This week, we received some horrible news that an Elder in another mission was shot multiple times and is in the hospital in very serious condition. The news particularly hit close to home as my companion Elder Wangsgard was deeply impacted. Here is what he wrote: “My good friend Elder Fauber who was in my MTC district back in August was shot multiple times at his church while enjoying a game of basketball with some fellow missionaries and some people he was teaching the gospel to. I have no words to describe how I felt when I received the news other than numb. I hope and pray that he will be able to pull through… A very dear friend bore his testimony and said that God has given us all agency to be able to choose for ourselves right from wrong and that sometimes He doesn’t interfere with people choices because they need to learn from them. I pray that the man who did this to my friend will be able to turn to Jesus Christ and be able to come back to the light. Thank you all for your prayers and support and love which you have shown me and that you are sending to Elder Fauber, his family, and the missionaries in the Birmingham Alabama mission. I love you all so much and I love Elder Fauber and I know that God is keeping him in His watchful care. ” (https://www.facebook.com/christian.wangsgard.1)

I am grateful that as missionaries we are on the Lord’s errand and we are under His care. I’m sad that there is so much suffering in the world – sometimes what seems needless suffering, but I know that the Lord can comfort us in our afflictions. Father Lehi, an ancient Book of Mormon prophet, taught his son Jacob: “Thou Knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.” (2 Nephi 2:2) At this time, I unite my faith with the faith of all those who are praying that Elder Fauber be speedily restored to health.

Despite the bad, the missionary work must keep going. This past week was a crazy load of Service. I helped a family move from a storage space into their new home. I could see this family was very grateful for the work I put in to help them.

Sometimes on your mission you need to have some fun, for example Maybe having a Nerf War with your Cabin Mates at 6:00 in the morning or going to Ross Dress For Less to goof off and have fun.

I have learned while out on my mission that God works on his own time. Many times I have prayed and waited for an answer. It takes time though. I appreciate so many of the families here in Vernon. Many of these families have reached out to me and my companion asking when they can feed us. I have to say there are many good cooks in Vernon Arizona.

Thanks again for the Love and Support! Buene Suerte ( Good Luck) this week and keep on Viben!! Until next week when I share more about my experiences here in Vernon Arizona!

With much gratitude and love,

ELDER BALDWIN  ❤💙💜