Learning About Christ

Well this week was probably one of the most challenging weeks of my mission. The week itself went good and we killed it and met some cool people. But let me tell you about Saturday. 

So during the week President Herrington went and interviewed Merissa and she was all set for baptism. She was excited. On Saturday morning before the baptism I was ironing my white pants when we got a text from Merissa... "I am not sure, I don't know if i should be baptized" 

Well I gave her a call and she expressed to me how she had a feeling to be baptized but also a strong feeling to not be baptized. After a long conversation trying to see where she is coming from the concern came out that she didn't fully have a testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. She decided to cancel her baptism..

I was in shock. Probably one of the most disappointing experiences on my mission. I decided to go and pray because I was at a lost. I prayed for over an hour just really trying to talk to God on what I can do to help her. Not gonna lie that was probably the most sincere prayer I have ever prayed. And during it I received a confirmation from the holy ghost that this is okay, and that we need to involve more members to help her. 

We called Sister Spaulding and asked if she would come with us that night to see Merissa! That lesson was so powerful. We came to know her concerns and at the end of the day all we were able to do is to bear powerful testimonies of the prophet. The spirit was so strong. We left her with Joseph Smith history to read. 

Yesterday we went to see her again and she had read all of Joseph Smith history. She truly wants an answer. We were able to watch part of the restoration video and the Mormon message when Elder Holland bears his testimony about the Book of Mormon. The spirit was strong again and we really tried to help Merissa be able to learn how she can receive an answer if Joseph is a prophet and if all has been restored on the earth today. 

My heart aches for her. I hope she receives her answer soon. 

On the other hand we met a new family this week. And the girlfriend came to church with her new baby and she loved it. Her name is Sacilia. That was pretty cool. 

Over all I have learned some valuable lessons this week about the Savior and the love he has for each of his children.

"Sometimes God calms the sea, Sometimes God calms the sailor, But sometimes God just wants us to swim our way through it."

My testimony of Joseph Smith has grown so much this week. I know he was a prophet called of God. I know that he saw God and the Son. I know that he translated the Book of Mormon through the power of God. I am so blessed to be able to be on the Lords errand. 

Love, 

Elder Dixon