Hola a todos! This week was amazing. Let me tell you working with the Spirit daily is a blessing. This past week we had a lesson with a guy named JS. Now this guy is an inactive member. As we were at the lesson with him, he began sharing things that were not appropriate for missionaries to hear. While he was doing so, I began to think: ‘How can I invite the Spirit into this lesson and Bam! I thought of a talk called: “Building a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection” by Elder Ronald A Rasband. Elder Rasband shares the following:

“Brothers and sisters, we are at war with Satan for the souls of men. The battle lines were drawn in our pre-earth life. Satan and a third of our Father in Heaven’s children turned away from His promises of exaltation. Since that time, the adversary’s minions have been fighting the faithful who choose the Father’s plan. Satan knows his days are numbered and that time is growing shorter.

 As crafty and cunning as he is, he will not win. However, his battle for each one of our souls rages on. For our safety, we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one. Satan is a subtle snake, sneaking into our minds and hearts when we have let our guard down, faced a disappointment, or lost hope. 

He entices us with flattery, a promise of ease, comfort, or a temporary high when we are low. He justifies pride, unkindness, dishonesty, discontent, and immorality, and in time we can be “past feeling.” The Spirit can leave us. “And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.”

This talk taught me that we as members of the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints must continue to build fortresses of testimony and push forward and endure to the end. As we know, the first law of heaven is to be obedient. This is what we missionaries do on a daily basis. I know that as y’all practice this and apply it to your lives that you will feel the Spirit more abundantly than you have ever felt it before. 

Since the theme of my letter is fortresses of protection, I included missionary pictures of my older sister Elizabeth at Malbork Castle in Poland and my Dad (in front with ‘ditto’ shirt) at Eger Fortress in Hungary. The greatest fortress is the one dedicated to God so of course my picture is in front of the Mesa Temple.

On another note, this is the last week until my final Transfer. Isn’t that just shocking? September is almost here! 🙌 Last I remember, I was saying goodbye to my older Sister Elizabeth as I left for the MTC in Provo Utah. If any of you are thinking about serving missions, do it! It will help you plan out the rest of your life and you will make lifelong friends. I know the Church is true and that Jesus Christ loves each and every one of you! 

Ps. This week I went on an AP (assistant to the president) exchange and it was one of the most memorable times in my mission. Elder Hanke in the photo is a legendary missionary. Make this week Great my Brothers and Sisters!

✌️ ❤️ 😎 

THE ELDER BALDWINO