Week 38: Flying By!

 well, its flying by! i just wrapped up my 3rd week here in Itabuna. This week we have been working to prepare a few people for their baptisms. We are preparing 7 people to be baptized! Anderson (15 yrs old) accepted to be baptized on the 11th. You have to attend church a minimum of 2 times before you can be baptized.  this sunday was anderson´s 3rd. His mom (Idenia 40 yrs old) went to church for her first time so she cant be baptized until the 18 of march. So her goal is the 18th. Her son as well has only been to church once so he can be baptized on the 18th. Fernando (11 yrs old) will be baptized on the 11th too! he is great! and we have a few others for the 18th. This week i interviewed and baptized a man of 38 years. His name is Paulo. He really changed his life. he is a good man.

I love preparing péople to be baptized and seeing them change their lives! its the best work to be involved in! As i think about my work as a missionary i feel really grateful for this unique opportunity i have. its not everyday that you get to study the scriptures in depth and see miracles happen in the lives of others as well as your own. i was studying in Helaman and i came across this scripture that i liked a lot that boosted me up.
   

4 Blessed art thou, Nephi (Elder___), for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

 5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.

This scripture really can help motivate anyone to keep God´s commandments. God always promises that if we keep his commandments we will be greatly blessed. I am grateful for that promise. I know that the commandments of God are blessings. we shouldn't see them as restrictions because in reality they are blessings and protection. I know that God loves us and gives us commandments because he loves us. i know that difficulties are a test of our faith and obedience to God´s commandments.
-Elder Hilton