WONG JM WAS BAPTIZED

December 25, 2016

Family,

Wong JM got baptized this week. I was sure lucky to serve in Macau and teach her. She is definitely one of the elect. She was pretty nervous that I wasn't baptizing her cause she didn't know the guy too well (They like to have ward members do the baptizing here in HK and Macau), but it was no problem. She has taught me a lot. Especially about humility and how to search the scriptures. She even went caroling with us and helped us pass out cards. For being the very shy person she is, it was awesome to see her take turns in between singing to help people understand a little about Christ. I don't know that I'll ever forget the smile she had on her face after she came and reported that she had given all the cards away that were in her hand.

Besides her, the work seems to continue to accelerate here in Macau. A new investigator Mario is preparing to be baptized on the 28th. Jomar is still looking good for the 8th and actually brought his wife to church on Sunday. She is visiting for the holidays. The Filipinos are more humble and have more time. 

A sister from English and Cantonese class (Bella) came to the baptism and church this week. She is from Mainland and has a 2 year old. Her husband works and she doesn't so she has time. She is excited to meet. She actually scheduled me before I could schedule her on Sunday once she found out I was leaving. She is very humble and has beautiful sounding Mandarin.

Those LA that have showed up in previous weeks are so solid. We don't need to meet with them really. They just basically teach us every lesson.

 As soon as we start to get comfortable Heavenly Father changes things up. I don't know why. Maybe to help us continue to learn and progress so we don't become stagnant. I am grateful for that. I think he has a lot bigger role in my life than I give him credit for. I'm starting to recognize his hand more.

I think Dad your scripture you shared D&C 84:85 is a grand key for missionaries. It is a sweet experience to be able to be an instrument for the spirit to teach an investigator as scriptures that come to mind are just what investigators need to hear. President Monson says it best, 'One of the sweetest experiences in life is to feel a prompting and act upon it and later find out it was the fulfillment of someone's prayer or someone's need.' And I always want the Lord to know that if He needs an errand run, Josh Stratford will run that errand for him.

Have a great week and Happy New Year!

Elder Josh Stratford