From Mormon.org to Baptism!

We've been following the ups and downs of Joseph, her first investigator that she's been privileged to teach from start to finish.  We've been praying for him and hoping he would come unto Christ by being baptized into His church.  Here is her email from this week:

 Joseph was baptized!! It was absolutely incredible. The spirit was so strong and simply got stronger and stronger as the service went on. The best part, beside the actual ordinance, was when Joseph bore his testimony. It was simple, but powerful. And coming from Joseph who has doubted the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and modern-day prophets, it was huge. He was honest and sincere and made several people in the room cry! His parents were able to come and support him and his friend (who Joseph gave a Book of Mormon to earlier) came as well. There were many ward members who came to support him and he was happier than I have ever seen him before.

Sunday was equally as incredible. He was confirmed a member of the church and received the Holy Ghost. Then during the 3rd hour, he received the Aaronic priesthood! (We were able to sit in for that!) and then after church, he was interviewed and received a temple recommend!!!! :) :) :) And what perfect timing the Lord has, because the ward has a temple trip planned for adults and youth this coming Saturday! He is really excited to do baptisms for the dead. I am really excited to teach him family history this week :) :)

Even before he was baptized, we had kinda teased Joseph with the idea of going on a mission. We asked him after his baptism and he said the would really like to go, but will probably finish his degree first. We'll see what the Lord has in store for him, but he would be an incredible missionary. 

 I feel so blessed to be on a mission, serving here in Dalton, Georgia. I thank my Heavenly Father that I had the opportunity to be a part of Joseph's conversion. This church is truly Jesus Christ's church restored on the earth. This knowledge has brought direction and joy into my life. "My life has a purpose, my life has a plan..." 

I don't know how to read her words without crying every week.  It is such a blessing to be able to be a small part of everything she does in her missionary labors.  I hope our family can have at least one missionary out at all times for the next 20 years!!!  (I have 3 more of my own future missionaries and 11 nieces and nephews spanning age 4 months-17 years!) Go Elders and Sisters!!  

"Frozen" and CITH Festival of Trees :)