We had a baptism this week!!!
Our friend Kelly has been taught by the missionaries for a long time, but finally decided that she wanted to be baptised!! After a (very) late interview, Kelly was ready to be baptised this past week. She was baptised by Elder Larsen (who started teaching her) and was confirmed on Sunday by Elder Hallsted. It was a very amazing experience to see how much she truly changed and how much happiness the Gospel has brought her. She already had some amazing moments with the Spirit, and was eagerly awaiting to have the Constant Companionship of the Spirit.
My (fantastic) Mother has asked me to write about our ASL sacrament meetings. I will briefly explain what it is like. For starters, you may think it is quiet, it is, and it isn't. Because Deaf people have limited ways of getting other people's attention, they sometimes slap the pews in order to vibrate them and notify someone. This surprised us greatly during our first few weeks.
Also, many of you may be wondering how we do Hymns. There is a projector that we have which shows a man/woman who signs the song and we all follow along. Some people sing, (roughly 3-4) so there is a bit of awkwardness around it. I often find myself humming along, then signing a little bit and looking around my companion and I will break out into song.
Yes, everyone has their eyes open for the prayers (including the sacrament).
If anyone else has questions, feel free to send them my way and I'd be happy to answer.
I went on an exchange with Elder Clifford this Saturday. After a short nerf fight, and a lot of study, we went out for the day. We had a bit of success, but we did get free street tacos and pizza! Also I got to use to OE's queen size bed again (which Is amazing)! The exchange was very good and we have 3 new potential ASL friends to teach.
Sunday we attended and annual "Messiah Sing in" in which many talented musicians come and perform George Frideric Handel's music. It was very interesting to see the faces of those who soloed the music. I could almost swear the Tenor could unhinge his jaw...
Regardless, it was really nice to see so many people of varying faiths join together to worship the Savior. Ultimately, all religions anywhere in the world worship God, and also believe in forgiveness. It truly strengthens my Testimony to see how many people are doing their best to follow Christ, no matter what church they are!
I would again like to share a quote from my favorite author James Talmage. This comes from his book " The Articles of Faith". I recently read this passage and would like to share it (and also to make my email look long)
(Article 4)
"Belief may consist in a merely intellectual assent, whilst faith implies such confidence and conviction as will impel to action. Dictionary authority justifies us in drawing a distinction
between the two, according to present usage in English;
and this authority defines belief as a simple assent to the
truth or actuality of anything, excluding however the moral
element of responsibility through such assent, which is em
braced by faith. Belief is in a sense passive,—a mental
agreement or acceptance only ; faith is active and positive,—
such a reliance and confidence as will lead to works.
Faith
in Christ comprises belief in Him, combined with trust in
Him. One cannot have faith without belief; yet he may
believe and still lack faith. Faith is vivified, vitalized, living
belief."
All of us may declare a specific belief, but what are we doing to show faith? Are we trusting in the God whom we worship? Are we those who declare his word, or those who actually practice it?
I would ask anyone reading this to ask themselves how they can better their faith in God and his son Jesus Christ. How can we change our proclamations to actions?
If I may give one suggestion, use this christmas season to your advantage!! Go and serve those whom need help! There are so many charities or organizations that provide us with an ample supply of service opportunities. So go and use them!
Remember the Reason for the Season
-Elder Vance
My (fantastic) Mother has asked me to write about our ASL sacrament meetings. I will briefly explain what it is like. For starters, you may think it is quiet, it is, and it isn't. Because Deaf people have limited ways of getting other people's attention, they sometimes slap the pews in order to vibrate them and notify someone. This surprised us greatly during our first few weeks.
Yes, everyone has their eyes open for the prayers (including the sacrament).
If anyone else has questions, feel free to send them my way and I'd be happy to answer.
I went on an exchange with Elder Clifford this Saturday. After a short nerf fight, and a lot of study, we went out for the day. We had a bit of success, but we did get free street tacos and pizza! Also I got to use to OE's queen size bed again (which Is amazing)! The exchange was very good and we have 3 new potential ASL friends to teach.
Sunday we attended and annual "Messiah Sing in" in which many talented musicians come and perform George Frideric Handel's music. It was very interesting to see the faces of those who soloed the music. I could almost swear the Tenor could unhinge his jaw...
Regardless, it was really nice to see so many people of varying faiths join together to worship the Savior. Ultimately, all religions anywhere in the world worship God, and also believe in forgiveness. It truly strengthens my Testimony to see how many people are doing their best to follow Christ, no matter what church they are!
I would again like to share a quote from my favorite author James Talmage. This comes from his book " The Articles of Faith". I recently read this passage and would like to share it (and also to make my email look long)
(Article 4)
"Belief may consist in a merely intellectual assent, whilst faith implies such confidence and conviction as will impel to action. Dictionary authority justifies us in drawing a distinction
between the two, according to present usage in English;
and this authority defines belief as a simple assent to the
truth or actuality of anything, excluding however the moral
element of responsibility through such assent, which is em
braced by faith. Belief is in a sense passive,—a mental
agreement or acceptance only ; faith is active and positive,—
such a reliance and confidence as will lead to works.
Faith
Him. One cannot have faith without belief; yet he may
believe and still lack faith. Faith is vivified, vitalized, living
belief."
All of us may declare a specific belief, but what are we doing to show faith? Are we trusting in the God whom we worship? Are we those who declare his word, or those who actually practice it?
If I may give one suggestion, use this christmas season to your advantage!! Go and serve those whom need help! There are so many charities or organizations that provide us with an ample supply of service opportunities. So go and use them!
Remember the Reason for the Season
-Elder Vance