Bringing More Sheep into the Fold

Monday, August 30, 2010

Hey everyone!!!! So...... These past two weeks have been absolutely wonderful as you may know because six people, two families, have made the decision to join the fold of God by being baptized. Both services were absolutely beautiful and spiritual. I had the opportunity to baptize Bryan Mauerman and Lauren Porter (Dawn Mauermans two kids) and do the confirmation for Lauren. It was such a great blessing to be able to do both ordinances. The sad part was that Elder McMaster, who originally was supposed to baptize all three, was not able to make it to the baptism. He was definitely bummed as were the rest of us but saddness could not last. The Mauermans were baptized and it was a joyous occassion.

It's hard for me to express the great joy that I felt at the two baptisms and just being part of their conversion. Each family is doing really well, the ward is doing a great job at taking them under their wings and fellow-shipping them. They have become very involved in the church and the whole ward has a new spirit about them. Something about new converts that bring the joy and life back into a ward. I'm soooo happy to be doing this wonderful work. I'm grateful to be able to be an instrument in Gods hands to help those on their journey to find their way back to God. I have to say that I'm am extremely exhausted but the Lord is sustaining me day by day.

The work out here seems to be at a halt for now but I have lots of faith that things wont stay like this for long. We are currently trying to think of new ways to find people and motiviate our wonderful ward to participate as well.

I hope all of you are doing well. Thank you for all your love, support, and especially your prayers. I miss all of you and as you to continue to look out for spiritual moments daily. As we search the scriptures, fervently pray, and diligently keep the commandments the Lord will bless us. Try to Recognize them each day and give thanks to Him. He loves us, He lives, and he has provided us a way for us to know how to return to live with Him again. It is through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ only found in His Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know this to be true with all my heart. These things I say in the name of our Lord and Saviour, our elder brother, our friend, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Jesse James Watson

The First Baptism!

Monday, August 23, 2010

I had my first baptism as a missionary this past saturday! It was one of the most spiritual experiences on the mish. There was sooo much support given to the Bishops family. They were sooo happy they cried practically throughout the who ceremony and meeting. I was given the chance to bear my testimony with was absolutely awesome! The opportunity that is, not my testimony. Anywho, I am sooo excited for this family. They have their goal set on the temple already. We are going to meet with them tonight to teach them about the temple, eternal families, and go over with them the priesthood one more time. This family is sooo wonderful. Another family to add to my extended families list. Our love for one another has grown soooooo much in such a small amount of time it's crazy.

On a sadder note, I lost my daddy/trainer! He left yesterday right after sacrament and everyone was crying, including me. He is such a wonderful person loved by everyone! I feel like I'll never see him again but i know that's not the case. In fact, I'll be seeing him this coming saturday for the Mauermans baptism. Guys, this area is on fire. the Lord is blessing us abundantly right now and I hope it keep going for a while. It looks to be that we might exceed our baptismal goal for year. There is a fire burning within and I don't ever want it to go out. I have to thank you all for helping me to go on a mission. For your support and encouragement. Serving a mission has been a blessing to my life and everyone I love. I'm growing so much in the gospel and learning to love even more than I thought I could. I am so greatful to have this opportunity. I hope all is well with everyone. Please tell everyone thank you and that I love them with all my heart! A hui hou, malama pono.

Elder Jesse-James Watson

A Bit of Good News

Monday, August 2, 2010

So a bit of good news. Elder McMaster got an extension on his mission here in the Mt airy area. He will be with us for a couple more weeks which I'm so excited about. I wish i could keep him as my companion for the whole mission. We get along so well and do great as companions teaching and spreading the gospel. We are currently in a threesome. The person taking Elder McMasters place is our third companion. His name is Elder Paine, from Nashville, TN. He's a good elder but nothing like Elder McMaster. I'm interested in how things will work out when Elder McMaster leaves the area.


Our investigators, The Bishops, are still solid and working toward their baptismal date on the 21st of August. I'm really excited to teach them again. We haven't been able to meet with them this whole week because they were out vacationing. We are seeing them tonight though and I can't wait. We also have another family, The Mauermans, another family of three that are very close to being baptised. Dawn's daughter exclaimed in the last lesson we had that she feels so good and wants to get baptised. We were so excited for her but we know that it won't happen if her mother doesn't feel the same. We have to wait a bit on the mother but we know she will be coming around soon.


Other than that I have been doing very well. Adjusting to all the changes and continuing to learn the area and grow spritually. I'm working on trying to work really hard and have been coming home wonderfully exhausted. Unfortunately too exhausted to write letters. So I'll write again next week and will look forward to more great news then!!! Aloha

Elder Jesse James Watson!