Hermana Aubryann McClune

Mississippi is beautiful.  I love my mission.  I love this work. 

 

This is how I feel this week.  It's truly been amazing. 

Sunday, Terry was baptized.  It has truly been amazing to be apart of it.  A few months ago, when I first met him I addressed him as "Brother Elliott".  He corrected me, because he wasn't comfortable with it and not interested in the Mormon church.  He loved his wife, but didn't not understand the Book of Mormon or much else he had heard.  That was a Tuesday.  Two days later we visited, and talked about the Savior's Atonement, and introduced the Book of Mormon.  We addressed some of his concerns, and he committed to reading it. That was it. 

 

After that, Terry continued to read.  Step by step we saw him make changes. He tried to control his temper, treat his children and wife with more kindness, be kinder at work.  He said the blessing on the Thanksgiving meal as the head of the house for the first time; he had not felt worthy before.  He really developed his own relationship with his Father in Heaven.  He quit drinking coffee, sweet tea, and any form of tobacco. All because of his love for the Lord.

 

I've never seen anyone happier than him on Sunday. He had the biggest grin on his face.  The service was right after church, and most of the ward was there. They were so excited.  Sister Huber and I sang "The Ol' Rugged Cross"-an old Baptist hymn that has meant a lot to him.  He was baptized by Brother Norton and confirmed by Bishop Jolley.  It was a great service.

 

My favorite part of the whole day though, was when after everything was said and done, Terry put his arm around me and told some one: "This one has worked her tail off to get me here".  I replied, "It was the Lord, but we will keep working to get the rest of your family here too". 

 

He response was: "Don't worry, I'll take care of it".

 

When he said that, I knew that I had been a part of a miracle.  He changed his life, right to his very core. It had been in the Lord's hands the whole time, and I had a privilege of being a part of it.   I did all that I could.  When he said he would take care of it, it showed that he really had made a complete change, and was going to continue to grow and nourish his testimony, and be an example to his family.  I feel so honored to have become a part of that family, and to be a part in the Lord's work. 

 

I have a testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel, and the love that our Savior has for each of us.  He has come below us all, so that he can lift us up.  I know that we our children of a Heavenly Father.  He sees our potential, what we can become.  It's impossible for us to see that, but when we trust in him, miracles will happen. 

 

 

 

Later this week on Sunday, Donna will also be baptized. I can't wait to tell you here story next week :) We found her knocking doors, but she was just waiting.  Saturday, Miss Brenda from my old area in Decatur will also be baptized.  She has asked me to speak, which is an honor. 

 

I love you each so much. Thank you for all the prayers and support.  It really is a strength to me. 

 

Love all y'alls guts!

Sister McClune