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Elder […] Roosendaal – Dyker Heights 1 Sp – Apr 27, 1997 – “DREAM OF BAPTISM AND TREE OF LIFE – Our investigator told us of a dream, where she saw the missionaries who took her to a river like the one where Christ was baptized. We then gave her a white dove which must be the Holy Ghost. She then walked on to a tree covered with fruit. There was a crowd of people around the tree and they were all coming up to meet her and congratulate her. Then they ate of the fruit of the tree until they were full. She said it was a beautiful dream, one that gave her much peace. As she told us the dream, the Holy Ghost witnessed to me that it was a personal revelation from Heaven. This was truly a miracle from the other side.”
Elder Farley/Roberts – Bushwick 1 – Feb 3, 1997 – “300 x 3 – LOOK OUT EAST NEW YORK, BUSHWICK IS BACK – I am really excited for this month. We need to hit over 300 x 3 and we start this month. I am putting my 300 tie back on again to help me remember how special this month is. We can and will hit 300 this month. I also promise that Bushwick will rise again and will take it’s title back. Bushwick will again lead the mission, so tell East New York to watch out, their leadership will be short lived. We’re Baptizing Machines.
Elder Bollinger/Curletto – Staten Island 111 Sp – Jan 27, 1997 – “MID WEEK ACTIVITIES STILL VITAL FOR TWO SUNDAY RULE – As ZL’s (Mugelston, Beck and I), we recognized the great importance that is now put on church attendance. That 3 hour time slot during the week is very critical. We were trying to figure out why it has been so much more difficult to get people to church than it seemed to be before. We realized that by stressing the importance of church attendance, the mid-week activities had been seemingly put aside. I think somehow we have failed to realize the importance of those mid-week activities. It is so much easier to get an investigator to come out to an activity, than it is to get them to church. Once they are at the activity, they meet the members, and see what the church is really about. Then they are excited to come to the church on Sunday. Those mid-week activities we feel are vital to successful Sunday baptismal numbers. These activities are being reinstated this week here on Staten Island. I feel we will have greater results because of this.”
Elder Larson/Woodward – Coney Island 1 – Jan 20, 1997 – “GETTING PEOPLE TO CHURCH – During the week we find the greatest families, but when the end of the week comes and the commitment to come to church, all the convincing promises fall through. Hard! It’s so hard to see the brink of success and then suddenly see the brink of disaster. I feel we have the greatest commits at times. I realize this is a cycle that every missionary experiences with investigators, but not in such numbers. The last two months we have been hot with extreme amounts of lying, and deception. These people absolutely don’t understand the purpose we serve and the extreme urgency our message demands! I have lost some faith in the conversion process. At times I wonder why the spirit just can’t rock these people.”
Elder Schwartz/Christensen – Ridgewood 1 – Jan 20, 1997 – “FIND ON SUNDAY – SECOND MILE – It was Sunday. All 3 of our families, 15 people in all, juked us from attending church. We had none in church, so we left to find someone to bring. As we were walking down the street, a woman stopped us excitedly and asked us if we were from the church. She said she only needed one more charla and she could be baptized. I wanted to take her to the church right then, but she was in a hurry to get to the Bronx, so we exchanged numbers and addresses. The next Saturday evening, we committed her for Sunday. She arrived 20 minutes early! She was all ready until one of the 4 big questions came up. She was still on parole but near the end, although almost complete. She was almost in tears when she was told she couldn’t do it, she said when she saw us in the street the week before, that it was like seeing God, like her prayer had been answered. So I called you and you talked with her and then she was interviewed by President Raphael Cruz (District Presidency). He said that he felt the Spirit confirm, so her baptism was approved. She hugged me and said “Can I scream now?” I told her after she was baptized, so after she came up out of the waters of baptism two hours later, she asked “Now can I scream?” I said Yes, so she let out a joyous squeal and said “Yes!” It was a very special day. I only have you and the Lord to thank for it. We left the church to push our faith the second mile.”
Elder […] Jensen/Makhlele – Midwood – Jan 20, 1997 – “EAST NEW YORK RECORDS – Last month was a good month for the Zone in East New York. We baptized more than Bushwick Spanish and everyone in the Zone baptized! Everyone baptized for three months in a row. It feels good when you have success as well as everyone else around you. I think too many ZL’s use the excuse that they didn’t baptize during the month because they helped other people baptize or they helped them spiritually. The best way to help them or be a leader is to do it yourself first! Then everything else falls into place. Just as it did those last three months in East New York!”
Elder Harr/Bradley – Dyker Heights 1 Sp – Jan 14, 1997 – “NO MORE PHYSICAL RELATIONS – Andres was baptized this past week. On P-day morning I was getting ready to go to Bushwick (with AP approval), when I was beeped by Andres. He loves the BofM and reads it a lot, but hasn’t been baptized because of a very carnal woman, that wanted to be with him always. Andres over and over told her they couldn’t have physical relations […]
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[…] anymore, but she wouldn’t listen and kept coming over to his apartment. She would tempt and pressure him, but he wouldn’t give in. He wanted all this behind him before he would be baptized. Tuesday night when she came over, he said a prayer that she would understand that she must stop. He asked me to read from the BofM to her and she understood everything. In the morning he beeped me and stayed up until 2 am, knew he could now be baptized. We went right over and talked to both of them, then beeped the me to come over. I got the baptism cleared and then called the Branch President. We all went down to the Mission Leader, or baptized. The Branch President was there with his wife as well as several other people. Everyone was happy and then on Sunday, he received the priesthood. Andres was also supposed to work that day, but they didn’t call him, so the Lord even allowed for that, so he could be baptized. Our next project is to baptize the girl.
Elder Boulton/Garza – Rego Park 111 Sp – Jan 14, 1997 – “SISTER IN PERU BEING BAPTIZED THE SAME HOUR AS BROTHER IN NY – Before his baptism 27 year old Florentino was all smiles. He had called his family in Peru to tell them about his baptism, only to learn that his 24 year old sister was also being baptized during the very same hour as he. Neither knew the other was taking the charlas. Who is in charge of this work?
