OCT_23_17_GROUP_LEW

 Hey there Everybody!!

Man, what a week. WHAT A WEEK. It has been absolutely amazing. The crowning event?? Our investigator, Carlos, was baptized on Saturday, and I was lucky enough to be the one to baptize him. It was just a surreal experience. 

We have been working with Carlos for a couple of months now. He was found all the way back in March or April. My awesome trainer, Elder Marcum, met him in the street and began talking to him about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Although he was difficult to get ahold of and didn't progress rapidly during those first few months, Elder Marcum never gave up on him. 

Then I showed up to the area, with no idea what I was doing. I kept hearing about this Carlos guy from Elder Marcum, but had never actually met him. Every time we tried his house, his cousin would come to the door and tell us that he wasn't home. Although discouraged, we kept trying him. Finally, one day while on exchanges (my first time leading out the area!!) Elder Stratford and I happened to be in Lemoyne, very near Carlos's house. Why not give him a try?? We biked to his house and saw a man standing out front, just chilling on the porch. IT WAS HIM. FINALLY. I introduced myself (still no idea what I was doing), talked a little bit about the Book of Mormon, and set up a follow up appointment with him at the park the following week.

Ever since that initial appointment at the park, we have met with Carlos at least once a week. Sometimes up to 4 times a week. Every time I met with him, I became more and more convinced: This guy has been PREPARED to receive the gospel. It has been such an awesome experience to have a front row seat at his conversion. He has made SO MUCH progress, has shown SO MUCH faith. He has been to church every Sunday for the past month and a half. He watched 3/5 sessions of General Conference. He is an inspiration to me.

Getting into the water with him on Saturday just felt so RIGHT, you know?? I was able to feel the Spirit so strong as I performed the ordinance. To make things even better, Elder Marcum was able to watch the entire service through Skype from his current area in Jamestown, New York. That meant a lot to Carlos, and it meant a lot to me as well.

I just want to bear you my solemn testimony that there ARE NO COINCIDENCES. God's ways are higher than our ways. He is very aware of what we need, and when we need it. He is in total control. It was no coincidence that Elder Stratford and I happened to be near Carlos's house on that day. It was meant to be.

I know that this gospel is true. I know that with every fiber of my being. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. I know that God loves each and every single one of us, that we are his children. He's sad when you're sad, he's happy when you're happy. 

I am absolutely loving it out here in Pennsylvania. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers on my behalf. I love you guys!! Have a great week!!

Elder Gonzales

1-2) Can you tell how happy I am??

3)Carlos and I at our meeting spot in the park. Yes, I'm not wearing my name tag. Yes, I forgot it at my apartment. Yes, I rushed to my apartment afterwards and put it on. 

4)Last P-day we went to Hegley Park, which has a beautiful view of Harrisburg in the background. Goodness gracious. Ain't it beautiful?