Droughts, Prayers, Rain and Baptisms.

Well this last week was great. Lisa Brinton was baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday. The first convert baptism this ward has had in over a year. Lisa's friend who played the key role in her conversion baptized her and her brother in law did the confirmation. Her husband who is a member, but hasn't been to church in years came to the baptism and was at church on Sunday along with her two kids who aren't really kids anymore. Joey is 22 and Lucas is 18. It was a great baptism full of the spirit. It is the start of a lot of good things that will happen in her family. Chris who will be getting baptized next week was there which turned out great because he is a lot more comfortable about his baptism now that he has seen one. Him and his mom have been coming to church for the last couple of weeks which is awesome they are all going to be excellent additions to the ward.
It was an interesting week though I learned a lot from my leaders. On Tuesday the assistants came and brought their air mattresses and slept at our apartment and went on an exchange with the zone leaders. Then later that day we were doing the baptismal interview for Sister Brinton, and Elder Bostrom did the interview while me and Elder Atkin talked with one of the assistants, Elder Reese, for and hour. It was really cool to hear how his missionary work differs from ours, and he taught me a few things as well. Then later in the week we went on an exchange with the zone leaders which was great. I got to work with Elder Bate this time and we had a great exchange where we both learned a lot. Its nice to exchange with the Elders in your apartment, because we all get to sleep in our own bed (and in my case beds).
Also there is a drought going on here in California, and I think the area authority had all of Southern California fasting for rain yesterday. So naturally it rained yesterday. The Lord really does answer our prayers. The drought is over more rain and baptisms to come here in the Thousand Oaks 1st ward.



Alan with his district.

Arm wrestling with his companion (he reports he won.)

Alan, his companion and Lisa Brinton.