RELYING ON THE SPIRIT

Elder Potts, Diana, & Wilkinson

 After baptism-Diana and two children and niece

 Brother Ficklin (assistant ward mission leader) & Elder Berry

Saturday Diana was baptized after several missionaries and difficult times in her life. Her daughter Heaven was baptized about two years ago. Her baptism was a spiritual experience. The Baptism and Holy Ghost talk was given by Holly, who was baptized about six weeks ago. Holly got up with only her Book of Mormon and no notes. She is so excited about the Gospel, has studied and read and listens. What she hears and studies she figures out how she can apply it in her life..As Holly spoke she gave examples from her life that helped her recognize the truth that led to her baptism. She read several scriptures from the Book of Mormon and expanded on them. Holly told Diana that if she would live the commandments the Holy Ghost would be a constant companion and help her in her life and promised Diana if she would do that she would receive blessings. Again in another part of Holly's talk she promised Diana blessings as she lived the gospel. Holly is a very happy girl and loves the Lord. After the baptism I was complimenting Holly on a job well done especially the part about promising blessings. Holly responded, "Did I say that?" Then she said she didn't remember what she said only that she was saying what the spirit wanted her to say but it came out of her mouth. Sister Hobbs, a convert of almost two years, gave the closing prayer. We drove Sister Hobbs home and on the way Sister Hobbs mentioned Holly"s talk. Sister Hobbs said, "That Holly has a strong spirit and a happy spirit!" 

This Tuesday at district development meeting we studied  from Preach My Gospel the chapter on Recognizing the Spirit. "As the Lord's servant, you are to do His Work in His way and by His power. Some missionaries feel confident that they know how to be successful. Others lack such confidence. Remember, however, that your confidence and faith should be in Christ, not in yourself. Rely on the Spirit rather than your own talents and abilities. Trust the Spirit to guide you in every aspect of your work." (Preach My Gospel, page 97) This week Elder Berry and I have had many opportunities to feel the Spirit through others as we served. Testimony meeting Sunday was especially inspiring. Most of the testimonies were given by recent converts whom we have had an opportunity to serve. We have witnessed mighty changes in the lives of those who live the gospel and rely on the spirit to guide them.

Elder and Sister Gowns invited us to attend the Christmas festivities at Fort Gordon Thursday for the military men, women and their families. There were craft booths selling their goodies, free food, program, hay rides, a huge bonfire, and last but not least a visit by Santa himself. There were boxes for free drawings for gifts. Sister Gowans and I signed up for most. Friday I got a call informing me that I had won a twenty five dollar gift certificate to be spent on Post. Elder and Sister Gowans picked it up and delivered it to a needy military couple in their ward. 

Sisters Berry & Gowans

 Barbershop Group of old men singing, beautiful (This group has been together for years

Group of Pre K children singing from the Post

 Beautiful bonfire, we had to step back farther and farther from the heat 

 It was awesome being among the many men and women and their families as we enjoyed the evening on Fort Gordon. We love our country, our freedom and these men and women for their service.

Santa and his Elves-huge line of families with children waiting in the cold.

December has arrived so Elder Berry and I wish each of you a Merry Christmas. We enjoy the festivities of Christmas and even Santa. Our greatest joy and hope comes from the true gift of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Last night (Sunday) we enjoyed the First Presidency Christmas Devotional broadcast. Since the broadcast started at 8 PM here Elder Berry and I decided to have cookies and coco before the broadcast so Friday night we baked cookies. Our hopes were to get as many of the recent converts to the fireside as possible so they could feel the spirit and see living prophets as they testify of Christ. It wasn't as successful as we hoped but the cookies and coco were enjoyed by those who did attend and we enjoyed visiting. The highlight of the evening of course was the broadcast, what a perfect beginning to the celebration of Christ. May we rely on the Spirit of Christ as we seek his guidance during this time of year and always, and may we feel the sweet spirit of peace it brings.

 "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26)

Love, Elder and Sister Berry