Hermana Burnham: January 2015

So guess what? Ramon, my old investigator from Curacautin, was baptized this last Saturday. I can't even begin to describe my thoughts or feelings or even my happiness with this! It is so amazing.

I met Ramon in my 7th week in the mission. Me and Hermana Lozano were walking and we ran into him. I remember he was just so calm and nice. He told us we could visit on Tuesday, Friday, or Saturday. We visited him the next week and had a great first lesson. And then 2 more great lessons after that. We felt prompted to teach him a certain lesson in the 4th visit and after that, things happened. He told us in the end of my transfer with Hermana Lozano that he couldn't take the lessons anymore because he wouldn't be able to follow this commandment we taught. We were so depressed but with Hermana Rimmasch, we continued to try with him.

We tried so much! Almost 3 times a week and everytime he bailed on us or we just talked by his fence. I got super frustrated with him! He was a golden investigator! But then I had to leave the sector and I begged Hermana Rimmasch to not forget about him. After I left the sector, Hermana Rimmasch and her comp were walking in pouring rain and were close to his house. So they tried and he let them right in. That day, he accepted a baptism and progressed so fast after that! It was amazing. Hermana Rimmasch told me about that lesson and how spiritual it was.

So Nathalia called me about 2 weeks ago and said Ramon was going to be baptized in a week. I was walking in the street when she called and told me. I just cried tears of happiness. I can't even describe the way I felt.

So on Saturday, Ramon called me about 20 minutes before his baptism started. We both were crying and he told me thank you for never giving up on him. That I always kept that faith. He then talked about the day we met and how he will never forget that day. I love Ramon so much. He is my best friend. Even if he gave me frustration :) Hahahahaha! I love him. I told him at the end of the phone call that in about 30 minutes he would be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then I asked him how he felt and he said he had never felt better. AW! The church is true people :)

It just goes to show, that it takes time for people to be truly converted. Some 10 years, a year, 3 months, 4 weeks, 2 years. It just depends.! But what we need to do is plant those seeds. I was reading in Alma a lot this week and it's just so good. In Alma 32 it talks about seeds and how we need to always be nurishing our seeds. With Ramon, I couldn't be there for his baptism. But I did plant the seed. Then Hermana Rimmasch and her comp nurished it even more and now look. He is baptized in the true church!

I know that this is the work of the Lord. There is no doubt in my mind. Even when I struggle and feel sad, I know I am on the Lord's errand and I have been called to preach his gospel to the people here in Chile. I love being his servant. This is the best work that I can do in my life!

Thanks for all the prayers everyone. Enjoy your week!!!!

Con amor,

Hermana Burnham