Elder James Bryner A LDS Missionary In God's Army In Johannesburg, South Africa: First baptism Elder Bryner performed & Zone Conference

Email #32
Area: Cosmo City
Companion: Elder Kwabaisi

Hey Everyone,

Just a great week and so much has happened this past week! Baptisms and service, lots of walking and coldness. Haha wow it really is getting cold now, like it is just as cold as it would be if there was snow on the ground but no snow. But we are managing just fine. We had a great zone conference and learned so much. We spoke about the Book of mormon and how much it is needed in the conversion process and if we do not have it we are nothing and not different than any other church. I completed the BOM on Tuesday and have enjoyed the testimony that I have gained from reading it. I commit all to read the Book of Mormon who reads this! It will change your life and will help you understand about yourself and more about God!!! We are cleaning an Audi this week, so I am excited for that. It is strange, but the cars they have here are so nice and really cheap! I baptized for the first time in my life yesterday! The spirit was so strong and couldn't believe the testimony of the one I baptized. Her name is Dineo and is 23 with a son and married to a recent convert in our branch. He brought her to us and said to us that he wants her baptized and he plans on going to the temple with her next year. It was such a blessing to see her testimony although it wasn't in English and I felt like I understood what she was saying! I could feel the love she has for just knowing the truth now! Words can not be said on how you feel when you baptize someone for the first time and you feel like you have known them your whole life! I have never felt that way before! It was the best feeling ever pulling her out of the water and seeing her. I taught her from the beginning and just seeing her make the promise just made everything worth it. The water was a little cold, but hey it was an experience that will never be forgotten! We were suppose to have 6 baptisms total on both sides, but only had 4. Those 2 that didn't make it, will be making it this month for sure!!! One is the mother of Jessica that was baptized and another was a cousin to Dineo, but the work will never stop!! For those that are thinking about serving a mission do it! It is a huge decision of course, but the experience is all worth the time and the effort that is used. You will experience nothing else like it! You will know what I am talking about when it comes to be your time! God's hand is in everything you do down to the breath that you take and the words that you speak! Remember to never lose the faith and never doubt the faith you have. Love you all and hope for the best for you!

Elder Bryner