Hello absolutely amazing and awesome family and friends!!!
This week will be a week that I will forever remember, Imaboo's baptism!!! Imaboo was baptized this Friday in a 44 degree font (apparently water in the Bismarck font cools off nearly instantly because the builders forgot to insulate the font) at ten in the morning with a crowd of seven people all physically distant and wearing face masks. Elder Murray had the wonderful opportunity to baptize Imaboo, while I also had the amazing blessing to confirm him as a member of the church and conferred the Holy Ghost to him. I cannot put into words the power of the spirit in the room as well as the testimony that our Savior and Heavenly Father truly love us and provided these steps to come unto Them. One of my favorite comments during the baptism was from our ward mission leader Bro. Bower who talked all about how "Baptism is the first step towards coming closer to our Heavenly Father and the next step is going to the building across the street (the temple)" This hit me so hard in the fact that this can be applied to new converts, or lifelong members. We should always be progressing and setting spiritual goals for ourselves. In the words of President Howell life without goals is like golf without holes". It doesn't matter if the goals are big or small, all that matters is that you show dedication to our Heavenly Father and Savior that we are seeking them out and wanting to become closer to him. I know for a fact that Imaboo will be an amazing member of the church and be a beacon to those around him as a true disciple of Christ and I also know it's because he had a desire to come closer to God and Jesus Christ. My brothers and sisters let us be like Imaboo and seek out Christ and recognize His hand in each of our lives. I know that as we do this the Lord will bless us in ways that we may think impossible and we will feel more joyful and more loving. Brothers and Sisters let us seek out Christ.
Another miracle this week was Eugene! As mentioned in previous emails, Eugene has a rough past with many addictions and other bindings, but he is fervent in seeking out Christ and came to Church this week again! Now this is where the miracle part comes in. We texted him this on Saturday if he would attend Sacrament meeting this week at the three o'clock session, but unfortunately received no response. A little discouraged we went the twelve o'clock session to help fellowship a recent convert adapt to his new ward. Out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw a 2005 matte black Chevrolet Impala (aka Eugene's Car) and told my companions who convinced me that it was probably just another person’s car. Until Eugene walked in the front doors two minutes later. It was absolutely amazing to see him again, and were able to sit next with him and talk about Sacrament. Then the miracle struck. We had two sister missionaries speak in sacrament addressing the exact same doubts they had in the past that Eugene was struggling with now. The spirit was so strong and I gained a testimony that the Lord works in mysterious ways, because although we had no idea how Eugene found out about sacrament meeting at this time, we know the Lord knew that was where he needed to be. Following the meeting Eugene was silently sobbing and told us that he deeply wants to change and we were able to set up a lesson with Him later today. Again, the Lord knows each one of us and knows exactly what we need and when we need it. So, when those hard times and dark nights come see this as an opportunity to seek out Christ and build a stronger and firmer relationship with Him.
Finally, the last miracle I would like to talk about is an Advertising Miracle. This past collection was called the Mane't collection which is Swedish for Jellyfish. Unfortunately, this Ad set did not perform very well this past week and was a little disappointing. I remember feeling so embarrassed, depressed, and anxious feeling like I let the entire mission down until I heard a still small voice whisper to me to ask the Lord to spread the ads to those who need them. A little shocked I asked myself haven't I already been doing that? Let’s just say what I felt afterwards was the equivalent to the Holy Ghost rolling his eyes at me and saying "Elder McMullin, I gave you some very good advice, that I would highly recommend you take". And so I prayed. Almost immediately after I finished my prayer someone messaged one of our worst performing ads "Hello, I’m looking for a good Christian church that is supportive and loves Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father, can you help me out"? The Lord truly does answer our prayers and knows exactly what we are going through.
Sweet Family and Friends life as a missionary is awesome! Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers, I truly have felt them each and every day, and I know that our savior loves you all so much! Miss and love you all so much, and look forward to writing to you next week!!! Remember to seek out Christ this week!!!!
Sent with love from,
Elder McMullin :-)
Photo Gallery!!!
1) My Comps and I looking fresh
2) Fun night photography
3) I love the moon, even when it’s like uber far away
4-6) A good sunrise can make anything look good
7) I love to see the temple!
