We have been teaching Mamatha for like a month now and it has been going good. She has been sick about the whole time we have been teaching her though. Last week, she went to the hospital and they diagnosed her with typhoid fever. We were so sad for her! At our next meeting which was Tuesday, we taught her about the restoration of God's priesthood power that we have on the earth today. The same power and authority that Jesus and His apostles used to heal the sick has been restored to the earth today by the same apostles of Christ to Joseph Smith. We shared the scripture James 5:14-15 from the bible which says, "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." So, we said like okay you are sick and we are the Elders of the church, all we need is faith. She said she has faith so we did as the scripture said and gave her a blessing, anointing her with oil. The spirit was strong and she was crying. Right after the appointment, she left to the hospital to get a check up on her typhoid fever. That same night, Mamatha called us and told us that the doctors couldn't find any trace of typhoid fever and it was all gone!! She said, "I know it's true!! The church is true, the Book of Mormon is true, everything is true! I want to be baptized." So, we told her we can plan an interview for her and start planning her baptism. She said, "No! I want to be baptized this Saturday." We were so happy with her and just couldn't control our excitement. I can't explain it but it was soo amazing.
One morning we left our apartment like usual and we were riding our bicycles and stopped at a small shop that has a bunch or organic stuff and what not. Elder Datla was talking to him in Telugu and then all of the sudden he tells me that he is ready to learn the gospel and the shop owner went and found two chairs. We sat down and taught him the message of the restoration of the gospel right there in his own shop. It was so good! Turns out this guy has 4 brothers that are all pastors but he is the only one that isn't a pastor. He said he didn't want to be a pastor because they just preach for money and that is why he started his own organic shop. He loved what we taught about Jesus Christ having one true church(Ephesians 4:5) because He isn't the author of confusion(1 Corinthians 14:33), but He is the author of peace, as in all of the churches of the Latter-Day Saints! It was a really cool experience to teach this brother and feel the spirit enter his shop. I hope he progresses well and is still interested to continue to learn about the restored gospel.
My bishop in my ward is the best!! He is such a hard worker and such a great example of a humble leader. He reminds me of King Benjamin with his humble service even though he is the leader. He doesn't take the leadership position and become prideful because of it but instead goes about serving everyone and giving it his 100% effort. He understands that when he is in the service of his fellow beings, he is in the service of God! (Mosiah 2:17) He took us to dinner this week and he payed for our food! It was such a treat because KFC is a big deal here in India. I think it's way better here than in America, but when you pay in rupees, it's super expensive. Lucky for us, bishop payed and I swear it tasted better. (; Bishop made a deal that he will buy us KFC after every baptism so we got another appointment with him scheduled this week! Haha I love my bishop here and not just for the KFC but for his Christlike example.
This week was really special to help Mamatha prepare for her baptism and continue to help Priyanka. The spirit was so strong during their baptism, it was a special experience. It is really something special to see someone you introduced the restored gospel to and then to see them receive a witness that it is true and finally to enter the waters of baptism with them! Miracles have not ceased. God is the same God yesterday, today, and forever and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is proof on the Earth that God loves all of His children on the whole face of the earth in ancient times as well as in the times today. I love you all!
Love, Elder Baker
Selfie with Priyanka and Mamatha right before their baptism.
Priyanka and Mamatha in front of the baptism font.
This is what our church building looks like. It is just a rented building. Our church is on the top floor.
Our KFC food
Here is our church sign that says, "The Indian Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints"
KFC with bishop and Elder Datla
The view from a members home. Pretty trees and colorful buildings.
This was the cutest baby that just loved me and he was being so cute and smiling and laughing with his tongue out so I had to get a picture.
When I took the picture, the flash went off unexpectedly and scared him so much!! Ahhh I felt bad but look at his face hahah.
Some big cool looking trees I tried to take a picture of while traveling in an auto.
The same trees
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