Okay...^^that might've been click bait BUT let me tell you how this week was even better than a million bucks:
First off, I'm not a fan of Bible or any type of bashing. We went into a lesson with our friend Steve and that is exactly what he did. I'm not exactly sure how he didn't even pass out because he talked so much that breathing was a burden for him! Well, knowing that our meeting was cutting into valuable time to find new people to teach and other lessons, the Spirit pricked me in a rather unusual way. Before I knew it, I had raised my hand and immediately Steve stopped talking and called on me. I told him that we admire his devotion to the Bible and he knows it so well; I then proceeded to tell him our goal as missionaries and how it's different than his agenda. We ended in prayer and got on to finding more people!!
And catch this miracle...we are working with a part member family. The husband just was baptized and his wife hasn't learned much about the gospel because of a pregnancy and health issues the past few months. Well, she has finally recovered and we taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and invited her to be baptized for June 26th! We are excited for her...the only struggle is she speaks Telugu and her English is still improving. Catch me on the Duolingo grind!!!
Christian's baptism happened!!!!! It was spectacular. His family brought a few people who weren't even members and they were able to participate! Christian enjoyed the baptism and really loved the Taco Bell afterwards too. Nothing is better than being a new member of the church and a cheesy Gordilla crunch!!
^^Not only did the miracles stop there...his mom is married to Jared whom we are teaching. She wants him baptized so badly and texted us today saying "That's it, what do we need to do to get Jared baptized for June 26th?" I love the determination!! Let's just hope that Jared knows his wife signed him up for his baptism on the 26th 
But in all seriousness, I've learned this past week that discipleship and conversion is an active and personal process. No one can force you to follow Christ despite how much you desire it. Even Alma the Older exhausted his resources to aid his son. However, his efforts weren't in vain! The angel told Alma the younger "Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth..."
I'm discovering that being a converted disciple of Christ is not one big decision...in fact, it's made up of thousands of daily decisions that are Christlike. It's getting up at 6:30 as a missionary, it's choosing to spend 30 mins in the scriptures rather than your favorite TV show, it's choosing to take time to listen to the Holy Ghost after you pray, and it's every other fiber-like decision that is woven together to create a tapestry of conversion. It takes diligence--steady, consistent earnest, and energetic effort.
Love you all!
-Elder Gardanier
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