The Miracle of Carla Espinoza

 Carla's baptism

Hello Friends and Family!!!

The time is moving by to dang quickly! I feel like it was just yesterday it was p-day, and here I am writing again. It just moves too fast, got to take advantage of this second year of the mission, because before I know it, it’s going to all come to an end!

This week, we were mainly focused on getting everything organized and set up for Carla Espinoza. We were passing by teaching about the commandments, and she accepted each one without delay!! Super impressed by her faith. This past Saturday was the service, and all the members made it to the baptism. The room was absolutely full of people, members, investigators, family. She was so happy during the whole service, you couldn’t take the smile off her face. The messages, songs and service brought a powerful spirit to the room. But the best part was after the service. Each member came up and shook her hand, hugged her, and told her congratulations. Then, her family passed to the front to talk to her. Her mother, her sisters, each with tears in their eyes, hugged her and congratulated her. Then, they each came and shook mine and Elder Tovar's hands, and just said, "Thank you. Thank you so much for teaching and helping her." A thought came to my mind (and I know that it was the spirit), and reminded me that this family met the missionaries over three years ago. Carla was the only one that wasn’t baptized. They have been waiting all this time to go to the temple and be sealed because they didn’t want to leave her behind. They wanted their eternal family, ALL of them. Saturday was an answer to our prayers, but more than just our prayers. It was the answer to three years worth of prayers, fasts, and tears from the Familia Espinoza, pleading with our Heavenly Father to help Carla be baptized. Saturday, July 21st, those prayers were answered, as Carla was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was in every sense of the word, a miracle.

I’m trying to be more grateful for the miracles that the Lord has been putting in our lives. I realized that I spend a lot of time in my prayers asking for the help of the Lord, which is something that I desperately need, but not enough time thanking him for the things He has given me. I read in Doctrine and Covenants this week in section 78, verse 19. "He that receiveth all things with gratefulness shall be made glorious..". That’s one of my goals for this coming week, be more grateful for the things that the Lord has put in my path here in the Mission.

Love you all so much, I hope you all have a fantastic week! Put the Lord first, He takes care of the rest!!!

Con mucho amor, Elder Christian Duvall Newman

Jackson, Thats crazy that you are home!!!!! I can’t even believe it, now you are officially.....OLD!! That’s so funny that you are still waking up early, gonna take some getting used to haha. Glad you enjoyed Brother Pierce on the organ, he’s awesome!!! Love you Brother!!! If you have a copy of your homecoming talk, Id love to read it :)

Sarah, Im super proud of your boldness in sharing the gospel and giving a Book of Mormon!! You are a fantastic example to me, you will be an awesome missionary someday!!! Love you Bear!!

Emma, sounds like you guys had one heck of a girls camp!! The baptism happened, and it was truly amazing! Thats crazy that Brayden leaves July 25th! Love you Emma!!

Callie, well I hope you feel better! It’s ok, I missed Jacksons talk too. ;)  Good luck with your dance tryouts!! Love you Callie!!!

Mom, Congratulations on finishing the Book of Mormon!!!! The Book of Mormon is a powerful powerful witness of Christ, and will touch our lives, no matter how many times we read it, if we do it with intent :) Love you Mom!!!


Mom’s Questions:
1. What was your favorite scripture verse you read this week? 

D&C section 31, the whole section :)

2. How was the baptism Saturday? 

Powerful :)

3. How are your investigators coming along? 

Really well, Felipa and Alejandra are progressing well. I believe she will be baptized this Saturday:)

4. Any tips that you can give Jackson on good member missionary work now that he is on the other side as an RM? 

If I can give one tip...... Extend the circle of friendship every Sunday. President Nelson has taught that we should find someone new each Sunday to befriend. That’s something we can do each week. Especially with those who may be visiting the chapel for the first time.:)