Elder […] Porter (Deaf)/Mugelston – Staten Island 1 – Jan 8, 1997 – “OVERCOMING PRIDE – In 1906, a letter was written to Spencer W. Kimball’s father, from Mathias F. Cowley, who had recently been dropped from the Quorum of the 12. In the letter he stated “In relation to the trial which has come to me, I will say that I accept it in all humility and meekness, with no fault to find against my brethren, but a strong desire to continue faithful and to devote my life and all my energies in the service of the Lord.” All too often a person who has made great progress in his life, and made many great contributions, will let pride cause him to lose the blessings and peace found in that work. That is what happened to Mathias Cowley as well as myself. I am now starting to realize what really happened to me when I transferred from LA to this mission. Because I wasn’t used to the programs, rules and missionaries, I began to let my pride creep in and when that happened, I started to have a very condemning attitude toward leaders, the mission and the programs here. I began to be a very angry person, although I didn’t realize it then. Dumb things always seemed so smart when we are doing it. In my heart I have a strong desire to choose the right and be a profitable servant for the Savior. I am sorry and ask for your forgiveness of my weakness, if I have done wrong to any of you. This is a wonderful mission you are in, please don’t let anyone or anything pull you down. Just make the most of it and when mistakes happen, repent and go on. That is what I am trying hard to do. Take care of this great city.
I enjoyed your talk at Zone Conference on “Making our Calling and Election Sure”, and it has helped me to see that each of us are truly working out our own salvation. I have come to see that the mission is a “spiritual mountain” to climb, and that is humbling. I find it frustrating though to see this huge frustrated at my weakness and failures. As I look back on my mission, I see a lot of good, but a lot I should have changed, and it hurts to be a failure. You talked about being stable to the Lord. It seems so impossible. I have a very difficult time getting bad thoughts, anger, immoral thoughts out. They just keep coming back! I have struggled with this my entire mission and no matter how I try, it doesn’t seem to work. The pictures, billboards, TV etc. all around us, just seem to make it worse. I don’t know what to do, and I feel like I have already failed. What should I do? – As with the Nephite cycle, do not be compelled to be made humble!”
Sis. Verrue/Hinckley – Coney Island 1 – Jan 5, 1997 – “PERSONAL BAPTISMAL GOAL – I want the Lord to use me as a tool to bring many more souls unto the Savior. The Lord has given me a very significant sign as to what he has in store for me as long as I am worthy. The first week I was on my mission, I prayed and set a goal. I felt it should be 124 conversions, but as I went to write in my journal, the number 136 came out, and I knew that was what the Lord had in store for me. Well I ended the year with 36 baptisms. What a significant goal for the year of 1997. 100 baptisms more. The other thing I was thinking was if you reverse the numbers, it’s 631. When I realized that, it confirmed to me even further what the Lord has in store for this mission. If we as a mission obey the new rules given to us, we will baptize consistently 300 solid converts. Then will this area be ready for 630! I will see it before I go home. But all “For His Glory.”
Hna Uribe/Miles – Bushwick 111 Sp – Jan 5, 1997 – “PLAY IN THE PARK – PRAY TO BE LED TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD DISCUSSIONS AND HAVE ATTENDED CHURCH BEFORE – Hna Miles followed the spirit and went to Midwood on a split even although she wanted to attend a discussion with our investigator’s at 4 p.m. I was just new to the area and was not familiar with the family. Hna Mann and I went on a split and worked in my area. I fearlessly as I did in Bushwick but I found it not as effective here. We then knocked on some doors without much success. We then sought the spirit in prayer to direct us to people who had been taught before AND who had also attended church. As we walked, we met 4 people that had been taught in their own country and who had also been to church. We then were at a park close to our apartment. Hna said “I wish we could play here?” So I said “Let’s go.” We then swung on the swings for a short while, praying that people would come to the park so we could talk to them. They then started coming from everywhere. We fearlessly and got some appointments. The cool thing was that all of them had been taught before and had been to church. We even taught a family there that was very receptive. Right next to us, sat a man who was watching and listening to us all the time. After the family left we spoke to him and found out that he knew all the sister missionaries, that he had been taught and attended church, but wasn’t baptized. We kept praying to know if we should go […]
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somewhere else or stay in the park, but stayed until our 4 pm appointment. I know the Lord listens to our very desires. The thing is that next time we will need to be more specific and although we have some very good people to teach, all of them were not humble or prepared for baptism!”
Elder Crum/Noble – East New York – Dec 23, 1996 – “4 BAPTISMS BETTER THAN 3 – GOING THE EXTRA MILE” – We had 4 baptisms yesterday. It was a very busy day. Satan was very active. Victor had a Word of Wisdom problem, Samantha was very scared, Cynthia’s son got sick and went to the Hospital. We didn’t baptize her until 8:30 pm. She disappeared, we couldn’t find her, but after our 3 baptisms went home, I told Elder Noble, let’s go and see if Samantha is home, so we did. She was home. It was 7 pm. She said that she would be baptized but just didn’t want a lot of people there. We called Elder Jensen, and met them at the church. We called our Mission Leader and he came. A beautiful, small service. We hadn’t eaten all day and were starved. We could have gone home after 3 baptisms, eaten and felt excellent, but we decided to go the extra mile, pick up Samantha and she was baptized. The Lord blessed us. It was worth it.
Elder Gardner/Jensen – East New York 1 – Nov 18, 1996 – “BAPTISMAL GOALS” – When I was sitting in the mission home praying about a goal that I would like to shoot for, 100 popped into my head. I knew that no English elder had ever reached that. Well right now I am currently at 83 baptisms after only 13 months. Now I know that 100 is not a goal anymore, so I feel the 150 should be my new target. I always wanted to be the first English elder to hit 100, but honestly I’m so happy that Elder Rasmussen will be shortly at that point. That truly is an honor, and we all should recognize him for expanding our vision. President, thanks for all you’ve done for me. I’m doing my best even though I know I’m capable of a lot more.”
Elder Bascom/Reynolds – Richmond Hill 111 Sp – Nov 5, 1996 – “NOVEMBER PREPARED PEOPLE” – Walking down the street, an old investigator with her two children say hello and advise that she has finally kicked her boyfriend out of the house and now all want to be baptized, just like that. We had her interviewed immediately and she will be baptized tonight at our Branch activity. Last night we were coming home on the train (very rare) and went the wrong way. We met a lady who’s family was baptized in Peru and then she tells us that she would also like to become a member. Miracles are happening every day. Everyone qualify yourselves to receive them!”
