We have a baptism this weekend with Levi, bishop's son-in-law. We've seen very evident miracles take place in his life. Levi was, before meeting his wife 3 years ago, a drug addict and on his death bed. He was given a priesthood blessing from Megan's dad, the bishop, and lived to see another day. He has now been learning from the missionaries for a year. He had no concept of God, therefore, was not living in a Christ-like manner. Meghan has been bringing him to church and he has been faithfully helping her teach primary and attending church every Sunday. Levi, as of a week ago, was a smoker. Relying on alternative forms of coping was all he ever knew. Two weeks ago we prayed to know when Levi would be ready for baptism. That night we had a lesson with Levi and his wife. Going into it, Levi was not ready to accept baptism at all. He didn't see how he could stop smoking and didn't want to. By the end of the lesson, which was truly lead by the spirit, he was committed to be baptized on the 29th of March...which, by NO coincidence, is the exact day his wife was baptized and it is her birthday. We knew neither of these things. This week, we were not able to meet with him but we had to tell him that he had to stop smoking 10 days before his baptism. We did not know this, so when we told him, it was 11 days before his baptism. I was nervous to talk to him and tell him this. I didn't know how he would take it. We called him, because we couldn't meet in person, and asked how he was doing. He told us that his prayers had significantly helped his smoking decrease. We were so excited to hear this, but knew that he had to completely stop. It was time, I said, "Levi, there's something that we just found out. You have to stop smoking no less than 10 days before your baptism." There was a silence in the room. A few moments later, Levi replies, " Alright, i'll stop tomorrow." Tomorrow was the 19th. Levi texted us last night saying, "Not smoking is stressful, but worth it :) " His example if faith in the Savior's Atonement is inspiring. He will be able to make it to the 29th if he continues on this path.
I love you all and love what you have done for me. I know my redeemer lives.
With all of my heart,
Sister Fredrick
Email to president this week:
Sister Fredrick
Email to president this week:
President,
This week I had the privilege of going on exchanges (24 hour change of area and companion, Sister Training Leader) with Sister Allred. I cannot tell you what an amazing missionary she is. I learned much from her teaching and loving personality. One of our lessons was in the home of a missionary (Elder Dansiy) who served in my ward in Alabama almost 3 years ago. What's really funny is that my dad was his ward mission leader!
This whole scenario made me reflect back on where I was at that time. I was a Junior in high school, busy in sports and extracurricular activities, and didn't know I would ever serve a mission. To think of how different, better in a spiritual sense, I am from then just blows my mind. I also learned on our exchange that a lot of people in the world just need uplifting. They need a friendly face to smile at them. As missionaries, we invite others to come unto Christ, and this leads to everlasting happiness and joy...the BIGGEST smile of all.
I am grateful to continue training Sister Jorgensen. We have many things to accomplish here in the Rexburg area. We know there is a lot of work to be done. Our weekly planning sessions are so priceless. We try to think through every finite detail of the work so in the end, we can come to you and the Lord and say we have done our best in fulfilling our purpose.
We have accepted the goal of one baptism in the month of April as you have set forth. We know it can be achieved. Through our strongest efforts and 100% compliance with the Lord's will, it is possible. Anything is possible.
Much love,
Sister Fredrick
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