" And now I say unto you that this is the order after which I am called, yea, to preach unto my beloved brethren, yea, and every one that dwelleth in the land; yea, to preach unto all, both old and young, both bond and free; yea, I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again."
Alma 5:49

Monday, April 18, 2016

Answers to Post-Earthquake Interrogation

Mom, I´m fine. 


Ok, now that that is out of the way, I´ll go into the details. Yes, we felt the earthquake here in Otavalo, but it wasn´t strong at all. I was actually in the chapel doing a baptismal interview. The chapel shook for a little bit, and then it stopped so I just continued with the interview. All went well. No damage where I am at, but there was a ton of damage in the coast. (I´m sure you´ve seen more of that than I have). Most of the damage occurred in the Guayaquil missions, and there was some damage in Esmeraldas as well. (Damage was not so big that changes were delayed, missionaries have been able to get in and out just fine.) As far as anything beyond prayers, I´m sure there are plenty of things that you can do, I just don´t know what. I´m sure the church will be trying to help, so maybe you can see if you can do anything there. 

Well, like I said, changes went along as normal. Elder H., my companion, was transfered to the jungle after just having been in the sector for 2 weeks. I´ll be training a new missionary. (Yes!!!!!) He´ll most likely be my last companion (but you never know). So, I´m super excited! Elder H. was a little sad to leave, but he was happy to be able to be able to go to the jungle, so that was good. 


(This picture was taken today for his friend, Kevin.  Seems to be doing well & not shaken too badly.)

From a couple weeks ago:  This week, we were able to see many more miracles. L. G., the man that we are teaching that is waiting to get married, now has a baptismal date for the 23rd. His "wife" decided one day that she needs the blessings that come from living the law of chastity in her life. So, on Saturday, she moved up the road to a little apartment and will be there until they are legally married. That was awesome!

Update from today:  L. G. is doing great! Hopefully he will be able to get baptized and confirmed this week! 

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Safe & Accounted For


   
All the missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Ecuador, including Elder Stephen Bahr, are safe and accounted for after last night's 7.8 magnitude earthquake.  Thank you for your care, concern and prayers particularly as they move forward in the days & weeks ahead.