August 14, 2013

The highlight of the week in Nauvoo, were the baptisms and confirmations of Susan Wilson and her son, Brett. They were baptized by David Wilson and he did a wonderful job. 

 

Baptism of Susan Wilson and her son Brett. Also pictured is David Wilson and our Ward Mission Leader, Sam Dunston.

Approximately 75 members attended the baptism, with about 125 members attending the pot luck dinner, held directly after the baptism. The Ward really showed their support and love for this new family and welcomed them into the church. Brett was confirmed in Sacrament Meeting, by Bishop Casey Cluff and I had the great privilege of confirming Susan. It should also be noted that Brett received the Aaronic Priesthood on Sunday. Bishop Cluff also interviewed Dave to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and will recommend that Dave have the higher Priesthood conferred upon him and be advanced to the office of an Elder. What a wonderful weekend, the tender mercies of the Lord were very apparent.
This week we taught a young lady that we brought to pageant on two different occasions. Her name is Erica Ditzman and she has been prepared by the Lord. Sister Warner committed her to baptism (yes, this is the same Sister Warner that claims she has no courage). Wednesday, we have scheduled a church tour and we will set a September date with her, at that time. We will also teach four other pageant referrals this week: Hellen Bright, Gail Love (they own a craft store in Nauvoo, called Bright and Love), Cindy Gifford and Joe Pilkington. Of these four, we think Gail and Cindy have softened hearts and have been prepared to hear the gospel. The Lord has been very kind to us and we feel a great sense of gratitude to have received these good people with which to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We can literally feel the people of Nauvoo softening with respect to our beliefs and the Saints overall contribution to the City. The smiles are more heartfelt, the handshakes more prevalent and the accepting tones of their voices bring us joy and happiness. We see a wonderful future in Nauvoo and we thank the Lord each day for His bounteous blessings! Now please don't misunderstand, there are still many who have hearts of stone towards the saints. We are learning to be tolerant and at times, we feel badly because of the disdain in their voices and the anger in their actions. We have tried to mete out a measure of love for all of the people of Nauvoo, but fear that we have fallen short of this desired experience. We simply need to exude more love, for as President Hinckley said, "Love is the only force that can erase differences between people- that can bridge the chasms of bitterness." Each day the Lord gives Sister Warner and I new trials and experiences, thereby giving us added strength to carry on. We are so grateful for the very clear direction that we have received from the Lord. It is He that calms the sea of persecution and builds the rising hope of tomorrow. Christ's church will always be persecuted, let us stand together and unite the cause of righteousness.

Please read Mosiah 4:26. Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Reach out in love to those who need our strength. There are many among us who lie alone in pain. Medicine helps, but kind words can bring to pass miracles. Many there are who walk in freighting circumstances fearful and unable to cope. There are good bishops and Relief Society officers who are available to help, but they cannot do it all. Each of us can and must be anxiously engaged." Are you anxiously engaged in the "rescue" effort? "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:39

Stand Strong and Be Bold!!

We love you,

Elder and Sister Warner