The Light of Christ

     Saturday, March 12, Bella Palma-Ramon followed the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized. I had the wonderful honor of baptizing Bella. It was totally wonderful being a part of the process of her getting baptized. I really wanted to share a bit of her story with you because I think it is amazing.

Elder Miller, Bella, and Elder Millett (Left to Right)

    About six weeks ago we went shopping at Walmart. Yes this is a shout out to how awesome Walmart is. Always low prices yields the most customers and the higher chance you have of running into someone that is wanting to learn more of the Gospel. This was the case with Bella and her family. She and her family moved from Arizona to Fairfield about four months prior and everyone but her had joined the church. Her mom approached us and said that she was a member but hadnt been able to find the church and hadnt seen any missionaries until us. We gave her the address to our church and our phone number if there was anything we could do to help. That Sunday they all, including Bella showed up at church. We went over that night and we found out that Bella was not a member. We asked her if she would be interested in learning more from the missionaries about the Gospel that would change her life for the better and help her draw closer to Christ. She graciously accepted and never turned back. She is one of the most humble and loving girls you will ever meet. It was obvious that she had the Light of Christ within her. As we taught her, her desire to be baptized grew and grew until we all set a goal for her to be baptized on March 12. It was a wonderful day and now she absolutely exudes with goodness and with the Spirit of God. I know that her life will never be the same and that Heavenly Father has so many blessings in store for her. I love the Gospel and I love being a missionary.

(Left to Right) Patricia Florez, Elder Miller, Laura, Elena, Elder Millett, and Bella.

On the Road Together

     One of the most incredible experiences I have had on my mission was to be able to teach the most wonderful couple. Jeff and Angie Maurer. We met Angie in Napa while she was working at the In-n-Out there. As we pulled up she exclaimed with excitement, "Oh Hi Elders"! Being thrown off by the unexpected greeting, she told us that she was a member of the church but hadn't been to church for a while. She did tell us that she wanted us to come by her place because she wanted help getting back to church. The first time that we went over, Jeff who was not a member, was a little apprehensive about having us over. He later on said, "Whenever missionaries used to come by I would just ignore them or not even answer the door". We finally got a time to sit down with both Angie and Jeff. At first it was a visit full of 'stump the missionaries' questions. As we answered the questions he started to soften his heart a little bit. He asked, "Well what happens when we die"? The room went silent but the spirit came into the room. My companion, Elder Berry and I, proceeded to teach the Plan Of Salvation. As we taught, the spirit taught. It was so incredible. This was a question that Jeff had never previously been able to find an answer to that satisfied him. We taught about the Resurrection (Alma 11:43-44) and as we taught about it the spirit intensified. I believe that this is where things turned. He never knew that no matter the physical disabilities anyone may have in this life, at the resurrection your body will be perfected.
     Another one of the things that resonated with Jeff was that life is not a race but a journey and that we will be judged not by how far we get but upon the intent of our hearts and if we have repented of the things we have done that were wrong, no matter how bad they may be. It has helped Jeff develop patience more as he progresses towards his baptism. I have had many wonderful meetings with both of them that have been some of the most spiritual experiences of my entire mission. I love this couple.
     They have also sacrificed a lot to make the changes they have made and the Lord has provided a way for them to continually progress as individuals and as a couple. They even read scriptures and pray together. Both Jeff and Angie are excited about the Gospel and they are now working towards being sealed together for time and all eternity in the temple. It has been such a wonderful blessing to work with both of them and I know that they are sincere and that the Lord has truly touched both of their lives.
     Jeff also has such a strong testimony of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His religious views used to be, "Whatever puts wind in your sails is fine with me". However, that has all changed. In his own words he said, "I believe in this church, that the Book of Mormon is the interpreted word of of God, that He gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins; I believe in the Atonement, in agency, and that all things glorious - including the love that Angie and I feel for each other -are possible through the love of God and Jesus Christ". How glorious it has been to play even a small part in such a wonderful conversion. He has undergone a 'mighty change of heart' and both him and Angie are on this road together.

Baptism of Angelica Lopez

So today was the baptism of Angelica Lopez. It was a very spiritual experience and she has really taken huge steps in changing her life. She has been taught by missionaries for some time and decided after much prayer and thought that she wanted to draw closer to her Heavenly Father through baptism. he has followed the example of her Savior Jesus Christ in being baptized. In 2 Nephi 31:5-7 is states:

 5 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being ^aholy, should have need to be ^bbaptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be ^cbaptized, yea, even by water!

  6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

  7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be ^aobedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

I am so happy that she decided to take this step in her life. I am so grateful I was able to be a part of it also. Her father is Jose Lopez, he received the Priesthood this morning so he could baptize his daughter. It was a wonderful experience and it is something that is going to bring their family together and one day Together Forever!

This is what its all about!