INCREASE IN FAITH

Elder Potts, Nadia, Elder Wilkinson

A baptismal service was scheduled Saturday for Nadia. Holly, a very recent convert drove to Nadia's home  to pick her up but when she knocked on the door no answer. Holly waited and waited so decided she wasn't home, then called the Elders. The Elders told her several places to look around the apartment complex. Holly finally learned a lady named Margaret told Holly that a church downtown was giving away toys for those who couldn't afford to buy Christmas presents for their children. Neither lady had cars so they took off walking downtown in hopes of getting Nadia's children Christmas toys. Nadia figured they had enough time to go downtown and get back in time to be picked up by Holly. As circumstances would have it they didn't make it back. Holly reported back to  Elder Wilkinson and was instructed to drive downtown in hopes of finding her and told her what streets to take. While Holly was doing this Elder Wilkinson and Berry decided to join Holly in the search so off they drove. Meanwhile back at the church everyone patiently waited. In constant communications Holly and the Elders drove around searching, finally Elders Berry and Wilkinson decided to check her apartment hoping she had enough time to get back home. Sure enough she had just arrived home and, expressed her regret over what had happened and she still had a desire to be baptized this very same day. Due to the length of time that had passed those waiting at church had finally decided to leave so the baptismal font had been drained. Nadia was very disappointed. Elder Wilkinson explained to Nadia that she needed to have faith enough to do the important things first and everything else would work out. The rest of the story: Nadia is a single mom of three girls. She worked hard doing odd jobs and bought her girls Christmas presents but they were taken from her apartment this week. When the Elders called Nadia about final baptismal plans Nadia told them of her plight but she assured them she would be ready when Holly came to pick her up.. The Elders called President Holm who told them he would reimburse them fifty dollars for gifts for the children, they called  the Bishop and were told to get children's clothes sizes , plus other people when they heard of the situation volunteered donations. Saturday morning Elders Potts and Wilkinson called asking if we could take them shopping and assist in picking out gifts. Nadia was unaware that through the Elders efforts that her children come Christmas morning would have toys. In Nadia's case everything else had been taken care. Elders Berry and Wilkinson opened the trunk of  the car and showed Nadia the toys and promised to deliver them Christmas Eve. Hopefully this was a learning experience for Nadia. No matter what the heartaches or circumstances may be, if  the important things are done first  everything else will work out. Increasing in faith requires that we do His will, His way. Nadia was baptized Sunday after church. (3 Nephi 13:33 - "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.")

Holly is an amazing girl. She joined the church October 25th and hasn't slowed down since that day. She is a ward missionary, she gives new member lessons, gives talks, fellowships, assists with rides and happily goes about doing good and spreading the gospel. She says it has changed her life and given it more meaning so she wants to tell everyone. Isn't it amazing how eagerly Holly assisted the Elders with Nadia? Holly wasn't able to attend the baptism today because she had to go to work right after church. Holly is the girl that wanted to know if you had to cry to be a member of the church. 

CHRISTMAS ZONE CONFERENCE IN LEXINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Wednesday morning bright and early the Augusta Zone headed for Lexington for the Christmas Zone Conference. Fifteen of our zone rode in the van including myself and Elder Berry (the driver). As we rode the van was filled with singing, Christmas songs of course. I looked back from the front seat and saw little hymn books in most every hand. Conference began at nine. First we had three and half hours of instructions, training, and guest speakers, a break for lunch, then skits by each district. We were well fed this day both spiritually and physically. The day ended all too soon at four in the afternoon so we all loaded back into the van and off we drove into the sunset back to Augusta. The day still wasn't over. Everyone returned to their district to appointments and we got back in time for our Book of Mormon class. After the class Elder Berry and I returned the van to our generous ward member who loaned it to us, finally arriving home sometime after nine. Wonderful day! We love being missionaries and we love spending time with the Elders and Sisters. We stand all amazed at their desire to serve and their love for our Savior, they increase in faith daily.

Seven Elders in the back of the van

 Then three sisters were added

Then thee more sisters were added

It was a tight squeeze but we got them all in

We're missing our driver - Someone had to take the picture

The driver - the birthday boy

 Sisters enjoying lunch. 

 Elders

 Three Zones in attendance. The other zones were held earlier in the week.

Senior couples

Waynesboro District preforming skit - Words changed and sang 12 Days of Christmas. Cute, clever

Another district singing

This was beautiful. Elder Tonga and his district sung Silent Night and Elder Tonga sang one verse in native language. 

This was the best skit of the day. This district pantomimed in slow motion with background music finding, teaching, and converting. The expression on the Elders face as they performed was hilarious. Job well done  

The office staff preformed. The couple standing in the back arrived yesterday.

 Returning home

 Nothing  could be finer than to be in Carolina

This has been an extremely busy week but we have loved every minute of it. We have heard so many faith building stories, life experiences and sad family crises. Many people that we visit are dependent upon others and charities to assist their families with Christmas toys and food. We are very humbled and grateful to serve and grow in faith as we trust in the Lord that these families lives will blessed as they live the gospel of Jesus Christ and that they will be able to overcome their circumstances by doing the important things first..

Sister Berry taught the four year old Primary class yesterday

 Tonight and tomorrow as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. it is our prayer that you will enjoy peace  and increase in faith as we weather the storms of the advisory, knowing "all things shall be added unto you."

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
 Elder and Sister Berry