Greetings from The Great OCM!
It was
great to see you yesterday on Mother's day. I just want to emphasize
again that I LOVE YOU all! And I look forward to seeing you when the
time comes.
This has been such a fantastic
week as we were able to extend baptism to one of our progressing
investigators and put him "on date" for the 13th of June. I of course
will not be attending the baptism, but I look forward to hearing about
it. What a privilege it is to invite someone to be baptized. I came to
the realization this last week that inviting someone to be baptized is
something that for the most part only missionaries get to do. To look
someone in the eye and say "Will you follow the example of Jesus Christ
by being baptized by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God?"
In the words of President Daines, "When we extend baptism (as
missionaries) we reach the pinnacle of our calling." I love inviting
others to be baptized and join the fold of the Gospel, and that is one
thing I am going to miss doing in the future.
I
picked up a couple parts for my bike today and in order to save on
cost, I am fixing it myself. I need a bike still over the next couple of
weeks as that is how we have found most of the people we are teaching. I
think I am decided to leave it with the mission however. I would love a
bike, but do not see a great need for one in the near future. I hope
the next missionary will put it to good use.
I
love this mission. As the end draws closer, the more I am torn apart by
the fact of leaving this place. There are certainly pros and cons to
both. One thing is certain: I am not ready to leave yet, and I look
forward to the next few weeks that I have to yet serve as a full time
missionary.
Love,
Elder Beutler
