Letter #33 (June 29, 2009)

We are hoping for Steve Sizemore to get baptized on July 11th. He is the brother of Dawn Davis who got baptized 3 years ago. They have a close relationship. Steve wants to get baptized and he is taking the necessary steps to baptism. He quit smoking cigarrettes on Wednesday and he quit drinking coffee on Friday. Dawn had quit smoking with him on Wednesday. She has had problems with cigarettes throughout her life and starting smoking again recently. I had mentioned in an earlier email written 3 months ago that we have given her a blessing. I'm excited for him. I'm happy for her because this is going to be special to her to have her brother joined the Church and be able to strengthen her as well.

As I think of family support, I think of the Prophet Joseph Smith. His parents were very supportive and so were his siblings. When I read the accounts of the witnesses of the early restored church, the most powerful witness to me is that of his mother. Whenever I read Lucy Mack tell of her son's prophetic mission, I gain a greater testimony of the Prophet. Why would a mother lie? Joseph was probably concerned about putting his family at risk with the great work he was undertaking. But his mother knew, and so did his family, that he was a Prophet. That he did see God, the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. That he did find gold plates and by the power of God, he did translate them. I'm grateful for him and his family's courage to support him.

I'm supported by a family that does not believe in what I believe in. They supported my decision to get baptized and then my decision to go on a mission. Thanks be to Antonio Olaya, my father, and Tony Olaya, my brother. I love them with all my heart. They're being blessed by God. Thanks be to Emmanuel Henriquez and Richie Cruz, my two great friends who I shared my conversion story with prior to my baptism. Their love for me never diminished.

May we be witnesses of the living prophet, Thomas S Monson. May we be able to say years from now that we heard him speak and we read his words and we know that he was a prophet of God. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. This is the kingdom of God on earth. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Elder Olaya