Hola a todos! This week has been an awesome week with one big surprise. Our mode of transportation is changing! With all the missionaries leaving our mission and a reallocation of resources, we traded in our beautiful Toyota Tundra for bicycles. 😊 I don’t feel like we can travel quite the range we did with our truck, but now Elder Epperson and have a chance to improve our physical conditioning. After all, we are still in the mountains and the terrain can be challenging.  

As we have continued to meet with and share Gospel messages with our young investigator. This past Wednesday, we taught him that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as administered by Christ in the Holy Land, had been restored once again to the earth after a long apostasy (or falling away). The Apostle Paul foretold this event: “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day (the 2^nd Coming of Jesus Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

I am also grateful for my internal assurance that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. The Book of Mormon truly came from God through Joseph Smith. I have learned out here on my mission that many people are struggling because of this virus that has been going around for about a year and a half. I know that if we have faith in God the father and his son Jesus Christ that he will protect us and guide us throughout this difficult time.

As we neared the end of our discussion with our young friend, we began to talk about Baptism and the Sacred ordinance it is. I shared what it was like on that day when I was Baptized and was given the gift of the Holy Ghost. As we invited this young man to be baptized, I could feel the spirit strong in the room. We have scheduled his baptism date in a couple of weeks. ITS OFFICIAL!!!!!!

We also went to visit a lady who loves missionaries. She was super kind and caring towards us. She even invited us inside but because of Mission rules (no isolated visits with women when there is not another man present), we were not allowed to go in. I am so grateful for the amazing people in this Show Low area. I am grateful for the Williams family who willingly receives my mission packages for me and gives me a call to come pick them up. 

I’m also excited about my cousin Alonzo who was sealed to his wife this past weekend in the Mesa Arizona Temple. The Gospel has the power to join families together and keep them together forever even after we die.

This is the last week before transfers which will occur on Feb 2nd. Thank you all for your love and Support! The Christmas Cards are amazing. I have them all up on the kitchen wall of my apartment. Thanks again and Buene Suerte esta Semana!!! Adios mis Amigos!❤😀❤

Elder Baldwin