Letter #41 (September 1, 2009)

I had such an amazing week. Elder Birrell had several powerful lessons with our investigators. We taught Iantha 3 times this week. She hasn't received a sure answer to her prayer of whether or not she should get baptized. We taught her that she must take a step in faith and act as if she's getting baptized. She knows that what we're teaching her is true. She knows more than most investigators. She's afraid to make the wrong decision. She's going to pray more fervently. I will continue to pray for her. She's so close to baptism.

Aaliyah, the 10 year-old daughter of a less-active member (dad) came to church. He works on Sunday. We went with members from our ward to pick her up. She enjoyed church. We've been trying really hard to get a hold of them this past month and we finally did. I feel good about Aaliyah. Her mother is not a member, but she's very supportive of Aaliyah going to our Church. I'm excited for her. She's very shy, but very nice.

Rueben came to church. He's 14. His mother is a member in the Spanish branch. I knew him when I was in Chapel Hill 1st ward. He actually lives in the Chapel Hill 2nd ward. We've had trouble meeting up with him then, but we're teaching him now. He finally came to church. I feel good about him as well as long as he makes some time for us to teach him.

Curtis Graham is from South Carolina. I taught him once or twice before I left Chapel Hill. He moved to North Carolina a few months back. He couldn't find a place to live. He's in a homeless shelter now. He's an interesting case. He's been to church more than 5 times. He wants to get baptized. He knows a lot about the Church. His mom lives in Salt Lake City where she's being provided for. I believe she's in nursing care getting assistance. He participates in Sunday School. He's very smart. But I don't know if he has a spiritual confirmation that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. The last thing I want to do is baptize someone if they don't have a testimony. I'll be praying for him so we could know if he's ready to get baptized. He said that he wants me to baptize him. We'll see.

We taught Jeremy Bergwerf, the 6 foot 9 guy. He's getting his MBA in UNC. We brought over a bright member from our ward. The member did a good job teaching about the falling away of Christ's Church. Jeremy had great questions again. We bore testimony. We'll teach him again. We just found out yesterday that someone from our ward (Chapel Hill 2nd) have several classes with him at UNC. He's going to get to know him this week. That will be great fellowshipping.

There's a 15 year-old named Dante who we're teaching. He's amazing as well. We just need to get support from his mother so he could come to church. He said that he has prayed and know that our message is true. We set a baptismal date with him on September 25. That's very possible.

We had a very good week. We taught a media referral and her son on Saturday. The Spirit testified to them as we were teaching them that our message is true. God is a God of miracles. Many great things are about to happen. Please pray for Elder Birrell and I and for our investigators and all those we're working with. I love you all.

Love, Elder Olaya