Letter #53 (November 30, 2009)

We had a great week down here in Chapel Hill. John was baptized on Saturday. Elder Koehler performed the baptism. It was a great baptismal service. John was able to bear his testimony. He's been a blessing in our lives. Everybody loves him. I had the priviledge of confirming John a member of the Church on Sunday. It was a great and a testimony-building experience. I was guided by the Spirit.

Elder Koehler and I gave talks in Sacrament meeting. We did good jobs. John invited some friends from Winston Salem to the baptism. Their names are Jeremy and Nia. They're 24 and 19 years old. Nia's mother and John are good friends. Jeremy and Nia enjoyed the baptism and felt the Spirit. We were able to teach them after the baptism. We taught them again later that evening. They asked so many good questions. They are hungry for the truth. They have a great respect and love for us even though we only met 2 days ago. Jeremy said that I made him cry a couple of times. The first time was when I bore my testimony at John's baptism and then when I gave my talk at sacrament meeting. He said that he feels like he has known me forever. That's how the Spirit works sometimes. Too bad that they live in Winston Salem. When someone mentioned to Jeremy and Nia that they have missionaries out in Winston-Salem NC, Jeremy said that he rather drive a couple hours to be taught by us. Hopefully, they'd get taught by the Winston Salem missionaries.

We have a baptism coming up with Jeff on Saturday. He has a testimony of the Church and of God's existence and his relationship to Him. We're excited for Jeff. Ray went to John's baptism. He may still get baptized on Dec 16th. I'm praying for him a lot.

I'm grateful for this work. I know that it's true. We have a Prophet and his name is Thomas S Monson. I love our Savior.

Love, Elder Olaya