Baptism? ABSOLUTELY!

Meet Blake.  Newest member of the Tribe :)

BLAKE IS NOW A NEW MEMBER OF  The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!!!! :D

Dear Family & Friends,

First off, before the exciting news that Blake was baptized, I have to mention a few things that happened. 

For some funny reason this whole week was VERY DIFFICULT. 

Every set appointment we had bailed/canceled, ever person we talked to wanted to punch us and every door we knocked on slammed in our face. They must not like the missionaries for some odd reason.

Sister Hannah and I did our best to find new investigators and pray for help and inspiration, finally there was this one day this week that I got so frustrated with the lack of success and the work moving forward that I decided I needed to take m humility pill and fast for help and guidance. So that is definitely what I did. 

Saw these in an antique store, and they seem to fit!

On Friday morning, I woke up and did everything as routinely as possible and then when I came down for studies, my wonderful companion had made me blueberry pancakes, I then told her "no thank you" and went to study. 

After all of our studies she caught on that I was fasting and prayed to help me. We then got picked up to help put mulch down as a service project for a nonmember named Betty. As we were serving her everything went fine, then she decided to repay us through...FOOD. She drove us to one of my favorite places Arby's and while we were driving there I explained that she didn't need to feed me because I was fasting. She was confused because she didn't know why we would do that. We told her that it would be a sacrifice for a day so we could receive desired blessings. She didn't think much of it. So we got to Arby''s and Betty's nephew decided to meet with us as well. She made a slight joke that I was starving myself and wasn't gonna eat at Arby's, he then looked at me and said "What period of time are you fasting for" I said, "Just 24 hours" and then left it at that. While they all sat and I coordinated the people helping with the baptism and then Betty's nephew starts to ask us questions about our missionary lifestyle. As we briefly explained we would drop the conversation and let them think about it. Then Betty perks up and says "Y ou Mormons believe in the Book of Mormon, what makes that important." We then perked up and told them both the purpose of the Book Of Mormon. When we were done Betty's Nephew says "May I get your email address to ask you both more questions?" we agreed and by the end of the lunch hour, he excepted a Book of Mormon, a card with our phone number and the contact information for the church's website! It was such a miracle because he was genuinely interested! 

 Later in the day, I was still fasting and by  four o'clock every single appointment canceled on us and we were left to just tracting. We tract for a few hours and then we were lucky enough to be invited for dinner at a member's home. I was so weary and so tired that I knew Heavenly Father would want me to regain my energy and break my fast. I did and food was so wonderful! Then the next day we had the baptism!

 Baptism day (Sister Jones sang for the program too)

 Following day, Sunday - Confirmation & Aaronic Priesthood

        Blake was baptized and confirmed and we had a VERY wonderful service. When Blake walked into the room after changing from his wet clothing into dry ones, we noticed he was crying. His mother and father (who are nonmembers) were also there and they were crying as well! Than we had the opportunity to watch Blake get confirmed yesterday and receive the Aaronic Priesthood! It was the most amazing experience I could have ever been given the opportunity to watch! Sister Hannah and I reflected on what had happened and both of us felt so honored that we were chosen to be the instruments to help Blake to make covenants with God. I have learned on my mission that getting baptisms is so very important but its not the quantity of baptisms that matter, its the quality; especially if we as missionaries are doing our part to be obedient and follow the spirit than Heavenly Father will lead us to the prepared children and they will become truly converted. It was really hard to leave church yesterday because it is the last official day of us seeing Blake. He has finished school for this year and headed home yesterday after church. It was bitter-sweet but we told him that we expected to see him in a year at the temple and told be there with him when he makes higher covenants with God, he said he would see us there! I cannot express my gratitude to Heavenly Father in the experience we have had helping Blake, I will forever remember it!

(From Sister Hannah's Letter):

We had Zone meeting this week as well.  It is so great to be in the presence of missionaries for a day! I love the Lexington Zone and the Richmond District! Missionaries have such a powerful spirit around them! I never want to leave the strong spirit but I know that others need to feel this spirit as well! Get back out and apply the trainings! 

The only sisters in the Richmond District!

The highlight of this week was Blake's baptism, confirmation and priesthood ordination!!! YES, all three in two days.  The baptism was so special.  We had fabulous speakers, a special musical number and the spirit was undeniable.  Blake's parents were there and you could clearly tell they felt the strong spirit! It was so powerful to see him go into the waters of baptism with Bishop and make those covenants with Heavenly Father! His confirmation was also incredible.  Seeing Blake receive the gift of the Holy Ghost was something I have been waiting for since we met him and knew he would be baptized.  He has been ready for this since March 25, 2015! After sacrament, Blake was given the Aaronic Priesthood.  This was by far the most rewarding part of Blake's conversion.  Not only is he a member of the church now, but he is a worthy priesthood holder.  He is going to bless the lives of so many!! It was such a powerful experience to be in the office while he was ordained a priest.  I am so grateful to my Father in Heaven for giving me the opportunity to teach Blake and be a part of his conversion.  In reality, I did nothing, the spirit did everything.  Blake was and is the golden investigator.  He was prepared and ready to hear the gospel! He is truly going to take off and fly now! We are going to miss him dearly! (He is going home for the summer, darn EKU!) 

 
This last week we also found many new investigators for return appointments because Heavenly Father stretched us through constant tracting and contacting! We now have most of our week booked up with willing and ready people! 

I know that when we do bind the Lord in our righteous and willing actions, that we will see miracles from them! I know this Church is True and that Christ lives and that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God! I lvoe you all and have a fantabulous week! 

Stay Rad 

Stay Righteous

Love you All!

Sister Jones

(From Sister Hannah):

My JOY is full.  I am eternally grateful for my calling.  I know that I am meant to be here in Kentucky, to be here in Richmond, to find Blake.  I know that there are more people Heavenly Father is preparing for me.  The spirit testifies this to me.  The church is true, the Book of Blue.  It is as simple as that! I know that God lives and loves each of His children individually!

I love y'all so much!!

stay rad

stay righteous

Have the greatest week! 

much love from the GKLM, 

Sister Hannah                ***MORE PICS FROM PDAY SHOPPING FUN)***