Hna Lloyd/Nielsen – Ridgewood Sp – Nov 5, 1996 – “RESPONDING TO WOLF WHISTLES YIELD BAPTISMS”– One night this guy started making noises to draw our attention. I tried to ignore him at first, but he was very persistent. Finally he crossed the street to talk to us. We gave him a brief discussion and Hna Nielsen took down his beeper number. We didn’t do anything with him for a while and then one day my comp beeped him. He called us back and came with us to the church. This guy Elido, is not quite ready for baptism, but his friends are. He led us to Hanky and his family. This demonstrates once again that the Lord knows who He wants in His church. He leads us to those who are ready. Hanky reads his Book of Mormon and prays everyday. He was living the word of wisdom and law of chastity before his baptism. Now he is on fire. He is working on his friends and family to get them baptized.”
Elder Beck/Smith – Jamaica 1 – Nov 5, 1996 – “INTENSITY – SECOND MILE BAPTISMS ON LAST DAY OF THE MONTH” – We had worked so hard all month and had finished with 3 baptisms. We had wanted to beat the area best of 6 (I had beaten the previous area bests), and we were at the end of the month with no one solid. I was tempted to just give up and be satisfied with the three. I knew that this is not what the Lord wanted. Saturday night, the last day of the month. I decided to look up one last fearless. Well it turned out that the whole family was very interested. Never before have I met such a humble family. We took them to church the next day and then the Branch President took over and “worked them for baptism.” Not only were they now excited for baptism but the branch wanted them to be baptized. So everyone was happy. It was perfect.”
Elder Stinson/Barlow – South Shore Ward – Nov 5, 1996 – “YOUNGER MISSIONARIES NEED TO STEP UP TO ACCEPT THE BATON” – One of the things that hit me at Zone Conference was when it was mentioned that the young missionaries need to “step up” for all those who will be leaving over the next two months. I’ve always known this, but did nothing about it. Something inside me sparked and I decided to “grow up”. I don’t know what happened, but I’m now a new man with faith and vision. I won’t stop until we reach 630. We can do it!”
Elder […] Christensen/Garza – East New York 11 Sp – Oct 28, 1996 – “INTENSITY – FEARLESSING PARENTS OUTSIDE SCHOOLS” – We are trying some different methods in the mornings, during slow time. Last week the four missionaries in our apartment went out at 8 am and would go to the local elementary schools and “fearless” all the parents on the corners of the blocks, while taking their children to school. I was surprised at some of the great success that we experienced from doing that twice last week, once in Elder Jeppsen/Zirker’s area and once in our own. Surprisingly, we have received many male referrals, we have had some good finds during the “dead hours” of the day.”
Elder Turley/Evanson – Flushing 111 Korean – Oct 28, 1996 – “THE YANKEES WON” – The Yankees won. They have been blessed to be in this city at this time, playing with their talents and desires that they have been […]
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blessed with. I feel impressed by the spirit that the Yankee’s victory will open the city’s heart. The excitement stemmed by such a victory will bring more compassion and charity to the people! It will put windows of heaven, providing paths to baptism for many thousands, who will be touched by angels and missionaries second. When the Yankees won Game 4, the whole neighborhood erupted. I had the impression then, and when it all ended, it felt tremendous standing on top of our building looking over the city, love and serve, and yelling for their win!
PREPARED PEOPLE FOR NOVEMBER – Halfway up Kissena Blvd, as we were pumping on our bikes, out of nowhere, this Italian girl stops us, pulls us over asking “My mother is a member of your church (she is early 20’s) and has just moved in with me from the Bronx. When is church on Sunday!” She then runs right out and said “I also want to take the lessons too!” Was she ever prepared by the spirit! We left her hurrying up the street, and met an investigator and a previous fearless, we hadn’t been able to contact, because of negative roommates. The area is so prepared.”
Elder McNairy/Perkins/Rasmussen/Almoney AP’s – October 20, 1996 – “REACHING MY GOAL OF 200 CONVERSIONS” – Hitting 200 baptisms is a great feeling. I recall the days when I had reached 100 and thought, when I reached 136, breaking the all-time record of Elders Savage and Erickson, it wasn’t all that great. Reaching 200 was much better, and this is why! As a “rookie”, I set two major goals, one to baptize 200 great (later raised to 250) and two, to change New York city, or leave my mark. As I am able to look back on the accomplishments of these goals, I feel the love the Savior has for me and how proud He is of me for achieving the spirit, to be used as a tool, and the 200 plus converts is a sign of that. I remember Richard G. Scott saying that “a successful missionary is one who follows the spirit”, that has been the theme of my mission. I hope if my mission has learned anything from me as an AP, it’s that following the spirit is the only way to do missionary work. Any other way is not good enough, and will never be good enough. I love this city. I know I will be involved in missionary work my whole life, the Lord has revealed that to me. I thank you, I know I will be made me into a Priesthood leader. I promise you that the tools I’ve learned from you will bring thousands and thousands more people to the waters of baptism.” Note: He went home the highest baptizer of the entire mission with 251, even after spending 6 months as Assistant to the President.
Elder Shipley/Peck – Coney Island 1 – Oct 22, 1996 – “OBEDIENT BECAUSE I WANT TO” – I’ve realized how great this mission is because now I am being obedient, because I want to and because I know it’s right, not because I have to. I know what I want to accomplish and now I can work towards it. I love this Zone, I love this mission, and I love God and Jesus Christ.”
Elder Ahlmer/C. Taylor – Staten Island 11 – Oct 21, 1996 – “PRES. RASBAND ON CHANNEL 4 NEWS” – We went to an appointment with a “flaky” lady, who “juked” us anyway. Whilst in the elevator, another lady started talking and said that she had seen a program on TV the night before about us and the missionaries. She agreed when asked if we could come over. She said she had missionaries over some three years ago, and she would like to meet again with us, after our appointment upstarts. After the juke, we visited with Beverly who said that after she saw the program, she felt as though she should meet with us again, so she was going to call us that evening, but as she had seen us on the elevator, she didn’t need to. We taught her an awesome first and know she will be baptized soon. It’s amazing how the Lord will use other people to get you into places so you can meet prepared people. Also thank you to Pres. Ron Rasband from the New York North Mission and Channel 4.”
