Hello y’all! From the dusty, desert streets of Scottsdale, Arizona!

This past week was our last week before missionary transfers—#5!

To finish off this past transfer, I gave my first talk in Spanish in the Camelback Spanish Branch. I was quite stressed about it because it required much more preparation than talks I had given before.  I was surprised that my speaking assignment was a minimum of 10 minutes. I took 12. I practiced it in Spanish, and it seems to me that the talk went very well.  A few members came up to me afterwards and thanked me for my efforts and the message. All the members here are super kind and sweet to us.  I have felt at home ever since I started serving here.  My assigned topic was: “Member/Missionary Team Work,” which is the best work there is!  I spoke about how members can assist missionaries in the work of the Lord.

Some of the ideas I shared include:

1. We need everyone to help!
2. We can’t do this on our own.
3. Members are a key element in the processes of conversion and retention.
4. Members and Missionaries make a powerful team.
5. Members/Missionaries (together) can reach out, give service, invite and share.
6. The Spirit speaks to us in many instances.
7. Feeling overwhelmed is natural but remember what Elder Uchtdorf said: “The Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts.  Instead, “The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.” I also quoted President Thomas S. Monson: “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him”

I know that if we work together, the Lord can work with us to bring many more souls unto Jesus Christ.  I encourage each one of you to reach out to the missionaries in your area and go on visits together.  I know we can make this happen.  I have a strong Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know it can change lives. I know that President Nelson is a true prophet of God.  I know The Book of Mormon is true and testifies about how we can find peace and happiness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  As a missionary, I want to better myself and become even a greater disciple of Jesus Christ.

We have also continued teaching and our young friend says he is ready for the next big step!  HE IS READY TO BE BAPTIZED; MAY 7TH IS HIS SET DATE!!! We have also continued talking to Jr’s mother. And she wants him to get baptized on the same day as his friend. Isn’t that just so exciting!! This week we will be working on preparing for those baptisms.

I am so grateful for the time I have spent on the mission so far. I have learned many different things.  This week my mom taught me to make Green Mexican Salsa!  Also, my companions have been great teachers to me. For example, my last companion helped me expand my understanding on how to communicate with members more effectively.

It has now become my turn to lead this area! It’s kind of nerve racking! All the work we have put in has to continue on to reach out to those who are interested in learning about Jesus Christ. I am grateful again for the service and love you all have provided for me. You are all in my prayers 🙏❤.  Thanks for being Awesome! and have a good Week!

Love you all and Buene Suerte!

(Good luck)

Elder Baldwin