Miracle

I am emotional just writing this email this week. I can't express how grateful I am for this gospel,how grateful I am for my Savior Jesus Christ, and how grateful I am for the Que family. This last week Sister Schauers and I had the privilege of watching Cesar and Gabbie enter the waters of baptism and make that important decision that will change their lives forever. Gabbie and Cesar and their two beautiful kids are an amazing family, one that I loved immediately. I knew they were special and I knew how much potential they held. They were earnest and diligent in their efforts to learn more.  In fact we would often tease them that they would play "stump the missionary" which included them asking us very deep soul searching questions that Sister Schauers and I would have to take a moment to ponder before responding. We as a result felt our testimonies growing right along with theirs. A few weeks ago when the date of June 14th was announced to them to be baptized, they thought about it and responded with the most sincere yes I have ever heard. They knew what they were getting into and they knew how it would change their lives, but it was something they desired to be apart of. On Saturday as I watched them participate in this sacred ordinance, and as tears filled Gabbie's eyes, I was overcome with pure joy. I knew how proud their Father in Heaven was of them and this decision they had made. I embraced Gabbie after and although she was dripping wet I felt so warm and comforted and knew she felt the same. I know it is a decision that will effect their family for eternities. After they were baptized they each took a few minutes to face a crowd of people and bear testimony of the things they had come to know with certainty. Cesar stood up at the podium and expressed his love for his Savior Jesus Christ. With absolute surety in his voice he proudly exclaimed how he knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet and how this is the true church once again established on the earth. The rest was in Spanish so I couldn't understand much (wish I had paid more attention in high school Spanish class) but the spirit was strong and powerful. Gabbie bore a powerful emotional testimony of the gospel which reduced me to tears as she looked us in the eyes and thanked us for teaching her family. Everyone in the room was touched by the spirit that dwelt there and the spirit Gabbie and Cesar brought with them. Yesterday as they were confirmed, permanent smiles radiated across their faces. I had never before seen them so happy. I know this gospel can bless your family just as much as it blessed the Que family. I know we can all be strengthened from living the teachings and receiving the ordinances of Jesus Christ.

A few days before the baptism Cesar looked me in the eyes and asked me, "Why Ohio?" Before I could even answer his brother in law chipped in, "Because of you guys!!" I have been touched by this family and their desire to follow our Savior Jesus Christ's example in every way possible. I know they are one of the biggest reasons I have been called to serve here in Ohio. I am forever grateful for them and the examples they are to me. In just a short month they have been married, baptized, confirmed, and are now looking toward being sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. They have waited a long time for this, I am grateful for the blessing the gospel will abundantly pour into their lives. I know they will be blessed beyond compare for striving to do what's right although it is not always what is easy. They are amazing. I wish you could all meet them. I love them. They feel like family to me out here.

We have been blessed beyond compare. A scripture I read this morning in 4th Nephi states, "and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus." I know that because of Him miracles can happen. I know that because of Him we can all experience this pure joy that comes through Him and following His example. I wouldn't trade the experiences I have had out here for anything. It is so humbling to have the opportunity to be a witness of Jesus Christ-- to physically stand in His place and perform His work. It is a sacred calling, a calling that I am forever grateful for. I love this gospel. This church is the Lord's church. I love you all and want to thank you for the positive and uplifting encouragement you provide me.