Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Naraa's Baptism, our Mission Conference, and Elder Rasband's Visit


Dear Family,

Well I am officially past the 9 month mark. Wow, how fast time flies when you're loving what you are doing.

So I am going to get right to it!  Naraa's Baptism was great!  About 30 people were there to support her. Every sister in the Branch knows her pretty well by now and loves her to pieces so the majority of them were all there to welcome her.  I was asked to give the talk on the Holy Ghost, but before I did that I shared Naraa's conversion story and what a true Miracle she is and how she has come so far.  I look back on it and just remember how incredible happy and not nervous I was while sharing that story with everyone.  #1 -  My language must be getting pretty good because everyone was listening and looking like they understood everything I was speaking and they were even laughing at my jokes!  #2 - It is so incredible what the Gift on Tongues can do.  #3 - I have truly gained a testimony of D&C 50:21-22, "Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth? Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together."  I felt so happy while I was sharing with everyone about the Miracle that Heavenly Father  has performed, and as I looked down across the room, every face had a look of love for Naraa. Then looking at Naraa, I see her taking off her glasses, and wiping away tears.  What a special time is truly was.  The best part was that her son, Ganbayar, baptized her, and it was perfect!  Perfect in word and perfect in that only one dunk was needed!   After Naraa got dressed she came and bore a little, yet sweet, testimony of how she felt about joining the church.  Truly a day I will never forget.  The Lord has been here with us. This is His baptism, and I am just so grateful to have been a tool in His Hands. 

Saturday night, we had a great Fireside via Skype from Ulaanbaatar.  As I have told you, Elder Rasband is here in Mongolia and he spoke, as well as Brother Allen from the Mission Department, and Elder Gong from the Asia Area presidency.  The internet connection was terrible, but luckily during Elder Rasband's talk, everything was great!  They all really stressed the importance of Families and Temple Covenants for the Mongolians who are preparing to go to the temple.  I would like to share with you one thing that Elder Rasband swears by, and that is Family Home Evening.  Family, we all know we can be better at having FHE every week.  I really am coming to learn about the importance of FHE, and what it truly is for.  It is just about having the family together and learning about Christ, TOGETHER!  Elder Rasband said something that really hit me and I really never have thought about before. "We cannot enter the highest level of glory in the Celestial Kingdom ALONE.  You can ONLY enter TOGETHER."  Mom and Dad, I challenge you two, every week, alone, to have FHE.  Elder Rasband said even 15 minutes is enough, as long as we are trying.  The same goes for Matt and Carly, and Ryan and Angela. I know it will bond our families together with the Spirit of Christ entering our homes in a way that we have never known.  Everyone needs an assignment, and through that we truly will be blessed.  Elder Rasband promised that, and I promise that. 

Elder Rasband also said that when he was at the Hong Kong Temple last week, he met the group of Mongolians who were all there for their own Endowments.  He met them all, and shook every single one of their hands in the Temple.  Later he talked with the Temple President and that President told Elder Rasband, "When the Mongolians come to the temple, they always go to EVERY session on EVERY day that is offered while they are in Hong Kong."  Man!  How I love these people! 

Anyways Sunday we had District Conference, again via Skype, and all three of the Seventies and their wives spoke, as well as President Benson.  It was great, and I will share it with you some time, but I have no time to share now.  Sorry :)

Today my companion and I are flying to Ulaanbaatar, leaving at 6:00 p.m. and arriving at 7:30 in UB.  We are so pumped because we are going to be there until this Friday!   Rumor has it that our Mission Conference will last 3 DAYS!!  Also that means, KFC for a WEEK!!!  Yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken!!  We will also hit up the new Pizza Hut in UB too!  I know this is going to be a truly special week.  I have a prayer in my heart going into this Mission Conference, and I have faith that I will receive an answer.  I know that the short time I have left here in this great country that I love will truly be "The Best Two Years" of my life. 

I love you all,
Elder Harris 

Naraa's baptism, by her son, Ganbayar.  So awesome.

 Elder Baldandorj, Naraa, and I!

Shopping at the market.  This is the market we go to every Monday.

Just pictures of everyday things from around Choibalsan, like you asked for.

1 comment:

  1. WOOT! Hopefully Elder Harris and Elder Palmer can share some pepperoni pizza and some chicken together - so glad he is so happy and doing well.

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