Hello sweet family and friends, and
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Sheesh, I cannot believe how quickly time is going. It
seems like just yesterday I was on Skype with you guys. It is kind of crazy to
think that I have spent every major holiday away from home here in my little
Pueblo, I sure love it here. Thank you so much for all of the emails, prayers,
love, and support that you send my way. It means the world to me.
This past weekend, we were able to
participate in the baptism of Erick. It was such an incredible experience and
it was so humbling just to see him enter the waters of baptism to take upon
himself the name of Jesus Christ. This past week as we have been preparing for
the baptism, I have been doing a lot of reflecting over my past four months
here, and how grateful I am to be here.
I remember our second day here in
San Vicente, Elder Ellsworth and I had been street contacting for 3 1/2 hours
and we were ready to go into piso for medio dia. We had five minutes left and
we decided to take one more go around the block. As we were turning the corner,
a young Ecuadorian man approached us and so we began to talk to him. We met
with him for the next two months or so, and were so amazed by this incredible
golden investigator we had found. I remember him telling us about his family,
and telling us that he had a little brother that played soccer and was 14 years
old. After visiting with him for about 2 months, we finally went over to try to
meet his brother and parents. It turns out that the first time that we went
over they didn´t want anything from the church.
A month later in December we went
back and tried to ring the timbre again to see if they would let us in. I
remember vividly our first lesson with Erick. He was a little timid, but very
wise, receptive, and mature for his age. We continued meeting with him a few
times a week until he really started progressing, and we were able to set a
baptismal date with him. Throughout January and into February we were blessed
to be able to meet with him every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to teach him
the lessons, and just check in with him, and occasionally end with a solid game
of ParchÃs or Jenga. During these past few months it has been so humbling to
see his progress, and the reactivation of his parents, and the light and
blessings that have come to their lives by means of the gospel.
This past week we were really able
to focus on Erick and to make all of the preparations he needed for his
baptism. Thank you so so much for all of your faith and prayers, which have
been such an incredible help during this past week! On Thursday night, Erick
came to the church with his parents for his interview. We were there early to
get everything planned for the baptism and he came in just glowing! It was so
sweet to see him enter with a huge smile on his face going into his interview.
After the interview and English class we picked out his baptismal clothes for
him and his father. On Friday we got all of the clothes ironed, and ready to
go, then Friday night we went over and had them try it all on. They were so so
excited, and they practiced the baptismal prayer and did perfect. My companion
Elder Nyland let Erick borrow his suit so he could look super sharp for his
baptism.
Saturday night, at 5 we all
gathered at the church for the baptisms within the District! There was such a
great turnout, the member support here is incredible. It was also such a great
turn out for all of the friends of those being baptized. The spirit was so strong.
Erick’s father was able to baptize him, and right when they came out of the
water, they just gave each other the biggest hug. It was so sweet to see the
happiness that the gospel brings for families. His sweet mother was just
crying. After Erick got up and bore such a strong testimony he said, "I
know this gospel is true, I know the Book of Mormon is true. I am so grateful
for my brother, because through him my family was able to meet the
missionaries. They have been there for me every step of the way. They have
changed my life." It was such a humbling moment for us to realize that we
were able to act as instruments in his conversion. On Sunday I was able to
confirm him as a member of the church.
These past four months here have
been some of the best of my life. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have
to serve here, and to have had the opportunity to meet and serve with Erick and
his incredible family. This past week we have witnessed many miracles, and we
know that there are many more on the way. I am so grateful to be here, I love
this work. I love you all, and pray for your happiness, health, and success!
Have the best week, and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!
Much Love,
Elder Dallin Farrell
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