It was probably the greatest day of my mission so far and everything just worked out so well. We ended up going to the ocean and a few days before we were nervous if there was going to be good weather because it was raining and incredibly windy but on Saturday it was a beautiful, sunny day. We seriously saw so many miracles and so I will do my best to explain it all. His baptism was scheduled for the afternoon and so Anziano Gay and I met with F. at the church at around 2:00 to set up the church for the ceremony (which consists normally of talks about the Holy Ghost, baptism, singing and prayers). Everyone else started to show up around an hour later and so got changed and ready to go. Fabio asked Anziano Gay to perform the baptism, which was super special because they have known each other for a while. But, because it was an ocean baptism Anziano Ridd (another Anziano that is serving here that I saw right when he came into the mission) and I were able to be the witnesses and go into the water with them. I wish I could describe it better other than saying that it was the most incredible experience ever to enter the water with all of us four. We went in about waist deep and then Anziano Gay baptized him. After F. was baptized, he stood there for a little without saying anything and then looked at Anziano Ridd and with a huge grin grabbed him in a big bear hug and then threw him right into the water. Hahaha after that he walked over to me and did the exact same thing. Big bear hug saying that he was so happy and then throwing me into the water haha. I love F. so much; he’s like a brother and I have so much love for him. Hahah and yes the water was pretty cold but we were not really focused on that so it was not a big deal. Once the baptism was over we headed back to the church in our wet clothes and changed to have the ceremony. The members came through with everything and brought refreshments and were really supportive of F. which was great. Especially because his family and basically all of his friends are showing a lot of opposition, which is sad, but he told us that he knows he is doing the right thing and so it will be okay.
The following day I had the privilege of confirming F. and giving him the gift of the Holy Ghost. I was pretty nervous, to be honest, because I wanted to speak well. But I felt really calm and felt the spirit really strong when performing the ordinance so I am grateful for that opportunity that I had to do that. So yes, F. is doing great and the branch president is planning on ordaining him to the office of a deacon and giving him the Aaronic priesthood next week. He is progressing so well and I am so happy to work with him. So this weekend I was just on a spiritual high and just felt soooo good. This gospel is perfect and it works! It's cool to see that if I felt that much peace and happiness on F.’s baptism, who I have only known for 5 weeks, it's hard to imagine how much God loves him as his son. Something interesting to think about.
Other miracles that we saw this week-
-The little daughters that we are working with are progressing as well. They came to church this week and now the mother (who is a member but has not come to church for a long time.. until last week:)) is completely on board with everything. She said the opening prayer in the lesson and thanked God for helping her find the truth and asking that her daughters will be able to feel the truth as well!! I was able to be in primary with them and that's always really fun. We are really hoping that they will be baptized soon.
-I was able to do a scambio with Anziano Silver (an Anziano from Pozzuoli) and it went really well. I enjoyed being in a new area and we had a good time together. We saw a huge miracle because we had 20 minutes to wait for a train and so we went out to do some finding. It was kinda a really sketchy area and there was no one around but then we saw this guy that looked about our age. We started talking and he was extremely interested. He accepted to be baptized right then and there after we explained that he can have a new start through the power of Jesus Christ. I heard today that the Anziani have met with him like 3 times now and that he is just golden so I am really happy with the way the scambio went!!
-Fabio's friend named L. came to his baptism and then to church the next day. She is from the Philippines and is a super humble lady. She has been living in Italy for 8 years and has seen her family only twice... the reason that she is here is to work for her family and send money home. At the baptism she was really touched and then also in church yesterday. She is really interested in learning more about the church, so we are excited to start teaching her.
Friday we were able to do Just Dance!! It was really fun! Unfortunately a lot of our friends could not come, but we were still able to have a good time. Also, unfortunately, we didn't have time to swing dance but that's fine. There will be another activity in the future!
The reason that I titled this email "Finding The Mojo" is because this is something that Anziano Gay and I are working on right now. Being both pretty old in the mission we both have different ways of working and doing things. Our goals are to work unitedly as fast as possible because we only have two weeks until he goes home. This week was good though...there were definitely ups and downs, but we are starting to really work more unitedly and we were able to find 12 new investigators by the end of the week so things are going really well!!
I love being a missionary so much. For my spiritual thought I wanted to share something that I have reflected on since the baptism that’s found in the Book of Mormon. This is from Alma 27:
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
I am so blessed to be a missionary. I know that thanks to God I am seeing so many miracles and blessings on my mission. God lives, and he loves us.
I love you all!! We just finished zone calcio and it was a good time! Gavin and Caden, I am so ready to break your ankles when I get back home;) hahaha love you guys<3
Love,
Anziano Spencer
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