Nieta's Baptism!!!
April 28,
2014
Good Morning
from the South!
Another week in one MARTA bus and right out
the other! It was an amazing week, and from what I can gather, it seems like
y'alls was a-okay as well! We have seen some amazing things come to pass. God
is so good! Let me jump into the week!
So to wrap up Monday, it was great! I wish we
had a car and that only me and my companion hid the eggs. The other Elders
didn't pick up anything except they were trying to find the Golden egg, and
that's it. But, it was super busy and super hot on the stone. The Sisters and
the Senior Couple had a good time, and we made it to the top, snapped some
photos, and unfortunately, my camera died. Sis. Allen should have some photos
though! We also got pretty tan, which is a bonus.
Tuesday, you should have seen how tired
everyone was at district meeting. It was kind of like after being a few days to
Lake Powell, Sunburnt a little, and nodding off. I think everyone could have
gone for a nap, not this time unfortunately. We set some district goals, and
everyone was game to go out and achieve them. Namely, we wanted to measure how
many times we asked "Who do you know?" Trying to get more referrals.
We wanted to do 10 a day, for 6 days, grand total 240. We got 245! And we got
the investigators and referrals to back them up! We also faced some serious
opposition, a lady we call, devil lady! We had just finished teaching Nieta
(she's golden!!) and were on our way back. We were chatting casually with some
people, and she came up, and said (literally, exact quote): "Don't buy any
of this crap these morons are telling you. You will go to hell with them.
Joseph Smith was a fraud nor was he nailed to that Cross." Then walked
away. All I said, "Thank you." The only reason there is that kind of
opposition, is because it is true.
Wednesday we actually witnessed a
prescription drug trade. The dude was pretty blatant about it. We also stumbled
into a Muslim community. Not sure what to tell them. At least they are super
friendly! We got to do some impromptu service, and helped take care of trees
and limbs that had been cut down. Usually they don't let us help, but we were
persistent! The leaves had thorns, so we suffered a little, but it was worth
it. Adrian and his wife are super interested in learning more and are wanting
to be baptized. We will get back and get them a date to the font! Nieta got her
baptismal interview, and she passed easy peasy! We also invited some random
stranger on the street to come to Bible Study, and she came! All we are asked
to do, is invite!
Thursday, was weekly planning as usual, and
we wrapped that up with an exchange with our Zone Leaders. Elder Skouson was
the MARTA master, and I went up to Dunwoody. The work is the same wherever you
go. It was nice to get a change of scenery though! We just did a bunch of
finding. We got yelled at, which hadn't happened to me in a while. I love it
though, it just makes me realize how true this is. We tried a tricky move in
Walmart. One person acts like they are trying on pants at the dressing room,
the other man is the point man, finding the person to talk to. I was that guy,
and the first person I talked to grew up next to a Mormon Church in Nigeria,
always had questions, and needs a church home to go to. Ask and ye shall receive,
true story!
Friday, we exchanged back. And found
ourselves literally running for every bus. Full board sprint. It made it
exhilarating! And, to make things sweeter, we made it to our appointment on
time! We met with the Sampey family, Sis Sampey is a Member, but not her
Husband. She really wants him to get baptized so they can be sealed together.
She is returning because they have a kid now, and family comes first. They have
another on the way. I knew I could relate a little to their situation. He has a
calling, comes to church even when his wife can't. Always has lived the
commandments. He's too good not to be a member. We also had another encounter
with satan lady. Same time, same station. She acted like she might have seen us
before. I even caught her drawing on the benches. I tried to be civil and
friendly, but she wasn't having none of it.
Saturday was baptism day!!! We were also able
to clean the church before hand. We studied there, and cleaned up. We were
there from 9 to 7. Long day, but totally worth it! Nieta was baptized by Elder
Skouson, and it was amazing! Her whole family came out to support her as well.
We had enough refreshments to feed them all, and it was the most attended
baptism in many years here. It is awesome what some planning can do for you.
The Spirit was super strong, and her family who were trying to convince her not
to join, are interested in learning more. Another one for the Mormon's! Thank you for the Pizza
too, it was such a relief to come home and await a good meal :)
Sunday was great as well. Nieta was confirmed
in Sacrament, gave us a little scare by being late. But she made it! We also
had 4 other investigators come, and we filled the chapel and the over flow
completely. Things are turning here! And I am glad to be a part of it. We went
home, changed, and headed out to find more people. It wasn't supposed to rain,
but that was a lie! It totally dumped, like in Pittsburgh in the Rugby National
Championship. We almost found ourselves in the thick of it, but we sprinted to
the closest home, and Troy let us right in! I love good Christian People. I
admire the South! He wasn't too interested, but he loved talking about Jesus
Christ at least. Once it cleared up, we made our way, quickly to the Roylance's
home. Sweet name, right? They had us over for dinner, and they are amazing! I
wish everyone was more able to help. Going to Med School with a family is
probably enough to juggle on its own.
Today, I think we will be headed to Piedmont
park to play some kickball with the Zone. Still looking for that Lazy Pday
soon! It should be fun though!
And that is about all I have for y'all! Keep
being amazing though! I am so super spoiled, too blessed I feel at times. I
wish everyone the most amazing week ever, and that success will abound. Good
luck with finals, to those that are taking them. Be safe, be strong, be of a
good courage! Fight the good fight! Have another blessed up week! Let me know
what I can do for y'all! I am more than eager to help, in what ways I can! Love
you all so much!!
Love,
Elder Dallan Barnes
Elder Dallan Barnes
We overcome, so we can become.
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