Elder Schwenke (ZL)/Fernandez – Rego Park 111 Sp – Oct 15, 1996 – “PASS BATON TO ROOKIES” – As I see the new generation of “rookies” coming in, I sit back so proud that when the others left and passed the baton over to us, we grabbed it and ran with it so fast. I’m so proud to say that I was a leader in the NYS mission when it exploded with 306 and then 267 baptisms, and it will explode to even higher heights. I really do love this mission with all my heart and it will always hold a special part in my heart for the experiences and friends I have found here.”
Elder […] Jensen (ZL)/Stock – East New York 1 – Oct 15, 1996 – “100 CLUB” – My first 8 months, I only had 5 baptisms! It wasn’t that I didn’t want to work, or I didn’t work, or I didn’t have the desire to baptize, because I had all that. I just didn’t know how to do it effectively! Then I was made senior companion, with Elder Hoelzer (former AP), my comp a short time later. He taught me how to put everything together so I could get the results I always wanted, but never knew how to get. Now 8 months later (out 16 months now), I have over 50 baptisms and almost at 60, in those short 8 months. My goal is to be the first English missionary to join the 100 club. It always has been. But all this “For His glory!”
Elder Leishman/Taumoepeau – Bermuda – Oct 1, 1996 – “I LOVE BERMUDA” – When you first called me to go to Bermuda, I didn’t want to go. I’d heard you can tract the whole island in one month and other stupid rumors. I trusted the Lord and you, enough to know that’s where I needed to be. Pres. Bailey, I’ll never be able to express the gratitude I feel for being able to serve in Bermuda. I’ve had experiences here that nowhere else in the world could match. I’ve told you several times before my mission that I wanted to (1) Go to Australia […]
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because I loved the accent. You have taken care of that. (2) Go foreign language in a foreign country. I went to Korea and Korean speaking. (3) Go ASL because I love to sign. (4) Some other place beautiful and green. I’m now in Bermuda. I’ve had almost everything.
When I was first sent to Bermuda I fasted every Sunday for the first three months, directed to the building and strengthening of the Bermuda Branch. In the last 6 months there have been 7 baptisms (more than any other year in the last 10 years), 4 people have been reactivated, one of which is now Primary President, a sister from the Philippines and a priesthood holder from Jamaica have recently moved in and an American family are moving here in a few weeks. The husband felt impressed for the church’s sake, as if they want to strengthen the branch. Attendance has gone from 28 members including tourists to 48 including only 7 tourists last Sunday. I know that through fasting, prayer and faith, miracles can happen.”
Hna Madsen/Orgill – Midwood 11 Sp – Sep 30, 1996 – “INTENSITY – AVERAGE IS NO LONGER GOOD ENOUGH” – I have always had a fear of being successful. Average was okay, it didn’t require much work. Average is not good enough for me any more. I desire to know and learn more. I desire to work harder. Faith without work is dead. My faith is so much stronger now, I’m working on the works. I’ve been lazy in the gospel for too long. I want to baptize thousands. I know I will go home continuing this wonderful work. I pray to the Lord my Ward “vision”. I know that all missionaries who teach here, will teach the next generation to be even better missionaries. What a joy it will be to hear that in the NYNYS Mission, thousands are coming unto Christ monthly, or even better “daily.” The Lord is preparing this area for great things. “630” is just the beginning.”
Elder Fernandez/Schwenke – Rego Park 11 Sp – Sep 22, 1996 – “INTENSITY – ANGELS ACCOMPANYING US– Elder Bunker and I were on a split, running late to a members house for a Dinner appointment. We ate, but as time went on, we began to feel sick. But we moved out to look up some referrals and visit some investigators. As we walked, I asked him if he felt that someone was walking with us, as if we were not alone. He agreed with me, and then both of us felt a warm, peaceful feeling. We then realized that we didn’t feel sick any more. We had a spiritual discussion throughout the rest of the evening. We felt as if angels were with us.”
Elder Melke (ZL)/Giles – Dyker Heights 1 Sp – Sep 23, 1996 – “FINISH BAPTIZING FORMER INVESTIGATORS – SENT BACK TO OLD AREA” – I was able to witness the baptism of Gianilda. Elder Reynolds and I taught her over a year ago, when I was a “rookie.” They were never baptized, after I left the area. I always knew she was prepared to be baptized. Upon returning to the area, I unsuccessfully tried to make contact until last week. The spirit then returned and she remembered her desires to be baptized. She was re-taught, committed, interviewed and then baptized on Wednesday night. It was an excellent service, over a year in the making. That’s the third person baptized that I taught previously, when I was a “rookie”, and sent back to that area as a ZL. Why did the Lord send me back here!”
Elder Miner (ZL)/Crum – Plainview 11 Ward – Sep 22, 1996 – “CALL WML WITH COMMITS” – I spoke to our WML last night and they want to go on more splits to look up less actives. To work a little closer with our WML, I’ll be calling him every Monday and Wednesday with commits – like call the ZL’s. Hopefully, we’ll be able to have better planned services and more support from members. I just wish we had a few commits to give him.”
Hna Orgill(Sister Trainer)/Madsen – Midwood 11 Sp – Sep 22, 1996 – “WHOLE FAMILIES, FROM LESS ACTIVE, PART MEMBERS – Our baptisms last week were two children from a less-active woman, Suyapa, whom we fearlessly, but didn’t even know until half-way through the 1st discussion. The baptismal services touched the father, as the whole family had come to the service, and he committed for baptism. The wife was thrilled that her family would now be complete in the church. Now they come out to church and mid-week activities on their own and bring friends to the activities. She was excited that her son Elvis, could grow up to be a missionary. The real surprise came to-day, when Ivan, the less-active and formerly aloof son asked “I want to study to become a missionary, will you help me!”
Hna Miles/Uribe – Ridgewood Sp – Sep 22, 1996 – “THEY’RE MY CHILDREN, NOT YOURS!” – I was worried about investigators, the branch, my companion, other missionaries, and our area, and was praying for some comfort and direction, as I was feeling overwhelmed. Suddenly I felt a great peace. The words came to my mind “They’re my children, not yours!”
