Leona Jackson's Baptism!!!

Friends and Family,

It was one crazy week here in Daytona! We were excited to see the work

progress in Daytona Beach and throughout the DeLand Zone! Elder Scott

and I were pumped to see one our all time favorite investigators,

Leona Jackson, enter into the waters of a baptism Sunday the 16th!

So this week was a little bit all over the place with some random

events happening. To start, Monday evening a light came on in our car

and we figured out we were in need of an oil change. We set an

appointment for early Tuesday morning, so we wouldn't have this be too

big of a burden and take some precious time out of this week. Well the

car ended up being at Firestone until late afternoon and they weren't

able to fix the problem. They told us to take the car to the

dealership because Chevy is the only company that has the rights to

fix it. Elder Scott and I were pretty frustrated, and we realized very

quickly that car mechanics aren't our forte. We didn't know what was

even wrong with the car when we arrived to the Chevy Dealership. When

we were asked if we could be helped, Elder Scott replied, "We need our

car fixed." The lady stared at us blankly not knowing what to say.

I then said, "there is a light on, and it's like... Not working. It

runs fine, but Firestone said it needs to be fixed." It ended up

needing to go back Wednesday morning to have further work done.

Everything was finished up late Wednesday afternoon, as we were able

to go out proselyting.

We continually have laughed at this situation throughout the week, and

we hope and pray that we don't run into any more car problems.

The Lawhorn family of 15 is doing great! It's been tough to have a

decent teaching environment with 11 little munchkins running around

the place, but that's what makes it fun. Their kids are a riot. Elder

Scott and I laugh every time we go over there. As we bore testimony

and taught the Plan of Salvation, it was one of the greatest lessons

I've had. The mother, Lorie was feeling the Spirit so much in that

lesson. She said she believes it's true, and knows this will bring her

family closer together. They haven't been able to read to much of the

Book of Mormon, and couldn't come to church, but as we fast and pray

for them this upcoming week, we are hoping to see them recognize even

more blessings Heavenly Father is giving them which should hopefully

motivate them to come out to church.

Serena is doing great! We reviewed the Restoration with her, and she

bore powerful testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. We are hoping to start teaching more of those that live the same home. A

couple of them were able to attend the baptism and we are slowly

trying to get them more involved!

Throughout the transfer, Elder Scott and I have been trying to find

some less-active members in the ward. A few weeks ago, we were able to

give a blessing in the hospital to a man named Billy. One night he had

a heart attack and needed an emergency surgery. Billy hadn't attended

church in over 12 years, and took that as a sign from God to get back

on the same page with him. Billy came to church this week, and has

committed to read the Book of Mormon over again. What a miracle.

Leona Jackson. Where to even begin! There is a picture of Leona at the

bottom of this email so you are able to see who she is. Elder Scott

and I are first amazed at Leona's faith. She has attended her previous

church for 30 years and now, because she knows that God has told her

she needed to change and to get out over her comfort zone. She told us

that our church makes her feel a little uncomfortable because of her

strong roots of a Southern Baptist, and because she is a minority,

but... She knows this is where God wants her, and can't deny it. She

is the perfect example of Fear of God vs. Fear of Man.

Man, I can't even begin to say how much I've learned on my mission. It

seems like once a week there is a moment where I look back and think

about progression. Knowing I still have quite a while on my mission to

continually change is a blessing. It's hard, and definitely

challenging, but I wouldn't change this experience for the world. It's

now week 6 of the transfer and are finishing up the transfer strong.

I'm hoping to stay here in Daytona Beach with Elder Scott, but who

knows what will happen. For now, I'll continue to work hard and have a

good time on my mission. Thanks SO much for all the support and

motivation I'm getting from you all back home. You're the best!

With Love,

-Elder Doman