Elder Goddard: Trainer Goddard

Monday, November 11, 2019 3:27 AM MST

This past week I got my first real transfer call, and boy did I. I'm going to stay here in Adidogome, but I'm going to train a new missionary! What?!? I already forgot his name, but I think he Congolese and a native French speaker. I feel like I just got out here in the field, but here I am already a senior companion, and not only that but showing a brand new missionary how the mission works. And doing that all in French! It's a little crazy, but I'm actually really excited for the challenge. If I thought these past 2 transfers in training made me grow, these next 2 as the actual trainer will cause me to grow even more.

Yesterday we had a baptism for Yasmine! We had scheduled to baptize Jonas too, but he couldn't take work off to do an interview this week, so we'll do his soon. But yesterday was Yasmine's day, and it was great! We did the baptism before church in hopes that more people would show up, and it worked! We had a lot of people there watch her be baptized and support her! The Spirit was strong during it, I felt it burning. And then to watch her receive the gift of the Holy Ghost just a few minutes after during church. It was a great day, and we were all happy for her!

Outside of that, just a regular week in terms of work, just teaching all of our amis, some progressing better than others. These next few weeks should be interesting though as I have to fix all these rendezvous myself and get my new companion up to speed on how we can help these people know their Savior.

This week I was reading in 3 Nephi, and chapter 17 stood out to me. I just really felt the love that Christ had for the Nephites in this chapter. And to think that He has this love for every one of us! I felt the Spirit confirm to me this love that he has for all of us when I was reading this chapter. It makes me want to work harder so people here can feel of that love for themselves.

Last thought, with my new calling, I was reminded of a talk that I had read earlier this transfer. It's called lift where you stand by Elder Uchtdorf. It's about how you should not worry about if you are overqualified of under-qualified for a calling, but just know this is the calling God wants for you and you should magnify that calling. While I might be a bit nervous for this, I find strength in knowing that my leaders and my Heavenly Father have confidence in me as a French speaker and as a missionary to be able to do this. With their help, I know that I can do it. Don't worry about your calling, just lift where you stand!

Thanks for your love and emails comme habitude. (as usual) Pics should come later today or in the week. Love you all!

Elder Goddard