So two big events to talk about this week:
1) Manuel and Susana!
They were baptized this past Saturday, and confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday! Manuel was baptized by Elder Roque, and Susana was baptized by Elder Santos. We really tried to focus on them this last week, to make sure that they could really take this step in their lives. We made sure to contact them everyday (whether by phone or a personal visit), and we fasted at least twice this last week. Every prayer that we said, we made sure to include them. In the end, they really were ready for baptism.
One time as we were at their house this last week, I saw that Susana had been marking certain verses in her Book of Mormon. I became so happy to see this! From the time that I met Manuel and Susana in January until now, I have seen such a change in them. I have been able to see them progress in their testimonies, and truly become converted to the gospel.
Their baptism was held in the chapel of Tomar, because Abrantes still doesn´t have a baptismal font (we have a river, but Susana wouldn´t let us baptize her there, haha). Practically no one in our branch has a car, but a lot of them wanted to come to the baptism. What did we do? The Roques borrowed the mission van and we stuffed everyone into it, haha. We were lucky that one other person had a car, because we were able to have a seatbelt for everyone! It must have been funny to see us arrive in the van, but oh well, we made it to Tomar. The baptisms went very well ( well, maybe besides the fact that Manuel almost drowned, lol), and I hope Manuel and Susana felt lots of love and support.
Sunday they received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and I could tell that they could feel something different. The members are starting to get to know them a little bit more, and are befriending them more easily as well. This Sunday was also Testimony Meeting! Manuel got up to bear his testimony, and it was so touching. He bore a true testimony, and he did so reverently (unlike in January...). It was a great weekend for them, and I am so greatfull for all of those who included them in your prayers this week. I know without a doubt that those prayers helped, and that Manuel and Susana could feel the strength of them.
When I went up to bare my testimony, I had to do it quickly, because when I thought about how much I am going to miss this branch, my voice caught in my throat.
why?
2) because I am being transferred to Castelo Branco!
I have been serving in Abrantes for three transfers (or since December), so I knew that I might be sent to another area this time around. We received the phonecalls last night, and we learned that I will be serving in another small branch a little further north.
Honestly, I wanted to stay in Abrantes! The branch of members here have turned into my family, and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye. I feel that I have learned a lot here in Abrantes, and that I have changed as well. When we go to our "jovens" tonight, I know that I will cry, haha. I love Abrantes so much, and I was looking forward to the success we would have this next transfer. But, I know without a doubt that every area, every transfer happens for a reason. Before we received the phonecall, I had said a prayer that I would go where He wants me to go. And so, I´m going to Castelo Branco! I know that I will learn a lot there as well, and that there are people that I need to meet there!
I miss you all, and I love you all so much!
Wish me luck in the next chapter of my mission!
Com Amor,
Elder Barker
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