Elder Schwenke (ZL)/Fernandez – Rego Park 11 Sp – Sep 17, 1996 – “ZONE STRUGGLES – COMING FROM A HIGH – ‘NOTHING GETS ME DOWN’” – Arriving here in Elmhurst has been a “change” for me in all aspects of the word. Something I’ve been pondering on for the last few days is how Heavenly Father is trying to teach us something and sometimes it is just humbling experiences. It has been 1.5 weeks and we have only had 1 baptism in the whole Zone and that is very humbling. I’ve always been a poor loser and I hate the feeling of losing. I understand that trials are supposed to evaluate how many levels of faith, and where we are at the time, but sometimes we wish we didn’t have any trials. I feel like I’m in a Rugby game and everybody is sweating, people are slamming into each other, adrenaline is pumping like there’s no to-morrow and I’m just so “juiced up” to defeat the opponent. No matter how frustrating things may look right now and how we sometimes complain about everything, I can’t let down and always remember Hno. Cruz saying “Nothing gets me down!” I […]
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will fight to the bitter end and I’m going to go down swinging (5 months left). I said I like Challenges, and I face them with all the power I possess. I will always remember the quote of Tom Landry from Leaders Meeting about how our success is measured on how we deal with our trials. I have 5 months left to show Heavenly Father that I am a true “NYS NO FEAR” missionary. Proud I am to be and always proud of it for the rest of my life.” Note: He became an Assistant the following month.
Elder Harris/Tenney/Echols – Bensonhurst Russian – Sep 16, 1996 – “NYC RUSSIANS – They are very hard workers and hard to meet with. About 66% of Russians are Jewish, with the rest either Russian Orthodox or Atheists.” Ellis Island statistics show almost 600,000 live in state of New York, the highest in the country.
Hna Cervantes/Lloyd – Bushwick 11 Sp – Sep 16, 1996 – “90% are MALE BAPTISMS” – We are baptizing priesthood for the branch. 90% of all my baptisms are priesthood holders. Some missionaries used to make fun about this, and I thought “When I go to Bushwick, it will probably be different.” No, it’s still the same. I guess it is just my mission in NY, to bring in the priesthood for the branches.” Note: She was very attractive, and later became Sister Trainer.
Elder Benson/Reynolds – Richmond Hill 1 Sp – Sep 16, 1996 – “FAITH THAT INVESTIGATORS WILL WALK INTO CHURCH” – My companion had to give a talk, so we went, but were going to leave after meeting because we had no investigators there. All of a sudden, two people came to us and wanted to be taught. Then a member came to us and wanted us to go teach her friend after church. While at the member’s house, we blessed and gave the sacrament to a sick member, and then taught his friend and committed him for Tuesday, next week. Our faith sure was tested.”
Elder […] Smith/Kirk – Little Neck 11 Sp – Sep 2, 1996 – “INTENSITY – THE LAST FEARLESS OF THE DAY– Time and time again, the Lord blesses us with prepared people at the last possible moment, making Ether 12:6 more applicable to my life every day. Two of the Five baptisms that the Lord has blessed us with, came from the “last Fearless of the day”! Testifying that the Lord knows who he wants in His church, and will send them to us, if we’re going the “Second Mile.”
Elder Leffler/Boulton – Jamaica 11 Sp – Sep 2, 1996 – “PREPARED MAN FINALLY LED BACK TO THE MISSIONARIES – HOUSTON – As we were walking, a man (Cesar), said hello, and was really happy to see us. I felt impressed to take him to our mid-week activity and taught him all six discussions that night. 8 years ago, the missionaries had fearlessly met him in Houston, Texas, and he rejected them and their message. He then felt sorrow and prayed to the Lord for another chance. We were led to him, he was prepared in every way. He was thrilled to learn of the Book of Mormon, Baptisms for the Dead, tithing, callings, he didn’t drink alcohol or coffee nor smoke. He joined the activity, and watched “How Rare is a Possession.” The BML and the Branch President met him, felt his spirit and requested him to be baptized. He later bore testimony that the Lord had prepared him to be led to the missionaries again. He is so strong in the Branch.”
Elder Gardner (ZL)/Crump – East New York 1 – Aug 18, 1996 – “INTENSITY IN TEACHING – This is my first month back from Long Island. The city is incredible. I feel like a “rookie” all over again as I hunt for people to fearless. The area was fresh, little teaching pool, so the first week we did some “Mad Dog” finding. In the last two weeks we have taught 43 discussions and I’ve felt good about every one. I do understand that having a big teaching pool and teaching a lot doesn’t necessarily qualify you to baptize. The secret is following the spirit and doing your best to think smart. Already the area has experienced two baptisms, with many on the way. I’m so excited for the new East New York church on Pennsylvania Ave. Expect us to perform this month. I know we can help the Zone climb to new levels. NOTE: As a DL, they ended the first month with 7 baptisms in the companionship, with a Zone total of 15. For September the companionship had 10, with a new English record.
Elder Schwartz/Schwenke – Huntington 1 Sp – Aug 18, 1996 – “FAITH TO GET OLD JOB BACK – We have a new member Jessica, who’s been facing a lot of trials since her baptism. Recently she got sick and when she called work to say she couldn’t make it, they fired her. She started losing faith in her prayers. Two days ago, when we were visiting her, she asked for a blessing, so I gave her one. I told her in her blessing that she would get a job very soon. About one minute after the prayer, her telephone rang. It was her old boss calling to apologize and asked her if she would like her job back! That gave Jessica that extra assurance, that God hears and answers prayers.”
Elder Miner (ZL)/Crum – Plainview 11 Ward – Aug 13, 1996 – “AN EFFECTIVE LEADER – To be an effective leader, you must have a personal, trustworthy relationship with anyone and all that you are over to lead. To be a friend that anyone of those persons can come and confide any matter to you and know that they will not receive any ridicule, embarrassment, or guilt, because of you. By having this type of relationship, you can lead, make people want successful lives and yourself having made life-long friends. Although people that tease, joke and make light of other’s feelings and situations are fun to be around, they will never make an effective leader because of the lack of trust.”
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Elder Puckett/Corona – Rockaway 11 Sp – Aug 12, 1996 – “BEACH BAPTISMAL SERVICES – After the Branch Picnic on Saturday, a man was baptized into the English branch. The Beach was crowded around 4 pm, but both branches of members and missionaries, over 30, headed down to the water. The members and the convert dressed in white, caught the attention of everyone on the beach. When the man was immersed and came out, the beach participants of some 80-100, all clapped in applause. Everyone on the beach felt the spirit of the baptism! Many were heard to say “Yes, they’re Mormons, they baptize all the way under the water!” One lady fearlessly me and started asking many questions. I like beach baptisms in the heat of summer in this vacation resort area. It allows other people around to feel the spirit of baptism and sparks their interest.”
