April 8, 2009 A Letter About Elder Fitt

Hello Everyone!
I hope all is well. Things have been great out here. We had a baptism on saturday for an eight year old girl named Sayna. Her parents aren't members so we had the privilege of teaching her. It was a great day and a member, Brother Kingi, got to baptize her. It was special because 40 or so years ago he served in this mission and baptized Sayna's great-grandmother so it was a really neat experience for him and the family. He's originally from New Zealand and probably one of the best members I have ever met. At the baptism and on sunday after he conferred upon her the gift of the Holy Ghost, he got to bear his testimony, which was so powerful. Since he's from the Pacific Islands he has common ancestry with the Native Americans from the Nephites(read about Hagoth in the book of Helaman) and Lamanites and talked about how our church is the church of their ancestors. The church that their people belonged to ages past. It was a really special experience.
Also, on sunday there was a musical fireside the missionaries in Rapid put together. The Zone Leaders here headed up the project but we all had a part. The members here have some amazing talents in music and it went really well. Also, we(the Elders in Rapid) got to have a piece in the program. We sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and I think God was watching out for us because everyone said we sounded good...though I beg to differ, haha. It was a neat experience though, I've never sang in front of people before...though it was with 10 other missionaries.
The work has been progressing really well. We have between 4-7 people who are looking pretty close to baptism. Two of which we're going to commit with a date this week, hopefully they accept. I'm really excited. The Lord is blessing this area tremendously and we're working hard to keep up with all the work he is providing for us. May is looking to be a great month. And we do have another person committed at the moment too. A 14 year old boy, who is going to be baptized on the 16th of May. So, ya, things are going well.
I hope everything is going well back in the real world and that everyone is studying their scriptures daily!! It is so important. Sometimes it may be tough, put you just have to plant that seed that Alma talks about in Chapter 32 of the book of Alma, and as you do scripture study will not only become rewarding, but also fun and entertaining. In the mornings I now get lost in the stories of the scriptures. The Book of Mormon was definitely written for our time. I have a testimony that it is sacred scripture that was translated by the power of God through Joseph Smith. It is a powerful witness of the divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ and the great love he has for us. It also provides understanding of the great importance of the Atonement and the power it has to heal us: our hurts, our sorrows, our sins, our afflictions. I know that as we rely on the Savior and prayerfully and faithfully do our part, weak things will be made strong, and peace and comfort will be provided in times of hardship that are bound to come.
I love you all and hope you have a great week and are blessed with missionary experiences!
Love,
Elder Fitt