An Eternal Family

Fernando Roldan, Darlis Silva, Gerardo Romero, and Daniela Roldan baptized May 18, 2013. Already Baptized not in white, Sarahy Roldan and too young to be baptized is Fabinna.

 This is the Roldan's with Elder Romero and Elder Barraclough. Showing that the family plans to go to the temple in one year.

Future missionary Gerardo Romero

Fernando Roldan, Darlis Silva, Gerardo Romero, and Daniela Roldan are now members of Jesus Christ's Church. This past week has been one of the most amazing weeks that I have had on my mission. The spirit I have felt has been so strong I can't begin to describe it in words. I am so happy for this family. I am so thankful to have been part of their conversion and to be here for their baptism. I am so thankful to God for keeping me here in Dunwoody long enough to witness it. 
     Saturday was the day. We had to have the baptismal service is the Chapel because there were too many people there to hold it in any other room. The Roldan Family has been the most active non-members in the Church for two years, so they had quite a few people that wanted to come to their baptism. The front pew was full of white clothing. Each member of the family had a different individual baptize them. I had the honor of baptizing Gerardo. Brother Bahr baptized Fernando, Brother Stoddard baptized Darlis, and Brother Asper baptized Daniela. The spirit was so strong throughout the whole meeting. 
     When it came time to go to the baptismal font from the chapel Gerardo and I walked over together. Gerardo was going to be baptized last so I asked him if he'd like to watch his family be baptized rather than waiting in the bathroom for his turn. He said that he'd like to watch his family be baptized. Fernando was the first to be baptized. Watching his baptism was almost surreal for me. When he went under and came up it seemed as if time just stood still. Fernando just stood there for awhile and didn't move when he came up. He then turned to Brother Bahr who baptized him and gave him a hug. Immediately after Darlis was next. Brother Stoddard led her into the font baptized her. Fernando was waiting on the steps of the baptismal font to wait for his wife to return. When she came up the steps they embraced and kissed each other. Next was Daniela. Her and Brother Asper walked down the steps together and Daniela looks up to Brother Asper and says in a very audible voice, "Brother Asper, have you done this before?" Many people laughed. And Brother Asper replied with a smile, "Yes Daniela, you're in safe hands." While I witnessed baptisms these the spirit was so strong it was palpable.  It brought tears to my eyes. I was scared that Gerardo was next because I didn't think that I would be able to utter the baptismal prayer. This is what I have been waiting for. This is what I came here to do. Change people's lives, and it was happening before my eyes. After Daniela was baptized Gerardo and headed straight for the font. I led him down in the baptism font and baptized him. I will never forget being in the font with Gerardo and seeing all the people that loved and cared for him around that font waiting for him enter into God's fold. I have only waited six months for this day, they have waited two years. When we returned from the font into the bathroom it was a joyous moment. His father came up to him and gave him a big hug with tears in his eyes. 
      After the baptism Sarahy, their daughter who's been a member for three years, spoke about the Holy Ghost. It was so nice hearing her feelings. She said with tears in her eyes, "This is the best day of my life." and she shared an experience that she had while she was in Romania. While her parents were busy doing taxes, she was on a study abroad in Romania. When it was the end of the tax season, and it was time her to return home from her study abroad she opportunity to stay in Romania a couple more months. She prayed and asked God what she would do. She said that she got a clear prompting that told her that she needed to go home because her family is ready to be baptized, and when she got home there were ready. She talked about how God has his own time table, and it isn't always what we want, but it is always perfect. When she was speaking I realized how true that is. I wanted the Roldans baptized in December when I was with Elder Armenta, but God wanted them baptized in May. Now that I looked back on my time in Dunwoody I realize that God's hand has been molding me into a better person. The period time when we weren't able to meet with the Roldans due to taxes must have been some of the most trying times of my life, but because of the trials I faced, I am a better person and a better missionary. The Baptism of the Roldan family seems so much sweeter due to the difficulties I've faced. I truly feel that Ether 12: 6 is so true. Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. My faith is so much stronger because they were baptized when God wanted them to be baptized rather than when I wanted them to be. I had my trial, and I received my witness. 
