be taught so he could be baptized. There is no greater feeling than to watch someone grow and change as they come closer to the Lord. It is especially good to see a whole family united in the gospel and know that this will impact their family forever. I love all of these people and am thankful I was able to be a part of the positive changes in their lives. I love going into their homes and seeing the blessings from the gospel happen.

Elder Sander, Nicolle and her family, & Elder Davis

We have been hearing a lot about the elections here. People will holler at me on the bus. I want to say I didn’t even vote! haha I never realized how much the world watches all that we do in America. Anyway I hope we as a nation can move forward together and work to find common ground and do good things. We are so blessed as a country and need to move on and work together.

The Zone with President & Sister Bangerter

Pizza Night!

I have been thinking a lot about the importance of free agency and responsibility. At times it seems when the people we are teaching are close to making commitments or big changes then Satan steps in and confuses them with other distractions or challenges. Then they get scared to make the change and you feel you need to say “stay the course”. What you felt and thought was true yesterday, is true today! But we cannot make people change, we cannot make people do the right things and we cannot make them accept the gospel. But what we can do is our part, our part in helping them along the way. We need to say everything we know to be true and then we invite but they have to know and accept. The plan of salvation is perfect that way. It only works when you do your part. No one can decide or act for you. Only you have that power and responsibility. As missionaries we will keep trying and helping but we cannot do everything for them. The Lord requires their heart and commitment. It is the same for us as members. We have to do the things that we can do with the best heart we can and you will be able to work miracles through the Lord! The Lord will force no one. It is all about choices.

I love you all and hope everyone is doing well. Thank you for the letters and for the support. It means a lot.

Uma abraco,

Elder Davis