Elder Mitchell's Mission to Tennessee: Fear Not, and Lay Aside Every Sin

Someone needs more sleep!

Buenos!

We had another great week here in Johnson City!! The biggest highlight from this week is that E was baptized! We have been working with her for a while now, but she was so prepared for the gospel. We had a busy week with finishing teaching her the lessons, having her interview, and then the actual baptism. It was such a sweet service though, and the spirit was so strong. E was so nervous leading up to the baptism, but as she walked into the building, she just felt an overwhelming sense of peace from the Holy Ghost. We were so happy to see her enter the waters of baptism. Then on Sunday we all had the chance to stand in as part of E's confirmation. It was really cool, E actually brought some of her neighbors to church with her to see her get confirmed. She is already a missionary! Also, President and Sister Griffin were able to come to the baptism on Saturday, and they attended our ward in JC this week as well. It was a lot of fun to see them this week.

This week is transfer week, and unfortunately, Elder B is leaving us. He is off to serve in the Harrison Bay ward in Chattanooga. Elder L and I will be staying here in JC, but we will be getting a new addition to our trio. Our new companion will be Elder H! I'll be able to tell you more about him next week, but, he was one of the ZL's in Asheville, NC and we are super stoked to have him come join us in JC! Also, I now only have about 3 more weeks left on my mission! It is just crazy how time flies by.

My ponderizer this week is Alma 7:15 "Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism." Fear is a tool of the devil. When we allow fear and doubt to creep into our lives, Satan will "beset" us with temptations. If we are to come unto Christ, we need to lay aside those fears, lay aside the sins, and enter into solemn covenants with God. That is what E did this weekend, and we are so happy for her. It has truly been a blessing and a privilege to be one of the missionaries that taught her. How great a joy is it to see someone come unto Christ! I hope y'all have a great week!

Love,
Elder Mitchell