      This is going to be a long email, because the story just keeps getting better. The following day the Roldans were confirmed. I confirmed Daniela, Brother Stoddard confirmed Fernando, Brother Davidson confirmed Gerardo, and Bishop Abamonte confirmed Darlis. The best part of the day was when Fernando and Gerardo received the Priesthood. Originally Gerardo asked me if I would give him the Priesthood, he didn't know who actually gave him the Priesthood could give him the Priesthood. We realized that if Fernando, his father, could be given the Priesthood first, he could then ordain Gerardo to the Priesthood. And that is exactly what happened. We were a bit nervous at first because we didn't know if Fernando would be comfortable doing that in front of all the Priesthood of our ward. Fernando is a pretty reserved guy. To our surprise her agreed to do it, and did an amazing job. The blessing he gave was so inspired and guided by the spirit. Fernando was getting very emotional during the ordination and in turn made everyone else get emotional. It was definitely the cherry on top of my experience with the Roldan family. The true "cherry on top" will be in one year when they are sealed in the temple, which they do plan to do in exactly one year. 
     After Church I was walking down the hall and Brother Stoddard stopped me and asked me if he could talk to me for a minute in the clerk's office. Brother Stoddard and the Stoddard family have been the main reason this amazing miracle happened. Brother Stoddard's daughter was the one who asked Sarahy to play church ball and that is what got this whole thing started. When he pulled me into the clerks office he handed me a stack of papers with my name on the top. He told me that he was so grateful for me and my patience with the Roldan family. He handed me the papers and said that it was the story about the Roldan family's baptism and told me to put it in my journal. He continued to tell me about a conversation that he had with our  old Ward Mission Leader named Brother Maycock. Brother Maycock knew a lot about the Roldan family because he was over the past missionaries that taught them. Brother Maycock was actually my first WML in this area. Before my first lesson with the Roldan's Brother Maycock and I had a discussion, and he told me, "Just go in there and find out what they want, be patient with them." That is exactly what I did in the first lesson with the Roldans and they told me that they wanted to start from ground one, Joseph Smith and the Restoration. After the lesson I talked with Brother Maycock and told him what happened. I told him, "They want me to start from the beginning. I don't understand why. They could probably know The Restoration better than I do because they've heard it so many times." Brother Maycock is very wise and said, "Elder Romero, be patient. They may have heard the discussions before, but they need to hear them from YOU." I completely forgot about this conversation I had with Brother Maycock six months ago until Brother Stoddard brought it up again. Brother Stoddard asked Brother Maycock, "What do you feel like happened differently this time with the Roldans?" and Brother Maycock said, "Because Elder Romero was patient with them, and did exactly what they wanted. Start from ground one, and help them along the path no matter how long it took. Like I told him, they needed to hear the discussions from him." 
     I was really touched by this conversation, and I don't tell this story to toot my own horn. I know that I am not the only missionary that played a role in the baptism of this family, and I am not the only missionary that was patient with them. I know that every missionary that has ever taught them has played a role in their conversion. I tell this story because I know that it was no coincidence that I am in Georgia. I tell it because I know it is no coincidence that I was placed in the Dunwoody area. And I tell it because I know I was supposed to stay in this area for 6 months. I know that God is in control of this work, and he puts people where they need to be. 

