Season 2 Episode 6: Elder Dahl Vs the 2 Baptisms

Man what a spirit filled week. I'm going to try the best I can to explain what I felt but it's super difficult. 

But from the beginning, not a lot of stuff happened leading up to the baptisms because there was a lot of planning for them. Like a lot. It also didnt really help that neither Elder Scott or I know how to plan a baptism, let alone 2. So let's just say there were several hours of getting it all set, and then several more trying to figure out the font. 

Nonetheless, we meet with Dallas twice and Alex 5 or 6 times. The fifth and sixth times with his mom and dad! Which wasn't the best because we have had no contact with his parents other then those days and Alex being the 15 year old he is didn't tell him mom until the day after . But it was all good! She said that it was his decision and if he thought it was right then he could go on with it! And he said it was so we continued on to the next day were we met his dad who is catholic. 

And I thought oh shoot they are tricky haha. But he was super chill too! And said the same thing as his mom! We invited them to attend his baptism and they accepted! So that was like several miracles in a row. And were going to add a few more too.

But before I get to the baptisms here were a few more cool experiences.  So Karen, I'm pretty sure I talked about her last time, met with us again on Thursday and we just talked with her. We got her number and she got ours and i asked her if she needed anything call us and we could help her out. Well the next day she called and asked if we could arrange a ride to caribou for her to get insurance for her car. And this is when the lords timing was perfect. There is an awesome member who has been coming back to church named Aaron and he goes to a community college down the road form our apartment. Now this is at 9 during our studies and we get the call from Karen. We don't really know who lives around her who would be willing and available. So as a start my studies with a prayer, i think of Aaron! And he was available and willing! So we drive to Karen's house introduced them and got that all handled! Member missionary work at its finest.

Then comes Saturday with Dallas's baptism! It was so good! Elder Pierson and Kennedy joined us because Elder Pierson baptized Dallas's mom and Dallas wanted the same person to baptize him which in itself is a miracle because it was Elder Piersons 3rd time being in edmundson! And then the pianist we called to play didnt come (and this is when I really hated myself because I could have but I didnt know how to play the songs they wanted rip) but it was all good because Elder Pierson knew them! (Legit he carried us through the whole baptism process) and it turned out so good! And the perfect number of people showed up for him. Then at the close of the meeting we handed out cards for those there to write for Dallas and Elder Scott and I got creative with some spray paint and made some dope looking covers! We did the same thing for Alex too. Dallas's Baptism was the one that stressed me out the most because of his mom. Shes a cool person but doesn't have a lot of confidence in anyone, including herself so that was difficult to work with especially because Dallas wanted her to give a prayer at his baptism and she didnt want to. But it's whatever the Kingdom of God has a new member regardless of how good the program is and who participated. Then the rest of the day was prep for Alex's at 9 the next morning and meeting with his dad to make sure he was good with it (because Alex is a minor).

ALSO TO ANY MISSIONARIES READING THIS:

Don't have baptisms in the morning or try to avoid it because you will have to get up a lot earlier then you think. It took like 3 hours to fill the font with warm water we got up at 5:30 (then 20 minute drive and 20 minute breakfast and prep) getting at the church at 6:20 to start filling it for a ordinance at 9 so we cut it really tight but it worked out as it always does. 

Then Alex was super good especially because it was Sunday morning. More people showed up including Alex's family and they enjoyed it! I was able to speak on the holy Ghost, brother white performed the ordinance, then it was fast Sunday so as hungry as I seemed I didnt feel it. And so many powerful testimonies were shared with Alex's family there! Plus they went to Sunday school and when we talked with them after they seemed to enjoy it or at least didn't hate it haha. 

But here is where it gets even better. The new bishop (yeah the last bishop got released the week before the baptisms so that was a spook) pulled us aside and shared a little of the interview that he had with Alex and his parents and told us that Alex's dad can trace his lineage to the levites! And said that he would be willing to take the lessons from us! What hype. 

There is just something so powerful about bringing a family into the gospel. And I can honestly only compare it to what it feels like in the temple times like 4 or something crazy like that. 

Then if the hype or stress couldn't get higher, transfers was this week too! And we are both staying! Man that was a lot of tension for the both of us haha. 

This week was so great. And I encourage all readers to take some time to read thier scriptures or go to the temple and feel close your eyes and just let your mind just flow then just sit there. What you will feel is what I felt but a little stronger. This work changes lives and influences people to do good. And I am a small part of this great and marvelous work. And it doesn't take a missionary to bring people into the gospel. It takes a friend who cares about others regardless of faith. Eventually something will happen and and you can be there.

Keep up your scripture reading, temple and church attendance, and kind actions. Your example will be the catalyst of questions to wandering and lost souls.

I truly love you all. Your prayers are answered. Especially when it comes to missionary work. And I'm glad I can be a part of it.

Season 2, the fame of Maine continues for another 6 episodes. Thanks for tuning in! Your favorite Elder, 

Elder Dahl 2.0
Presque Isle, Maine
United States of America