Elder Castro/Fowler – Dyker Heights 111 Sp – Aug 5, 1996 – “REFERRALS TO EACH OTHER – Elder Spencer Shaw (English) fearlessly this spanish girl Dulcet, who was so prepared. We baptized the whole family. We also found an inactive person for Elder Shaw, and they baptized him from that too. If we help each other, both sides, we receive combined blessings, not just one. God is wonderful when we seek unity as a mission.”
Elder […] Jensen/Bowcut – Jamaica 1 – Aug 1, 1996 – “JAMAICA INCREASES CONTINUOUSLY EVERY MONTH – We saw lots of miracles this past month. The Lord really blessed us! I have really loved being here in Jamaica. When I first got here in April, the Zone had 1 baptism for the entire month, and I had baptized that person. Then Elder Hoelzer came (AP for his last month), and was my companion and we raised the vision. The Zone had 9 in the month of May. Then we hit 16 in the month of June and missed our record by one. This last month we went off and broke our record of 17 and reached 21. We raised a new standard. I have really seen the vision of Jamaica increase from when I got here in April until now. It is now a “hot spot” in the mission and no longer a place where missionaries don’t baptize and don’t like to be transferred to. I think a lot of it has come from Zone Unity! We have great unity in our Zone! Especially in our pad! We’re always helping one another and working to-gether. It’s a team effort! Elder Boulton and I have really seen how it works. Between the two of us, we had 13 of the 21. Even although he is Spanish and I’m English, we still work with each other to-gether.”
Elder Holt/Gardner – Plainview 1 Ward – Jul 15, 1996 – “TALKBACK RADIO – GUY FORD – RADIO TROPICALE – The radio show of which we were all a part, was a testimony builder. What an incredible experience to just be a part of the broadcast to some 20 million French and Creole people around the world. I know that here in New York, we may not see a large harvest, that the show touched, but I know that many souls were touched and seeds planted. I am grateful for your testimony and spirit that I felt from you in that broadcast, President Bailey, one that touches me whenever I am in your presence.”
Elder Rust/[…] Davis – Joint ZL’s – Jamaica 1 – Jul 22, 1996 – “COMPLETE FAMILIES – An answer to a year’s prayers finally came yesterday, as we saw a complete family baptized. This family walked into church, two Sundays ago, and explained how they were looking for a church to go to. Even although they were Elder Jensen’s baptisms, I had the opportunity of teaching most of the discussions to them. The spirit that filled the room during their baptism was incredible. All it made me want to do, is teach and baptize another family, and then another. There is something special about complete families, the family unit is truly ordained by God. What a blessing it is to have grown up in a complete family that has been sealed in the Temple.”
Elder Puckett/Corona – Rockaway 11 Sp – Jul 22, 1996 – “BEEPERS – Saturday, an old investigator beeped me. We ended up talking about her being baptized. She began crying and she said that her heart was burning. We agreed that it was the spirit confirming to her to be baptized finally. Elder Peterson (AP) and I went up and picked up Elder Robert Jensen, who had taught her when he was previously in the area. She was baptized, now talks about attending BYU and going on a mission. I have a testimony of the use of beepers. They feel the spirit at one time only. They want you then. Not when you come home, right then! It is his work and for His Glory. Amen! I love them.”
Hna Miles/Salcedo – Ridgewood Sp – Jul 22, 1996 – “MID-WEEK ACTIVITIES – THE LORD PLACES PREPARED PEOPLE ACROSS OUR PATH – We had no investigators to take to the mid week activity on Wednesday night, so we stood outside the building to fearless people until we found one. A young man asked us if we knew where there was a phone. We took him inside and showed him. When he finished we fearlessed him. It turned out that he had a friend in Mexico, that was a member and served a mission, and who now lives in New York. That friend who he hasn’t seen in a few years just happens to be our Branch Mission Leader. The Lord does send us prepared people!”
Elder Taft/Loo – Flushing 1 Chinese – Jul 15, 1996 – “FEARLESSING AND TEACHING TO BAPTIZE – My view of Missionary Work has changed dramatically. First I started out, just wanting to get “fearlesses”. After I became confident with that, my mindset changed. I wanted to have fearlesses that would turn into teaching appointments. Before, I didn’t seem focused on teaching. Then after I started getting lots of teaching appointments, all I wanted to do was teach them. Baptism was not always on my mind, when I taught them. Now since I’ve come to Flushing, my mindset has changed again. Everytime I now fearless or teach someone, the question always is in my mind, “Will this person be baptized?” So now I fearless to baptize and teach to […]
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Elder Miner/Crum DL – Plainview 11 Ward – Jul 14, 1996 – “DON’T KEEP SLOW INVESTIGATORS” – I finally came to the conclusion why I went dry last month in Bensonhurst. I’ve come to the conclusion that picking investigators is like going to the horse auction. Back home, you go in knowing the assumption is: lameness, hurt, crazy, wild etc., and things that you don’t want. You know what to look for: good conformation, nice looks etc. You only have a brief amount of time to bid (or commit). You always pray to look at their heart and what it can become, not what it is, and go by your “gut feeling”, or in our case, follow the spirit! If they’re not worth putting the work into, go to someone else that is.”
Elder Fowler (DLY)/Castro – Richmond Hill 11 Sp – Jul 15, 1996 – “POSTAGE STAMPS” – A missionary is like a postage stamp. He may get licked, depressed, stuck in a corner, and sent from post to post, but he will always succeed and arrive in the right place, if only he will stick to it!”
Hna Miles/Orgill – Ridgewood Sp – Jul 8, 1996 – “PREPARED PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD ‘CHARLAS’ ELSEWHERE” – We had been praying for 3 weeks that prepared people would move into our area, who had already been taught the discussions elsewhere, that were prepared beforehand. Last Saturday afternoon, we stopped by the apartment to get our bikes and switch companions. The phone then rang. It was a lady named Marissa from Nicaragua. She said she had attended church in Florida for 5 years, that she had all the discussions, but had moved to New York and before being baptized. She had moved into our area 2 days before. She had been praying to find the church here. We met her that very night and committed her to be baptized the very next day. As we reviewed the charlas with her, she taught us. The spirit was so strong. The Lord answered both hers and our prayers.”
