Something very special happened this week. Laci was baptized on Saturday, on a beautiful day! More than thirty people came to support him. Mariann and Edina gave good talks about baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and then we had the baptism. It was a very special moment for me to enter the waters of baptism with Laci. We had to repeat the baptism because on the first try Laci's forehead did not go underwater, so on the second time I made sure that he was a few inches deeper in the water. Then all came to shake hands with him. Everyone was so happy, especially Laci, his family, and church members. They've been waiting for this moment for a long time! Now the Lakos family is the first family in Békéscsaba where all members have records in the church! :) The next day he was confirmed as a member of the church by László, received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and also a beautiful blessing.
Laci's story is actually wonderful. A couple of years ago his wife was baptized and began to attend church with their little children, but Laci did not like the church and was not open to accept the gospel when I came to Békéscsaba. But around New Year's Eve, something changed in him. He started coming to church and we met with him and his wife, Böbi, to talk about strengthening family relationships. Those talks became gospel conversations as we began teaching him the missionary lessons. He started to pray and to read with his wife, went to church each week, and accepted a baptismal date. And finally, on April 21 and 22, he was baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost becoming a member of the Church. We all saw a change in Laci: He was happier, improved his relationship with his wife, became more open, and also a better man. This is the power of the gospel!
I know that God's hands were in Laci's entire spiritual journey, and I hope that he will be a priesthood holder enduring to the end, and that he will be able to go to the Holy Temple with his wife and two children in a year, so they can become an eternal family. I know that if we trust in God and believe in his timing, then everything will be fine. And I also know that God's wonders and miracles happen today. And this miracle happened in the last part of my mission. That is why the saying that miracles always happened at the end is so true! :)
Apart from that, there were not many programs this week. We went with Kati, the Relief Society president, to visit a less active member, and that went well. On Sunday, we learned about the story of Joseph of Egypt at Sunday school. I really like it because it is a good example for us as Joseph made good out of a bad situation by loving kindness and obedience to God. On Monday it was our p-day and in downtown there was a little dance / acting / singing show in front of the theatre. I like how strong the arts are in Europe.
In conclusion, here is a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley that I like very much: "Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out. "(Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley, Chapter 3). :)
Have a wonderful week,
Elder Gonzalez
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| At Laci's baptism |
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| Theatre in Békéscsaba |
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