Soren in Idaho: Jaque England

This week was an answer to our prayers and a miracle that has changed my mission. i dont even know where to start or if i can remember everything that happened this week. i hope it makes sense, i hope to express my feelings as best i can. All i know is that anything is possible through Christ.

this letter is going to be long because so much has happened and i don't wanna leave anything out!

At the baptism of the Keller family, Jaque met Sister Brinkerhoff and President. Sister Brinkerhoff knew her from a year ago because Jaque came to the mission home to have a lesson with missionaries. Sister Brinkerhoff invited Jaque to have another lesson in our mission home.

So At 4:30 on Monday we went to have another lesson with Jaque in the Brinkerhoffs home. I was so nervous and anxious, i've never taught in front of President before. As intimidated as i was the lesson went very very well. Elder Bebee and i followed up on how Jaque felt at the Baptism. She loved it. We shared some scriptures and talked with Jaque about her hopes. Jaque had a big smile on her face the whole time. Jaque's Baptismal goal was for July 19th and she still wasn't sure if she wanted to get baptized. But we didn't drop her date we prayed and had faith that the Lord would work it out. After we shared what we had planned i posed the question all missionaries live for, "will you be baptized?" with a big smile Jaque said "YES" our hearts sank (soared) as all of our prayers were answered.

She had expressed how she received a priesthood blessing from her friend and once he laid his hands on her head a feeling of overwhelming peace and comfort filled her heart. She couldn't describe exactly what she felt. We let her know that it was the spirit. The only thing holding her back was her dad's permission. After the lesson that evening we were driving to another lesson and Jaque texted us. "Elders I have great news! my dad said yes!!!" we died.... Everything was working out. Elder Bebee and i were so happy!!! i can't even explain how excited i was!

She accepted to be baptized on her date we set as a goal :) then came the Planning. Elder Bebee and I had to plan with our ward and all of our leaders for her baptism the coming Saturday. We were running around like chickens with their heads cut off, calling people, making programs, making sure we had speakers. It was crazy! Even Elder Bebee got sick and i had a bumm knee all week we didn't let it stop us!

We taught Jaque every day prior to her baptism with President McNabb and each time we went over Jaque just got more and more excited. We even talked about the temple and baptisms for the dead. She was even open to possibly serving a mission! She wanted it all!

Jaques Baptism was beautiful. Everything went according to plan and the spirit was so strong. All of Jaques Friends, even her sister drove up from Logan, came. Her Dad came and was supportive. I over heard Jaque talking to one of her friends before the Baptism started. She was expressing how happy she is and how much faith and hope she had. She said she has never felt this happy before in her life. Everything worked out perfectly. Jaque had prayed and chose Elder Bebee to baptize her. It was wonderful because Elder Bebee leaves next Tuesday to go home to Texas. Jaque shared her testimony after the ordinance was performed. She had a big smile and expressed how she felt but the one thing she said that just made my heart so happy was when she said "I know this church, the book of mormon, everything is TRUE". My heart was so full. I felt so good that she was able to find the truth for herself. That was one of the most powerful statements during the baptism.
President McNabb shared a very powerful testimony about this wonderful experience He had teaching Jaque with us. I love president McNabb. He is one of my favorite people here in poky. He is one of the most humble and loving examples of what a priesthood holder should be. One day i hope to be someone like President McNabb.

           This experience with Jaque has changed my mission. I have never taught someone like Jaque. I was willing to do everything i could in my power so that she could enjoy the fruit of the spirit and to feel the love of our Father in Heaven. I wish i was better at writing or could express how i truly feel, i wish i had a vocabulary to describe my feelings from these past couple weeks. Jaque's conversion story is one of the most beautiful things i have witnessed here on my mission.
           But all i have to say is that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true. That He lives and is with us each day. That because of Him hearts are changed, we are changed. We are changed into something far greater than we could ever imagine. He loves us and knows who we can become. But if only we take his hand and trust in Him.

I received a letter from my wonderful Aunty Kim this week, her words have resonated in my heart as i have discovered this change in me. i am so very grateful for her love and example. (thanks aunty i needed that extra strength:) she said "There is no selfishness in true service, we loose ourselves through service, only to find ourselves again". I feel as if i have found myself again through this experience with Jaque. Jaque has blessed my life, and i am very grateful for her.

I love my life.

I love missionary work

I love all my family

I love the Lord

always

Stoked to Serve

Elder Soren
xoxo