A couple of weeks ago we had the Elders over for dinner. We have had an investigator coming to church now for a couple or months named Sydney. He is single, about 26 and African American. I always get excited when I see other Black people at church and so of course I went up and introduced myself. He is such an awesome guy and I could really feel his spirit. So I decided to ask him to join the Elders at our house for dinner. He accepted and we had a very nice dinner together, but what happened after dinner is the part that is so special.
We were all sitting around the table talking and answering some of his questions about the church. I told him about our conversion story and the Spirit was very strong. Elder Ausmus flat out asked him if he wanted to get baptized and he accepted!! Ausmus went and got our family calendar and we set the date right then and there. I couldn't believe how great it was and in actuality how easy it was!! I know he had been working with the elders but not for very long because he was actually supposed to be getting the lessons by the elders in the other ward. He doesn't live in our ward boundaries. But he felt very partial towards our ward because there are 2 other Black families in our ward and he really liked Elder Ausmus. Funny how it works because Elder Ausmus has avoided 3 transfers and has been here for almost 6 months now. I know that he was essential to Sydney's conversion, and now I know why he hasn't been transferred. :)
We were able to attend his Baptism on Friday night at our stake center. He was baptized by Elder Ausmus and James confirmed him on Sunday. I was asked to give a talk about the Holy Ghost....I was so nervous--I have never spoken at a baptism before and felt very intimidated, but realized that Sydney loves our family and this is a bond we will always share with him. The Spirit was so strong that night while we watched him become a member of our church.
I also realized how strong the adversary is over the last two weeks. Satan was really working on James and I. It seems like everything has been a struggle. I have been very depressed and stressed out. Feeling overwhelmed with my life and feeling sorry for myself. But on Sunday I realized why all this is happening--it's because of our hard work and focus on Sydney. During his confirmation--I just sobbed because of the pride I felt for my husband. He has grown so much over the last 9 years since his baptism and now he is a beacon and an example to so many people that share his skin coloring and that don't. I bore my testimony of the truth that I have felt so many times over the last 2 weeks and was replenished spiritually for the next few weeks. We had such an awesome fast and testimony meeting. I didn't even want to go to church that day and left feeling soooo inspired! I'm so grateful that I could witness and be a part of another child of God coming to the fold.
We were all sitting around the table talking and answering some of his questions about the church. I told him about our conversion story and the Spirit was very strong. Elder Ausmus flat out asked him if he wanted to get baptized and he accepted!! Ausmus went and got our family calendar and we set the date right then and there. I couldn't believe how great it was and in actuality how easy it was!! I know he had been working with the elders but not for very long because he was actually supposed to be getting the lessons by the elders in the other ward. He doesn't live in our ward boundaries. But he felt very partial towards our ward because there are 2 other Black families in our ward and he really liked Elder Ausmus. Funny how it works because Elder Ausmus has avoided 3 transfers and has been here for almost 6 months now. I know that he was essential to Sydney's conversion, and now I know why he hasn't been transferred. :)
We were able to attend his Baptism on Friday night at our stake center. He was baptized by Elder Ausmus and James confirmed him on Sunday. I was asked to give a talk about the Holy Ghost....I was so nervous--I have never spoken at a baptism before and felt very intimidated, but realized that Sydney loves our family and this is a bond we will always share with him. The Spirit was so strong that night while we watched him become a member of our church.
I also realized how strong the adversary is over the last two weeks. Satan was really working on James and I. It seems like everything has been a struggle. I have been very depressed and stressed out. Feeling overwhelmed with my life and feeling sorry for myself. But on Sunday I realized why all this is happening--it's because of our hard work and focus on Sydney. During his confirmation--I just sobbed because of the pride I felt for my husband. He has grown so much over the last 9 years since his baptism and now he is a beacon and an example to so many people that share his skin coloring and that don't. I bore my testimony of the truth that I have felt so many times over the last 2 weeks and was replenished spiritually for the next few weeks. We had such an awesome fast and testimony meeting. I didn't even want to go to church that day and left feeling soooo inspired! I'm so grateful that I could witness and be a part of another child of God coming to the fold.
6 comments:
I wish we could have gone Friday night. You're testimony was EVERYTHING I needed! I have been feeling the same way. Really I leaned over to Duane and even said it is like I am up there talking! I just cried and cried when you did testimony! So thank you!! It was amazing! :) It is funny how at the time you don't realize y things are going the way they are and then you realize that Satan was working on you . And you understand things more.
Thank you for sharing that story. What a great experience!
Isn't the gospel an amazing thing? I feel so lucky to have it in my life. Thanks for sharing that story and for being such great examples. Love ya!
Pretty amazing Ana! It is so neat that your family has gotten to be part of that experience. I can't wait to see you guys this weekend! Love ya
That is an incredible experience member missionary experience! Thanks for letting us be a part of it. I'm sure this got Jamie even more excited to leave on his mission!...He will make a wonderful missionary because he has you for parents! Have a great day!
That is awesome and one of the reasons I loved being a missionary. I wish I was a good member missionary though, it's hard. You are such a different person from when I first knew you and it is amazing to see this side of you. I know your trials have made you strong.
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