Aloha everybody!
Great news: Shance Duarte is now baptized and confirmed a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! It was so amazing!
But first, I have to explain that Gilbert was not able to be baptized on the day we planned. Actually, Shances baptism was pushed back as well. But everything turned out ok in the end.
At Shances baptism, we got him suited up and then the ward pianist Brother Aipolena came up to me and said he couldn't play the songs we had scheduled. So the ward mission leader said that we had to change the opening song so Bro Aipolena could play it. Then it went pretty awesome from there! He was baptized but complained about the water feeling cold. It was so awesome setting up for the baptism earlier and watching the water fill up the font. It made me realize just how amazing Shances decision to be baptized really was. He was going to feel closer to God than he ever was before. Elder Jones baptized him.
Then while they were getting dressed, I gave a missionary moment sharing the message of the Restoration to the audience. They were mostly members, but I tried to make it as profound to them as I could. Then when Elder Jones and Shance got back, I got right back up and gave a 5 minute impromptu talk on the Holy Ghost. I described a story about how the Holy Ghost protects people with a story about about when my grandpa was in the police. He was riding a bike and the spirit saved him from getting hit by a semi on the highway (rough summation).
Then after the talks were finished I played the closing song! I wasn't very confident in my piano skills, but I somehow managed to play "When I am Baptized" from the Children's Songbook. It sounded good. Then I gave the closing prayer. Haha.
The following day, Shance Duarte was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. I was the one who did it and it was such a remarkable experience. I assured him that God loved him and was going to aid him through the rough but amazing life he has ahead.
Everything else has been great too. We got to wish Gwen a happy birthday by bringing guitars and Ukuleles and laughing and joking. She just turned 16.
Marsha is also doing good! We got to help her cut some leaves off her bushes and talk about the commandments we teach people to follow. She definitely seemed curious? Either way, she'll always be a great friend to the missionaries.
Me and Elder Jones frequently commented this week about how fast time goes by. I realize that as fast as time goes by for Elder Jones (a new missionary) it definitely goes by faster for me. Am I using my time to the absolute max? I hope Shances baptism is a good indicator of how badly I just wanna stay for longer. But anyway... I'll just keep walking on.
Thank you all for your support and prayers!
Aloha!
Love, Elder Nielsen
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