One door closes while another one opens. 4-15-19

Transfers are this week! I will be transferred to Ashaiman zone! As all the return missionaries from this mission will say, you have never served a true mission in Ghana until you serve in Ashaiman. I guess I will learn shortly what they mean by that phrase, ha ha!

This past week was super good though! To start off, on Friday we decided that we would set aside two hours to just do some contacting (I hate contacting, ha ha). So we started walking around in a new area and it became very apparent that we weren't going to find anyone very easily. So it ended up with us walking around and learning the area. After about an hour and forty-five minutes, I decided to walk down a road that looked a little "interesting". My companion questioned me because he thought that there wasn't anything down there. Well I was persistent, and we went down the road. Well, at the end of the road we passed by a women and her children who were just sitting there. I greeted them and we just walked right by. 

Then my companion said, "Wait! Maybe that's who we are supposed to see!" So, I said, "Nah, let's go down a little further." and in that moment it almost felt like a rope was tied to the back of my head and was pulling me to go back. I was fighting the prompting thinking that the people didn't speak English and that they wouldn't listen. I looked at my companion and it was apparent he was feeling the exact same thing I was. So we decided to go back. Guess what? They really wanted to listen to us! When we talked with the woman, we learned she has been wanting to find the true church that is in the world today.  She wants to make sure that all of her ten children could attend it together. SO I can confidently say that the Lord did indeed direct me to go there!

On Sunday, we had two more baptisms! :) It was awesome!!!! Even better, the two candidates asked me to baptize them! Honestly, it was such a wonderful experience. The opportunity to baptize two new converts to the church is unlike anything you will ever experience. Also, if you remember I talked about that family I had found a few weeks ago who hadn't been to church in twenty years. Well, one of the fourteen year old kids of the family stopped me after the baptism and said, "Elders, I really hope I will also one day be baptized." With much excitement we said of course she would! I am just sad I won't be able to see that day come but I know that at least I was able to contribute a little bit to help her see the truth. :)

I don't have much time today to write more. I want you to know that I truly know that the Spirit guides everyone who is faithful to the Lord's commandments. Never falter in the faith. Hold strong and you will be guided in all aspects of your life.

Sincerely,

Elder Baird

Mom's notes:

1. Elder Baird told me that missionaries in Ghana are only allowed to teach in English. The reason for this is when they come to church, it will only be in English, so they have to speak it to be taught.