Elder Schwartz/Adams – Huntington Sp – Jul 8, 1996 – “MASTERY” – I decided at transfers to begin on the Mastery Program. Since I’ve started in the morning, my testimony has become stronger, my spanish improving, and I feel more confident. The program is really helping me to become a better instrument in the Lord’s hands.”
Elder Evanson/Snider – Flushing Korean – Jul 8, 1996 – “ENGLISH CLASSES BRING BAPTISMS” – Last night Elder Turley and Jensen had a baptism. She was a lady I had taught in the English class (about some of the hymns). She’s really cool! That gave me a new realization that there really are prepared people out there, hard to find at times though.”
Elder Leishman/Klp Nielsen – Bermuda – Jul 7, 1996 – “SATAN’S DISTRACTIONS” – We worked this last month with the attitude “There is no To-morrow!” We had 7 fearlesses that week that kept us busy teaching. Satan saw what was happening and before we recognized it, we had lost our “intense focus.” This week we regrouped, expected Satan to have us lose our focus again, but prayed for the “gift of discernment” to recognize his distractions. Never before have I noticed so many ways the Adversary tries to make those trying to live righteously, to go other ways. He’s so sneaky and subtle, but the gift of discernment detected his moves. Last week we found 12 families as a result (4 of them with priesthood), mainly by “map spirit tracting.”
Elder Melke/Garza – Jul 8, 1996 – “NEW BUSHWICK SPANISH ZONE RECORD – 39” – I have been trying to figure out what happened last month. No matter how I analyzed, I couldn’t explain it. All I know is that it was a miracle! The Zone came to-gether and everyone did what it took to break a record. I feel like I should have a better explanation, but I don’t. I know that God trusted us and he knew what he wanted to happen in Bushwick. We were just instruments in his hands. Every member of the Zone learned great principles which I hope they won’t forget.”
Elder Christensen/Taylor – Bushwick 11 Sp – Jul 8, 1996 – “ORDINANCE DEMONSTRATION TO ELDERS QUORUM – BAPTISM” – We had a great baptism on Sunday, in which it was done in front of the entire Elders Quorum. The first Sunday of every month, they learn about the performance of a priesthood ordinance, so we had a baptismal service during the Elders Quorum. They participated in the baptism and in the bestowal of the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a nice demonstration.”
Hna Mann/Roa – Little Neck 11 Sp – Jul 8, 1996 – “BUSHWICK ZONE ‘HUNGER’ CAN BE IN EVERY ZONE” – Little Neck is definitely different than Brooklyn. I have finally realized how different Bushwick is and what everyone was talking about. I just took the desire and drive of the Bushwick Zone for granted. Here I have to make it for myself, it’s not just given to me, which is good, but frustrating, because why shouldn’t every Zone, Area, Missionary be that same way. There is in reality, nothing “special” about Bushwick. People, missionaries, Branches. The difference is that everyone is told that Bushwick is special, baptisms are high, people are humble. But if every missionary believes they are in a good area, baptism records can be broken. If every missionary believed that and taught and worked with that belief, couldn’t every area baptize just as much as Bushwick? Scriptures like Enos 1:15 and 3 Nephi 18:20 all promise that if we ask in faith, we shall receive. So if we have a goal that we’ve prayed about and feel good, and work hard for it with intense faith, there should be […]
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…no reason why that goal should not be met. I hear missionaries saying “If I work hard and don’t receive baptisms, it’s not my fault!” But then who’s fault is it? God doesn’t go back on his promises. It appears to me if we have true faith and do everything possible, then records should be broken.”
Elder Christensen/Martínez – Bushwick 11 Sp – Jul 2, 1996 – “HOW RECORD OF 39 ESTABLISHED” – I will always remember the month of June, because the intensity that we had that last week is going to carry through July, where we will make the run for 50 baptisms. I pray that I will always have the same intensity and “hunger” for the rest of my mission. A big reason why we baptized 39 souls and broke the Elder Savage record of 36 (6/95), is because we never gave up and the leaders kept positive attitudes about everything, even when after 4 weeks when we only had 13. I’m really excited for July and working more closely with Elder Meikle and now Elder Garza, and also breaking my area record established in June of 11.
Elder […] Jensen/Bowcut DL – Jamaica 1 – Jul 8, 1996 – “TRAIN MY BEST FRIEND” – My father was so excited when Elder Bowcut received his call to this mission and entered the MTC. His father and mine work with each other and are very good friends. From that point on, I knew that I would be training him, but I decided to not tell you, and see if the spirit confirmed that to you. When I walked into the Orientation Meeting, the day of transfers to meet my new companion, imagine how thrilled we both were to be placed together. It was cool to see him as a “rookie” baptize and say the prayer in Spanish! This is the “Mission of Miracles!”
Elder […] Hansen/Rust ZL – Jamaica 1 – Jul 1, 1996 – “BAPTIZING TO THE LAST DAY IN MISSION” – Last Sunday we looked up an old investigator. He was now prepared for baptism, after daily follow-up. My parents came to church, and then the baptism. My father then baptized our convert and those of the Sisters’. It was a perfect service, and a perfect way to not only finish my mission, but also to have my family “feel” the urgency and excitement that is in this mission. They said they will never forget the few experiences felt here. The English missionaries had 7 male baptisms this month that almost doubles the number in the priesthood class. The Zone total was 16, almost beating our record, but every companionship baptized. I couldn’t have finished any better. Thank you.”
Elder Simons/Florlto – Uniondale 11 Sp – Jun 23, 1996 – “SACRIFICED MANHATTAN DAY” – Last Saturday we baptized in the ocean. It was so awesome and special for me. The woman had come so far, we had to get her married first. The only day she could do it was the same day as our Manhattan Trip. We decided to sacrifice our trip and get her married. It was worth it! I love the people and this work so much! I’ll sacrifice any day to see them be happy and see the love of Christ enter their lives.”
