Bill and Mark!

Hello family! 

This week I have really seen faith overcome the Adversary, and I am so glad for that! 

Last Tuesday we had a lesson with Brother Toliseli, it went really well! Sister Polaulu is such a pro :) we worked out in companionship study how we were going to teach in English and Tongan. Brother Toliseli speaks and understands English but it doesn't quite click the same and we really wanted to make sure he felt the spirit and understood what was being taught. So, we kinda planned out what she would teach and where she would pass it off to me. She would say a key word and then turn and nod at me and that meant it was my turn haha, it worked out really well actually and he accepted a baptismal date to work towards! December 23rd, what better gift to give the Savior than a willing  and repentant heart! 

Wednesday we had a lesson with Mattie. Every week I am just blown away by her sincere, steadfast testimony of the Gospel! I sure do love her a lot! She never ceases to amaze me.

In the afternoon, we felt prompted to stop by 2 former investigators; Skyhler, and... DICE! Yes, the rumours are true, Dice is back! We are hoping they will be able to progress as we follow the Spirit and focus on their needs. 

 Thursday was Thanksgiving, yay! We were with the Toliseli family, and Bill came too! Mark was also supposed to come but was unable last minute :/ it was really good! And I think Sister Polaulu like the mix of traditional thanksgiving food and Tongan food :D 

Later in the evening we stopped by our friend Jeremy, who was baptised in June. I sure do miss having him around and we are doing all we can to have him around more, prayers on his behalf would be appreciated :) 

Friday, we were supposed to go over to Bill and Mark's with Brother Patrick to practise for the baptism, but something came up with Bill’s job so we couldn't. We decided we would just meet extra early at the church before the baptism.

Well Saturday night was the time of the baptism and at about 5:30 we were desperately trying to make sure the font was filling with warm water (it needed to be warm because of some of Mark's health concerns), but the water would only run warm for about 5 minutes. So every little bit we would have to turn off the water and let it heat up again. It was touch and go for a bit but eventually we got a full font of hot water! 

The next challenge on his wonderful evening was the program. I think 2 items on the program remained the same by the time the service was over Haha! Last minute fall throughs and unfortunate events led to many last minute changes, but we were blessed to have willing people step in and help out! 

Then it was time for the baptism itself! It took a couple tries, but hey sometimes that happens. After Mark was baptised he said, "thank you sister Holt for making sure the water is warm!" Haha, that made me smile. 

They really have both changed so much over these past couple months! So much light and optimism! They know that they are getting a fresh start. 

The next morning was their confirmation and an emergency came up and they were late to sacrament meeting so they were confirmed in the middle of the speakers; I thought it provided for a great little interlude to the meeting :) 

My favourite part of teaching someone who is baptised is being there when they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost! I love being able to hear a little glimpse of what God has in store for them! I am amazed at the awesome potential that every single one of Heavenly Father’s children have, no matter what age, no matter who they were before, or what they did! 

I know that repentance is real. I know that people can change and become who God would have them be through Christ! I am grateful for clean slates and second chances...and third chances... and sometimes fourth chances. Something I have been talking about a lot with people we teach is that if you fall down 1,000 times but you get back up 1,001 times, God only going to care about that 1 more time that you got up and decided to try again! Repentance is such a joyful choice! 

The Church is true! I love you dearly! 

Sister Holt