Durochers Ditally Dot: Morgan's 34th Letter in 2013

Dear Family,

We had a temple trip today on Tuesday, so our P-Day got changed from Monday to Tuesday this week. So that's why I am writing today instead of yesterday like normal.

So the most exciting thing of this week is that the baptism was a success! Everything went smoothly and there was a strong peaceful spirit there. All the hours leading up to a baptism are always nerve wrecking for a missionary. Trying to make sure everything happens correctly. Making sure the font gets filled full of water, making sure that we got enough programs, setting up chairs, hoping everyone comes, making sure the building gets reserved, and the doors unlocked. Wondering if the Person getting baptized might not show up. But then once the Baptism gets started and everything is going smoothly, its the best feeling in the world. Its indescribable. The Kealoha family is such a wonderful family, and I am so grateful to be able to get to know them, and help them to progress in the Gospel. It was great to hear some of the families testimony at the Baptism, and see how many people from the ward came out to support them. We probably had like 50 people there to support.

Friday we had a lesson with Nick, our Tongan Investigator. He broke up with his girl friend Cherae, the one who is a member, and wanted him to meet with us. So we weren't sure if Nick would still want to meet with us, and learn about the Gospel. He called us Friday morning and told us he still wanted to have a lesson. The beginning of the Lesson Elder and Sister Anderson, The Senior Couple, answered a few of Nicks questions about Original Sin and how we aren't guilty for Adam's Transgression. And why kids are perfect, and don't need to be baptized til they are 8. Then they turned the time over for me. I decided we needed to Review the Restoration, cuz I didn't think he fully understood the Restoration. So I reviewed with him Christs Earthly Ministry, then the Great Apostacy, then Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Jesus Christ's Church onto the Earth again. And that we have the same Prophets and Apostles, and the same priesthood, and the same teachings that Jesus Christ had anciently in his church. We have the fullness of the Gospel. The Spirit was so strong in the room, helping the words to flow from my mouth, and enter into his heart. Nick usually likes to Argue Doctrine and that kind of thing, but I was surprised as Nick didn't this time. He said that he wants to go through the Temple with his Sister who is a Member. And he wants to be Baptized before I get transferred from this zone. He looked straight at me and Said "Elder Durocher you started a fire in my heart when you teach me, it makes me feel a warmth/burning in my heart, and the spirit overwhelms me. Thank you so much for teaching me every week." Then he turned to the Andersons, and said "and you guys bring the wood to the fire and keep it burning, and answer my questions" He thanked us for both teaching him, and sticking through everything. I thanked him for saying that to me. We didn't set a Baptismal Date, cuz it just didn't feel right, and we didn't want to push him overboard. We want him to think about Baptism, and Decide when he is ready for it.

We got 2 referrals last Sunday after speaking at Church. So we contacted them both this week. First one is Mugs iloa, who the parents are Less Active and just moved here during the summer. They moved from Lehi Utah, and the Dad is still living in Utah working. So Thursday night we taught a little message about Baptism, and the Atonement, and Mugs said she wants to be Baptized. So she is gonna be baptized sometime in September, when her uncle has work off. But the baptism is super solid, the mom really wants her Baptized, and she wants it too. Mugs is 9 years old, and turns 10 in a week. We went to their house again yesterday night, Monday Night, for family home evening. One of her Daughters, Ashley, gave the lesson on Personal Progress, and Faith in God. Then put us on the spot and asked us to provide the activity. I had to think fast and thought of playing a fun game to play.

The Other Referral was for Dade Emmicks. He just moved from California to live with His Step-Mom and Dad in our ward. The Dad is Less-Active, and the mom is returning to Activity. Dade is 13 years old, and in 8th grade. He is high functioning Autistic I think. He is super smart, and really fun to talk to, and the nicest kid you'll ever meet. He has gone to church a bunch, and now he wants to be Baptized. So we went over and met the family. Dade's step Mom is named Jen, and she has 3 daughters who are 6, 4, 1. They are the cutest little girls, and I had fun playing games with them when we went over. Then we shared a Spiritual Thought with the Family on Baptism. And asked Dade if he wanted to be Baptized, and he said yes! His baptismal Date is set for September 21.

We went to Valin Samuelson's house on Saturday, I didn't know, but it happen to be his Birthday. So they invited us to eat, and watch him open presents. So we hung out there for a little while, then shared a fun message on Faith, cuz we didn't want to bore him on his birthday. He is gonna be baptized this coming Saturday at 10Am, so please keep him in your prayers.

I cant think of any fun stories or anything haha, but this letter is getting too long anyways. I love you all, have a great week, HAPPY BIRTHDAY NICK!!

Love Elder Morgan Durocher