So run, that ye may obtain

How are you all, my wonderful family and friends? Brother Pipkin was BAPTIZED AND CONFIRMED this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can I even express what a miracle this is? Moroni 7:35-37, 41 I bear my solemn witness that the Lord, Jesus Christ is at the head of this work. There is no other force or power great enough to transform individuals, to take them from the dregs of society, to heal them physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, and then to redeem them from their sins and purify their hearts and grant them the hope to live a joyful life. If any of you need proof that God is real, that Jesus Christ is His only begotten son, or that they are personally and intimately aware of you individually, consider the story of this man. Kenneth Pipkin grew up in a segregated community on the other side of the river where blacks were not expected to go anywhere or become anything other than manual laborers. He experienced substance and physical abuse, and ultimately lost everything about three years ago, when his work position was eliminated from the health care system. Brother Pipkin wandered homeless for 3 years searching for a job. He traveled from state to state, and never wanted to come back to North Carolina, where he would be judged and categorized by the mistakes of his youth. He was led back to North Carolina to live with his sister in May of this year. Late this May, he met the Sister missionaries coming out of the Library. He had hit rock bottom, and was smoking his last cigarette. A week later, he had read through 2nd Nephi in the Book of Mormon, and called us for a ride to church. His transformation has been total and complete. He has fought an uphill battle that has tried all of our faith, but through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, He has come through VICTORIOUS. I know that our Redeemer lives. We sang "Our Savior's Love" at Brother Pipkin's baptism, and my heart was so full, I can't explain it. The gospel truly can help and heal us. It is the key to living a happy and whole life. At Zone Conference this week, I cried to see some of my long-time brothers and sisters bear their final testimonies to the missionaries. They are going home already! President Bernhisel calls it an Alma 26 experience when we come together at conferences, and are so happy to see each other and know that we do remain faithful to the truth. I am especially going to miss Hermana Richardson. If any of you out in Provo this fall get a chance to see her, give her a big hug for me. President Bernhisel is so inspired. He taught us at Zone Conference about raising our vision and of having the faith to accomplish miracles for the Lord. I felt impressed by the thought that I NEED to Baptize my brothers and Sisters. Just like I need to eat, or sleep, or make music, pray, or be connected to my immediate family, I NEED to baptize my brothers and sisters. A quote from Elder Oaks came to my mind: "We do not preach and teach in order to bring people into the church or to increase the membership of the church. We do not preach and teach just to persuade people to live better lives... We invite all to come unto Christ by repentance and baptism and confirmation in order to open the doors of the Celestial kingdom to the sons and daughters of God. No one else can do this." Brother Lykins counseled us last week to focus our efforts on serving the ward members. We have had so many miracles doing this this week, plus it makes missionary work more fun (: I have baked more in the last week than I have on my entire mission! Thank you for all those delicious recipes (: I love you all. I know we are chosen to represent the Lord because of the covenants we made with Him when we were baptized by His authority. It is an immense privilege. In every little way possible, we need to discipline our lives to become more consecrated followers of Christ. This morning in study, I had an epiphany about Charity and Virtue. Possessing the pure love of Christ gives us the capacity to discipline our lives. When we know how much we and those around us are worth to the Lord, our desires change. I guess I already knew this, but I didn't know it. Charity gives us perspective. So, in the words of Paul, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth air" When we remember the purpose; when we have a vision of what we are working towards, our every day actions become more meaningful, and we run and fight with certainty and intention. I love you all. Sister B