Today

Hello!

I have loved my time in Springdale. I have cherished every second and have no regrets. There is something you should all know. I will be staying a little longer, and my return date has changed to August 24th. I have loved my mission and will love the last little bit just as much.

We had a baptism for the most incredible family. They live in a big complex, and we had knocked on their door 10+ times. Each time, they had been uninterested. The most recent time, they were prepared and ready. Lucia is the mom, and she has three kids. Her husband was in jail for a little bit, and they were going through a hard time. We were able to help them prepare, and they were all baptized as a family on Sunday.

One of our new converts moved to Connecticut shortly after being baptized. She then passed away unexpectedly two weeks later. Elder Johnson and I were driving home and decided we needed to get gas. He decided to wash our windshield and take an extra five minutes. At the next stoplight, the man next to us in his car waved us into the parking lot. It was this woman’s son. He was at the baptism, and he had been looking for us. He broke down sobbing and expressed that his mom was so grateful for her baptism and that she was able to pass away in peace.

Our friend Lewis will be baptized tomorrow. He can’t wait. "It’s time."

"Jesus, our Lord and God,
Bore sin’s tremendous load.
Praise ye his name.
Tell what his arm has done,
What spoils from death he won.
Sing his great name alone:
Worthy the Lamb!"

We can always give a little more. Decide today.
Love you all,
Elder Smythe









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