Remember how last week I told you all that we were probably going to have to move Pedro´s baptism back a few weeks? Well, when we were talking to our zone leader, he told us that we should really pray about which day we should baptize Pedro. Either November 18th or December 2 (because this next week will be a District Conference). We prayed and then later that night, we went to go and teach Pedro. As we were there, both me and Elder Romano felt very strongly that he needed to be baptized on November 18th. And he was! Pedro completely stopped smoking, and had a true desire to enter the waters of baptism!
The day of the baptism, he told us that he was very nervous, and so we offered to give him a Priesthood Blessing of comfort. Afterwards, he told us that as we gave him the blessing, he felt a nice "energy" go through him and he didn´t feel so nervous anymore. His grandma also asked for a blessing of health, because she was feeling week and not like herself lately. After her blessing, she said that she felt so much better! Through this family, I have gained such a greater testimony of the power of the Priesthood. It truly does help people when they have faith!
The actual baptism took place in the chapel in Funchal, about an hour by bus away from Machico. But it was nice, because the wife of the branch president gave both Pedro and his Grandma (Adalaide) a ride to the baptism! (she also gave Pedro a ride to church the next day because he had missed the bus). The Funchal Branch was having an activity right in the middle of the baptism, so it was a little stressful to get everything ready and everyone reverant, haha. The pianista didn´t show up, so guess who got to play the hymns: me, haha!
I am very happy to how everything turned out though. The talks were very well given, the branch president gave a few nice welcoming words, and Pedro and his grandma were so happy. I think his grandma even cried a little bit (she´s not even a member!). After he was baptized, he told us that he felt like a great weight was taken out of his chest, and he felt lighter. It was such a wonderful day.
After he received the gift of the Holy Ghost, he told us that he felt very peaceful and joyful!
Yesterday his aunt (who is a member of the church in Matosinhos), called us and was just brimming with joy, saying that she was so happy, that the grandma said the past two days were the best two days she has had in a long time, etc.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to teach Pedro and see him make so many changes in his life! I have truly seen the Atonement start working in his life. I am so grateful that I can be a missionary and help others along their way back to our Heavenly Father!
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