I cannot even begin to describe how incredibly uplifting and spiritual this week (especially this weekend) was. We were able to go to the Chicago Temple with our recent convert Christi Layton to do baptisms for the dead and that in and of itself was an incredible experience. My companion Elder Champneys had brought a few family names with us and so I was able to baptize him for his ancestors and as I raised my arm to the square and pronounced the baptism, I felt this power surge through me. I realized that it had been a long time since I had used the Lord's priesthood to bless the life of someone else and in that moment there came to my mind the saying, "use it or lose it". I gained such a greater appreciation for the Priesthood that I bare and the responsability that I have to bless the lives of others with it.
Only a few hours after we returned from the temple, Adam and Yesenia were baptized. It was such a tender experience and the Spirit was so strong. Baptisms truly are the highlight of ones mission and I am so grateful that I was able to be here for their's.
I know that this church really is true. There is an undeniable feeling I get when I give a blessing, or when I work in the temple, or when I baptize someone that I have never felt anywhere else and I know that it is the Holy Ghost. In Mosiah 18:12, we read Alma's prayer just before he baptized the believers at the waters of Mormon. It says, "O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart." I know that as we try our best and then cry unto the Lord and ask Him to give us His Spirit, that he will consecrate our actions for the benfit of those around us. I know that Christ can heal and cleanse us, because He has done it for me.
Love you all and hope that you have a great week!
Elder Arkoudas
No comments:
Post a Comment