First Baptism!!!!!!!!

David Swierzynski is officially a member of the Lord's church!!!!!

Monday- All of the Elders in Greenville (us, the Spanish, and the 1st ward Elders) had dinner at the stake president's house. He is a really good guy. He has the biggest southern draw ever. After dinner, we went and visited Sister Hunt. She reminds me so much of my dear Grandma Duffin. I just about broke out into tears.

Tuesday- We had to go on an exchange with the Spanish cause we had two lessons at the exact same time. Elder Seastrand and I taught Dave about the Baptismal covenant. Elder Terril and Elder Coy taught Brother Kukohiko. It was a pretty crazy night.

Wednesday- We got new flooring in the apartment today! The downside is that we had to stay near the apartment to help them move stuff. We weren't really able to do much. We did get to visit a couple of investigators and contact a referrel, but that was pretty much it.

Thursday- We visited Kent Newcome. He's been really discouraged lately, cause he has trouble comprehending scripture. We volunteered to call him each morning, and read and explain a scripture with him. He really appreciated that.

Friday- We had our planned exchange. I, once again, was with Elder Seastrand. We had a really awesome day. We met with Dave again and talked about enduring to the end. We visited Brother Kukohiko and had a really powerful lesson with him. He's really making progress and has a really strong desire to change for his children. Our last stop of the night was to our investigator Derrick Johnson. He wasn't his usual talkative self. He's going through a really tough time right now. We talked a lot about faith. He says he can tell that we our servants of our Heavenly Father through the spirit. We gave him a priesthood blessing. We made a quick stop at McDonald's. While we were there, I talked with this guy about the church. He said that I was the second guy that day to talk to him about the church. 

Saturday- Dave's Baptism!!!!! He was so excited. Elder Terril and I gave the talks for him. Bishop Finlayson baptized him. When he came up out of the water, he raised his fist in the air and shouted "I did it!!" hahahahahaha He cracks me up. It was such a wonderful experience to see him change. From the get go he wanted to be baptized. He was super prepared. The gospel has made him a much happier guy.

Dave with Elder Terril and Elder Dumont

       

Sunday- Dave got confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was all smiles today. That night, we went and visited Kent again. He wanted us to listen to a song that he says describes his life. Afterwards, I felt prompted to open up to the Parable of the Prodigal Son. After we read it, he asked me "How did you know?" He had been on the phone with his son seconds before we came to his door. He said that the Parable really related to his situation with his son. He really opened up to us. I love him so much. He is such a great guy.

Being a missionary is by far the greatest thing I've ever done in my life. I love watching people become happier because of my efforts in bringing them the gospel. There is no possible way to describe the joy that I felt when David was baptized. This really is the kingdom of God on Earth. Joseph Smith was called of God to bring forth his kingdom. The world has been blessed because of the humble and faithful prayer of a 14 year old farm boy living in little old Palmyra, New York. This gospel is a gospel of love, just as our Heavenly Father is a God of love. I love all of you. Thanks for reading through my ridiculously long post. haha I'll try to keep it shorter next time, but probably not. Keep the faith, and the Lord will pour out his blessings upon you.

Love,

Elder Dumont