Kakinada is an awesome place. I know I was sent here for a specific reason. The work is starting to take off and I'm excited to be part of it. For now, I'm in a trio until the next transfer cycle and Elder Trainor will leave somewhere.
Last Monday, I got a call from a random number. I answered and I legit thought I was getting prank called!! I thought it was my man Elder Hugie just pranking me because right away, it was kind of a high pitched voice and she said, "Hi Elder!! This is Bashira. I want to meet you guys tonight and I want to learn more about Jesus Christ!! I even told my friend about you guys and we both want to learn more about Jesus Christ!" Hahah I was like, what uh yes okay definitely!! We even met with them during P-day because I was so excited to know who they were. Let's just say God blesses you according to your efforts. We met them on P day and I thought my expectations were too high and I'd be shot down because I was way excited. I WAS WRONG. They were far exceeded. The spirit was so strong and so undeniable. As we were teaching the restoration, I had the feeling to recite word for word Joesph Smith's account of the First Vision while holding a picture of it. As I started, the room went quiet and both Bashira and Pawan locked eye contact with me. As I was reciting, "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me..." I was overcome by the spirit and I thought for a second that they were both literally descending gradually upon all of us in the room. The Holy Ghost entered the room so strong that it left all of us sitting there in silence. The truth had pierced our heart leaving all of us longing for more.
I have a testimony that the Holy Ghost is the real teacher. Us missionaries try our best and study and plan and try to teach the people so they understand which is all very important. THE most important thing is to feel the spirit. That is undeniable. Since that first spiritual lesson they have asked us to meet every day because they want to feel that way again and again. We have kept daily contact with them and they have read all the way through 1 Nephi chapter 11 and they love it. Pawan said the Book of Mormon helps him to be nicer throughout the day. Bashira said her personal prayers are being answered through the Book of Mormon. She is awesome! Every time she messages us when she finishes a chapter, she says, "This chapter was awesome!! I have to go to sleep now but the remaining I will read tomorrow!" I don't know if that's because of a lack of English knowledge or that she has a desire to read the WHOLE remaining Book of Mormon in one day!! (We like to believe the second option)
Another quick story about God's Plan. We had to travel to Rajahmundry to pick up the new missionary Elder Susaidass. We had two appointments in the evening which we planned to get back in time for but Elder Susaidass's flight was delayed 3 hours!! Unfortunately we had to cancel those appointments. We got home finally at about 7:30 PM and had no appointments. Right then, a part member family called and asked for a blessing. We were available to go because we didn't have appointments anymore!! We taught them about the restoration of the priesthood and gave a blessing and they want us to come back and reach the rest of their family. So awesome.
I know for sure that God does have a plan and it is best for everyone if we follow that plan. Everything happens for a reason!! I love you guys and hope you have a great week.
Love, Elder Baker
Pawan and Bashira!!
Big group of guys who offered us alcohol and honestly just liked the white guys... but cool
Me and my new companion Elder Susaidass doubling on a bike!
Make your kid pedal for you if you share a bike! #community
Cutest little kid selfie
This is a sweet made out of rice paper and brown sugar and like cow's fat and maybe coconut flakes. Interesting.
Sunny and the Book of Mormon
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