Tatay Rufo Baptism

TATAY RUFO GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!! And miracle because even though we got a positive dengue test we still were able to go to his baptim!!! This whole email goes out to sweet Tatay who is just a huge testament to me that God truly has people He is preparing for us to find. We were walking past his little cement house when we felt prompted to stop and he accepted a Book of Mormon right off the bat and in our first meeting he asked what he needed to do next and accepted the invitation to be baptized ahh his baptism was so spiritual he just had wet eyes the whole time and bore the most simple but powerful testimony that he was grateful he found the truth and that God sent angels to show him the way. I am going to write some of my favorite Tatay Rufo memories because this 71 year olf ah changed my life and these things are a lot better in bisaya but heres this for ya:

-his Book of Mormon the letters are all worn out on the front from him kissing the cover every time we read it

-"i was watching the boxing match on sunday so i didnt go to church and i know i need to repent"

-"ive never given back to God before but He gave me everything so thank you for teaching me that i get to pay tithing

-*when sister bañares told him she was 21*"oh youre only a year older than me actually" 

-his prayers being sooo sincere and often involving things such as: "thank you for strengthening the workers who built the church so we have a place to worship each sunday" or "thank you for giving me a second chance by sending these angels to show me the true church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints"

-"do we even have to forgive the people that stole my chicken?... of course ill do it"

-"fasting? Sometimes i go a week without eating thats easy"

-"i look like our living prophet Russell M Nelson"

-*when we invited him to pray and ask if our message was true "of course its true, whats do we do next?"

He loves our Savior Jesus Christ and i do too. I testify that no matter what our situation is, dengue, broken heart, sore throat, feeling alone or anxious about the future, feeling the unfairities of life, He already has experienced it AND MORE and is waiting to strengthen and lift us to overcome all things!!! I am so grateful for Him and modern medicine and the best missionaries and companions that wash my hair and feed me and take us to get tests and water and the power of prayers and we are excited that hopefully next week we are all healthy and back doing this incredible work again love you all!!!!