Elder […] Shaw (DL)/Bradley – Bushwick 1 – Jun 23, 1996 – “MONTHLY CONVERSION GOAL IS 20 – BUSHWICK NO DIFFERENT TO ANY OTHER AREA” – I remain hopeful about my goal of 15. If 3,000 can be baptized in a day, then 15 can be baptized in one area in one month. I have really learned how to remain positive in attitude and hopeful in my goals. I have really come to realize the power of faith, the power of believing! I am thoroughly convinced that any part of the mission can baptize as much as Bushwick. I wonder why other parts of the mission don’t. It’s a lot easier to find whole families elsewhere rather than Bushwick. The only thing that makes Bushwick different, is that everyone believes that we can baptize here. The branch believes it, the missionaries believe it and the mission expects nothing less. Coming from Little Neck, I have noticed that basic missionary work between the two areas is no different. It’s just as hard to find and baptize in Bushwick, it’s just that you have to sort through uninterested people until you baptize. The element that makes the difference is faith, believing that you can do it. You’ve got to pray just as hard as there and work just as hard and teach just as earnestly. If we are praying for one family of 5, how much harder is it to pray for two families of 5. I am now just realizing this. I have become completely dissatisfied with my number of conversions thus far. I will never feel content or comfortable with 2 or 3 each month, that’s old school. It’s now 4 or less = average, 5 – 10 is good and 11 and up is active faith mixed with a little miracle. My goal is 20 now in one month, I must attain that before I go home. I am excited to see how this month turns out and I’m excited to do it again next month.”
Elder […] Shaw/Bradley – Bushwick 1 – Jun 30, 1996 – “JULY GOAL OF 20” – I told the Lord that if He would help us baptize 15 people in June, I would make our goal 20 for July. Well I didn’t get 15, but I still feel good about 20 baptisms and 5 families for July. I have also reset my mission goal from 60 to 120, but what I really want is 160. There are a lot of reasons to doubt this goal, but I just remember the scripture “doubt not, only believe.”
Elder Rust/Hansen – Jamaica 1 – Jun 23, 1996 – “ZONE UNITY AND ZONE RECORD BROKEN THROUGH STREET SWEEPS” – The Zone is doing so well, everyone is so excited and our vision has been raised. It’s so exciting to be in a Zone where each companionship has baptized. Everyone is so unified and excited for each other. This Tuesday we’re going to get the whole Zone to go into the Sister’s area for a “street sweep”, all split up for a few hours and try and find someone to baptize this Sunday. They are tied with their own area record and all of us want to see their record broken.”
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Elder Batty/Bartlett – Rego Park 111 Sp – Jun 23, 1996 – “WHAT ARE QUALITY CONVERTS” – I’m still battling the question that always arises with the topic of quality baptisms. I know that it is possible to baptize high numbers of quality converts each month. Numbers do not reflect one bit on quality converts, unfortunately some missionaries and branch members don’t realize that. I look at the 10 active happy people out of the 18 conversions Elder Bangerter and I had last month, and my first thought is “where are the other 8?” But then I realize that in no other month have I had 10 active conversions. I am pleased at the support of our Branch President, President Mancuso, as he reminds a few members that the gospel, like the fisherman’s net, will bring in many, but few will be chosen. I have to keep reminding myself that too!
Elder Almoney/Shakespear – Brooklyn Chinese – Jun 23, 1996 – “GAIN REFERRALS FOR OTHERS” – Since we travel a lot, we still get referrals for others in their areas. That just serves as a reminder that Mosiah 8:18, we are all in this together. We become concerned for others’ well-being and before you know it, the missionaries are unified as a District and Zone. I glory in unity.”
Elder Evanson/Snider – Flushing Korean – Jun 23, 1996 – “REFERRALS FOR OTHERS” – Last week we experienced a miracle in our finding. On Friday morning we were at McDonald’s with the Zone and when we were leaving, the Spanish elders brought in this Korean man they had found for us. Boy is this Zone unity. He was really cool and prepared. He is an answer to prayer to find prepared Korean men.”
Elder Fiorito/Simons – Uniondale 11 Sp – Jun 21, 1996 – “BOYFRIEND TO KILL HIMSELF” – We were teaching Lisa who moved quickly and we couldn’t locate her. We decided to go back just one more time. Her boyfriend answered the door. After us teaching her about the Law of Chastity, she dumped him, walked out on him when he wouldn’t agree to marriage, and he looked in terrible emotional shape. He did let us in and allowed us to teach him. We found out later, that was the very moment he was going to kill himself, as we knocked. He said we saved his life. He loves the Book of Mormon and loves our message, and wants to be baptized. What would have happened if we didn’t hear the spirit direct us to that house at that very moment.”
Elder Christensen/Martinez – Bushwick 11 Sp – Jun 10, 1996 – “STREET SWEEPS – ZONE UNITY” – The whole Zone gets together from 9 am – 12 pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and we “juice” a certain companionship’s area by all the members of the Zone splitting off into it. It provides a great opportunity to team up with another Elder and learn something different, it also provides good unity. I know it has helped me. The two baptisms I had this week, was a result of the “street sweep.”
Elder Kelley/Lockwood – Bushwick 11 Sp – Jun 10, 1996 – “WORLD’S FAIR TESTIMONY OF BOOK OF MORMON” – Saturday afternoon, we had an appointment with Inez who asked us to come over. We asked her if she knew anything about the church, or the missionaries. She told us that back in 1964, she went to the New York World’s Fair when she was in her 20’s. She walked into a building, and there was a large picture of Joseph Smith kneeling in prayer, with a light shining on his head, and a huge Book of Mormon was there. When she saw that, she felt so “peaceful and good”, and for 30 years she has never forgotten it. She accepted every word we said, because she already had a testimony from that experience so long ago.”
Elder […] Roberts/Perkins ZL’s – Midwood – May 21, 1996 – “ELDER PERKIN’S FATHER BAPTIZES REFERRAL” – We brought one of our investigators to District Conference named Ben Gullensen. He was a referral from a professor at BYU. They had been corresponding on the Internet. He knew what we taught him was true, but he was scared to leave his old church. There was a baptism and he came to it. I talked to him about how he was feeling and he knew what he needed to do. He was still a little nervous, so we had Elder Wright interview him. An hour later he was ready to go. Elder Perkin’s father was in town and he performed the baptism. It was a Challenging and Testifying moment. I had total faith that God would have us baptize this week. All you have to do is what He tells you. Follow the Spirit and you’re never wrong.”