On the Forefront of the Fight

Sister Smith and Sister Forte at Wat Phra Kaew temple

Missionary work takes a lot of acceptance. This past week I have learned to accept a lot of things: I am not perfect, some people don't listen, faith takes patience, and miracles aren't immediate.

Arthur received the Gift of the Holy Ghost

This last week Arthur was baptized, and yesterday he received Gift of the Holy Ghost. It's been a miracle to see him grow and develop in this way. We inherited him from other missionaries that left our area--he's been an investigator for 6 months. I think of the other sisters in Chaengwattana that planted a seed for him. They didn't see the light radiate from him as he finally admitted there was a God, or watch as he entered into the waters of baptism, relying on the faith that it would truly change his life. But they didn't give up and they taught him, challenged him, testified to him-- having faith that the little seed would grow. I am privileged to have seen that seed begin to take root inside of a great soul. I think of all the people I've met so far. Arthur's story gives me a fresh perspective that as a missionary, you do your best, and then accept what happens. We have faith that miracles will come even if we aren't seeing them immediately. I believe I am a small part in the midst of a giant miracle, the same miracle that has been going on since a kid stepped into the woods to pray on the spring of 1830. I have not seen the overall outcome of this miracle. I know however, that by continuing to do my best, accepting things as they come and having faith in a marvelous outcome, I will truly propel the work forward, one soul at a time.

And now for more pictures!

We went เทียว-ing on New Years!