October 14, 2013 "General Conference/1st Baptism!/Exchanges

Hey Hey!

We officially have broken the Gresham Area curse - no baptisms within the past 4 years - with our investigator being baptized tomorrow. She was being taught earlier in the year but didn't have permission from her family so she disappeared. A few weeks ago she texted us and told us she wanted to meet again and be baptized. Came out of no where and has been an answer to prayers :)

She and another investigator both watched General Conference with us at the church - with Grandma and a few other members. One was really impressed with President Uchtdorf's "Come Join With Us" because he was convinced he has to be perfect in order to be baptized. I think he is beginning to see that baptism is something that he can work towards and be ready for.

Our latest investigator is going into surgery this week because of the veins that have begun to close up in his legs - don't smoke, kids - so we are praying that all goes well. We bought him a gigantic magnifying glass and large print Book of Mormon so that he can read. Praying that all goes well.

I had the chance to go on 2 exchanges these past few weeks and I learned so much about the power of relying on the Spirit in bearing testimony. I spoke with a number of people who claim atheism and it is the strangest experience to hear that and work to start up a conversation. The one thing that seems to spark an interest and welcome the spirit is the testimony and knowledge we have of eternal families. I am grateful for a loving eternal family.

Some funny things have happened this past week:

--While running, Grandma's dog, Roxie, knocked me over.

--Elder Muirbrook and I discussed whether or not Adam had a belly-button.

--I read scriptures to Grandma each night so she doesn't fall asleep in the kitchen.

--The young women in the ward awkwardly complimented us on our haircuts.

Keep in touch. :)

Love,

Elder Taft Robinson