Ties That Bind..............last letter from the mission field

To Da' Boys,

What a thrill ride it’s been while we've all been on our missions. My time is now up and its time to go home. Nate and Cameron are right behind me too. It has been an incredible journey and as I look back on it all I can do is wonder.

This last week on my mission has been by far the best. We went out Tuesday to try and find some less actives and new people to teach. It was so hot that the Walgreens thermometer broke and it said 501 degrees! It was miserable and we were out on feet the whole time. A wonderful lady did accept a Book of Mormon and gave us a bottle of water. The next day my companion wasn't feeling well and threw-up that night. We took it easy for one more day because he was sick and it was 105 degrees, for real. The next day we had plenty of appointments and we were trying to get everything ready for Saturday. Bobby Cook was going to get baptized in Bone Creek in Holt, FL. We have been teaching Bobby in the Anderson's home for a while and it was finally time for him to get baptized.

While we were out visiting a less-active family we got an unexpected call. It was from CK Ryan. I talked with him and he thanked me for being there to teach him. He asked when I go home and I said, "Next week." (Can't help but smile when you say that). He thought for a moment and then said humbly, "Will you baptize me this Sunday?" I was blown away! I knew that CK was very stern in his decisions. We tried to teach and invite, but it was all up to him. He came to church on his own, he came to us when he was ready to begin the missionary discussions, and now he was coming to me to baptize him. I was so happy I didn't know what to say. Of course I said yes, but I was so surprised I really didn't know what to think, say, or do. I told him we would get everything ready.

The next 48 hours became very hectic because we now had two baptisms to plan for. We called our bishop and he told us Saturday would be best. So with a couple of phone calls and a mass e-mail to all of the ward members, we had two baptisms on Saturday. The morning baptism was beautiful and the water in the creek was warm. (I'm in Florida, everything is warm) We had a little service with a few of the members from Crestview and the missionaries from there too. Bobby was so happy to be baptized and his non-member mother was there too. The Anderson's, especially Brother Anderson was so excited. On our way home he asked if I would call President Jensen. He left a message thanking him for letting us be there. I was humbled.

That evening we did some more scrambling to get ready for CK's Baptism. He needed clothes, an interview, and a program with speakers, and all of these just hours before he was to get baptized. It was a wonderful experience as I relied on others and my Father in Heaven. I know I forgot something on that Saturday that He was willing to make up for. I couldn't even remember how the baptismal prayers went until I began to say their name. While I was in the font with CK. Everyone was their looking at him and supporting him. He couldn't take it anymore, and broke down for a minute. We just sat there as he cried. The spirit finally entered into his heart because he was willing to let it in. Never before had CK shown emotion like that in our lesson, but there the spirit wouldn't let him hold it in any more. He got a hold of himself and we moved forward. CK is now a member of the ward and I believe is planning on proposing to Sis Peart soon. Exciting!!

I Love you Guys,
Elder Call