January 15, 2018

Lisa Ferrier Rafkin Baptism

Sister Maynes from Wisconsin

January 15, 2018

We had a few interesting experiences this week.  Most of our time was spent serving in our regular volunteer positions.  But, here are the highlights:

We were able to attend a wonderful Senior Couples Home Evening at the Redford's home in Irvine.  Bro. Redford was recovering from a horrible case of the flu so we were all praying he wasn't contagious.  There have been a lot of sick missionaries lately.  I took some homemade Panara Bread Autumn Butternut Squash soup.  It was yummy.  We said goodbye to the Britons who will be leaving the mission at the end of the month.  Along with working in the office, the Britons served in the Spanish Ward that met in our building so we enjoyed seeing them often on Sundays.  They have played an important role in keeping the mission running. (Bro. Brinton was the finance secretary.)

I worked with a new volunteer at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society main office on Wednesday.  Julia is a member of the church who lives in Carlsbad.  She was delightful.  It was fun getting to know her and helping train her that day.  

After working at the Thrift Store on Thursday, we got to take dinner to the Dawson family.  Bro. Dawson had foot surgery this week.  It was so fun visiting with them.  We really have learned to love this family.  We're thankful Bro. Dawson is recovering well. 

We enjoyed listening to Pres. Monson's funeral Friday night.  He was such a selfless and kind prophet of God.  Someone told us a story about him.  They had met him when he was an apostle many years ago in the hall when he was coming out of a stake president's office.  He greeted them and asked their names.  He mentioned that the sister had a beautiful smile.  Years later, this couple crossed paths with Elder Monson again in Salt Lake City.  He said they looked familiar and then before they could introduce themselves he said their name and then added--you still have a beautiful smile.  We had a remarkable gift of remembering individuals and making them feel special.

The highlight of the week was attending Lisa Ferrier Rafkin's baptism.  She was baptized by a friend from Mesa, Arizona.  Bro. Liddle had met Lisa 32 years ago and given her a Book of Mormon while he was taking pilot training lessons from her husband at John Wayne Airport here in California.  They have stayed in touch over the years.  Bro. Liddle related some beautiful experiences he and his wife had enjoyed over the years with Lisa and her family.  He was shocked to receive a call from her asking him to baptize her.  January 13, the baptism day, was his birthday.  He said it was the best birthday gift he had ever received.  He shared his testimony that our efforts in sharing the gospel and loving our neighbor are never wasted.  Sometimes we never may see the fruits of our efforts but he said we should never give up--it took Lisa 32 years to be ready.  But, ready she is.  She was full of light and excited about becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Elder Weatherford Clayton, a general authority, was in the area on assignment and attended the baptism.  He had actually delivered Lisa's 17 year old daughter who was in attendance.  One of the speakers, Bro. Steve Smith, spoke and said he was baptized when he was 29.  Elder Weatherford was his first bishop.  Bro. Smith gave the most inspiring talk about the Holy Ghost directly to Lisa.  His son, Cade Smith, spoke about baptism.  Cade is good friends with Lisa's daughter.  It was so amazing to me how everything fell into place and so many lives were interconnected.  It was an unforgettable day for Lisa and for all of us in attendance.  It was inspiring to see all of the missionaries from the San Clemente District seated on the back row.  It was the first time we had had the opportunity to meet Sister Maynes from Wisconsin.  Her mother is Heidi's visiting teacher--yet another interconnection.  Such a wonderful experience for us.  

Sunday Brad gave a terrific Sunday School lesson to the marines from the Old Testament.  In 30 minutes he was able to touch on four lessons--the council in heaven, the creation, the fall and the role of Jesus Christ in our salvation.  He did a masterful job.  So thankful for the Plan of Happiness and the hope we have to return to live with our Father in Heaven someday.  In Relief Society, we discussed Joy Jones conference address addressing our infinite worth.  Sister Rober shared a personal experience that as a college student she had a roommate who was unique--she was wonderful but a little quirky.  She said this roommate was loved by everyone but she definitely thought outside of the box.  Her friend invited Sis. Rober to go with her when she had her patriarchal blessing.  Sis. Rober said she would never forget part of the blessing that stated that Heavenly Father had a special love for this daughter because she was so much like her Mother in Heaven.  Sis Rober said now when she sees individuals who are unique she wonders if they are also like their heavenly mother.  We shouldn't judge each other but appreciate our unique talents.  

Elder Halvorsen went to the range early to administer the sacrament to the marines there.  So, I drove to church.  I'm kind of out of practice driving in the dark.  I totally rely on my good companion to see us safely to every meeting--so thankful for him.  Bro. Pernal based his fireside talk on Cornelius in the New Testament and, again, reminded us that all people are equal in God's eyes.  We're all of infinite worth--in fact, God was willing to give his only begotten son for each of us.  Some of the marines had experienced another trying week.  Elder Halvorsen assisted in giving several blessings to marines who were struggling physically with the demands placed on them.  We're praying each day that they will be strengthened to meet the challenges they face.