HE MADE IT!! JARED IS BAPTIZED!!

Jared and his 8 yr old stepson Derek
Baptized Together! 

Jared's family is seeing GREAT blessings by keeping the commandments and centering their home on Jesus Christ. 

"Yes, it's crazy at times! But we've never had ORDER in our home like we do now!! We prioritize family first."

Jared's Family

 Wow, this week... I tell ya! I love being a missionary. 

First of all, I cannot thank you enough for teaching me about Christ and the restored gospel!

I know that this is probably one of the greatest blessings of the the gospel--Happy Homes!!

I love you all so much.  This week was truly incredible with Jared's baptism!!

We went to visit their family on Friday and he said, 

"When Sister Pond warned me it was going to be a tough week... I have to admit, I laughed a little bit. I couldn't imagine life getting any crazier. But it did!! 

Our electricity went out, our car broke down, I had to work overtime, etc. But you know what? I don't even care! 

My spirits are high!!"

He showed up to the baptism in his blue jeans and a white shirt- ready to go. But extremely exhausted. 

Then- the most beautiful thing happened. After he was baptized, he stood there for a moment with his eyes closed- taking the moment in. 

When he finally came back to his seat he exclaimed- "I feel like I've just had 10 extra hours of sleep!" 

Sister Milligan and I had never seen him SO Happy! What a complete transformation in 6 months! 

He had peace at his core! 

& that happiness only amplified as he was confirmed a member of the church the next day

and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Our lesson in Gospel Principles class was on the Priestood- He will be a wonderful and worthy Priestood holder 

in just a couple weeks! 

He is converted. From Heroine Addict to Everyone's Hero! 

This was one of those experiences that absolutely changed my life. 

I am so grateful to know their family!! His wife Kathryn is a member but hadn't been to church in a long time- as she has been taking the lessons with Jared she said last week, 

"I feel more worthy than I ever have! It is the greatest feeling! 

Rock bottom was the foundation on which I re-built my life."

I learn so much from their inward strength. 

The plan is that they will be sealed in the temple as a family in one year from now! 

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest gift to all. 

Which way do you face? 

It is not about distance, it's about DIRECTION.

...here are a couple of GREAT quotes from another investigator Nicole- we are hoping she will be baptized this month!

-"When you say, 'I'll leave it in God's hands!' Leave it there!!"

-"You can go wrong with people, but you can't go wrong with God!"

-"If you let God help you make decisions... you'll be fine."

Words to Live by!!

We had Zone Conference on Thursday and I was able to hold an original copy of the Book of Mormon!

Original Book of Mormon

Usually you see them behind glass- but the convert couple that spoke to us have a copy specifically for letting others hold it in their own hands, strengthening testimonies, and teaching the individual of the reality of the Book of Mormon and what it means for them.  

I want to share my special experience with you: 

As I held that red covered copy and ran my fingers through the 200+ year old, crisp, browned pages- a pure voice came into my mind.

"You know it is true!"

My response thought was: Yes, yes I do know it's true. 

And knowing that it's true for myself has brought the greatest comfort and guidance in my life. 

I later reflected on this sacred experience. 

I realized that I had felt the spirit just as clear while reading my blue covered Book of Mormon during the school year or in my missionary apartment during studies. & that I regarded those experiences just as sacred as the one I had this week while holding an 1800s original copy. Wherever you may be and However you read its words- 

you can feel of God's love for you. And know for yourself that this resource of hope and guidance was brought forth today by His power.

It is an additional witness of His divine son- even Jesus Christ. 

Steadfast & Immovable in Christ!

Love, 

Sister Osmond

Zone Conference