    I have got to end this email. I love my mission and I am so grateful for every second of it. Even the hard times, because they make days like these seem so much better. I love you all and miss you all so much. 

-Elder Ryan Romero 

This picture is brother Beaver, a member of the Dunwoody Ward. Ryan thinks he is terrific and very funny!

Things are looking UP!

The Roldan family had their baptismal interviews last night. They all passed with flying colors and are so excited for this Saturday. I can't tell you how lucky I feel. I feel like the luckiest missionary in the world. God has blessed me with the chance to teach this amazing family and allowed me to stay here in Dunwoody long enough to be here for their baptism. I know that the Roldan's baptism is going to be a baptism that is going to affect future generations. They are all so converted. Gerardo promised me, pinky promised me, that he would serve a mission. I almost have no doubts that Daniella will also do the same. Even Brother and Sister Roldan want to serve missions once all their children move out of the house. Little Fabiana (their youngest one) is going to grow up in a home where the gospel is so strong and she will be baptized when she turns eight. I may even be lucky enough to be there for when they get sealed in the temple in one year. I will never forget Brother Roldan's excitement when he finished his interview. He had the largest smile on his face! I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to be one of the many missionaries that played a role in bringing this family into the Church of Jesus Christ. There are few times in my life where I can recall having as much joy as I had last night after all the family passed their baptismal interviews. I can't wait to bless the sacrament with Gerardo next Sunday, that will be a great moment too. 
       I really don't have much more to say as of right now. Beth didn't get baptized this weekend. She got into some anti-mormon literature and stopped talking to us. We handed her teaching record over to the Sister missionaries because we feel that they may be able to work better with her. 
       Things are going so well right now. I am just so happy, and so content. I know that rough waters are ahead, but I'll tackle those when I get to them. I am so blessed. I love my family. I love my friends. I love God, he is so good. I know that Jesus Christ lives. I know that his Church was restored to the Earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith was an actual prophet. I love this gospel. I was so happy to have talked to my loved ones back home. I truly love you all so much. I miss you. I can't wait to be with you all again. 

     -Elder Ryan Romero 

Big Big Week

Sunday Sept 30,2012
Bishop of Decatur ward, Ryan, Brian, Gaki, Elder Shelley

  Brian and Gaki and now members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were both baptized on Sunday before Church. Yesterday was one of the happiest moments I have had so far on my mission. I had the opportunity of baptizing Gaki, and confirming Brian. Brian was baptized by the Bishop and confirmed by Elder Shelley. It was such an experience that I will never forget. 
     The baptism started at 8:30 AM before church. We could not do it Saturday as we originally planned because Brian had to work. We had to baptize them this week so that they could receive the Holy Ghost this week in sacrament meeting (because next week is conference). Neither Gaki or Brian has source of transportation. Finding them transportation was not extremely difficult. The Bishop was going to pick up Brian and Gaki's daughter was going to bring her. When we got to the church Brian was there but Gaki wasn't. I was very nervous due to the fact that the baptism started in 5 minutes. I called Gaki and asked if she was on her way. She said that her daughter hadn't picked her up yet and my heart immediately sank. She lived 15 minutes away from the Church... I thought the first person that I was going to have to opportunity to baptize was not even going to be there! I said a quick prayer in my heart, and no later than 10 minutes later I see Gaki, her daughter, and grand daughter coming down  the hall. They must have been driving pretty fast. 
      The baptism got started pretty much on time. Gaki can get dressed quick. I sat down in the seats in front of the font with Gaki on my right and Brian on my left. I look over at Brian and he had his head down praying. I look over at Gaki and she turns to me with a big smile and says,  "I am giving my life to God." When Gaki said this it really struck a chord in my heart. Our only worry throughout teaching Gaki was her understanding of what we were teaching her. She is from Africa and her English is pretty broken. So when we'd ask her what she learned from the last lesson, she had a tough time communicating in English what she had learned. When she turned to me and said "I am giving my life to God" I realized that her understanding of what we have been teaching her is better than anyone's. She knew exactly what she was about to do, and she knew exactly why she was doing it. She had felt the spirit during our lessons and that is what confirmed to her that what she was doing was right. Regardless of our teaching skills the spirit is the best teacher, and it testified to Gaki that what she was doing was right. 
      Brian was baptized first. Right when he came up out of the water he said, "Yes!" He was so happy to be baptized. When I opened the door to go into the side of the font to baptize Gaki, Brian was there just weeping. I gave him a big hug and he said, "I love you man, thank you." When I stepped down into the water and showed Gaki where to stand I was very surprised by Gaki's calmness. The last two women her age that I have seen getting baptized were very nervous to go under the water. Gaki was not scared one bit. I turned to her and asked her if she was ready and she said that she was. She went down into the water and came right back up. I asked her how she was and said "great!" with a big smile. We went back and got changed and then came and sat in the seats in front of the font. When I sat down Gaki turned to me and said "I gave my life to God." Later Glovia told me that Gaki was saying to her daughter and grand daughter that she loves it here and she is never leaving. I was so impressed by Gaki and Brian's dedication to following Christ's example. 
      The baptism finished about 20 minutes before sacrament meeting. Before Gaki was going to be confirmed she decided to scare me again by just disappearing. Sacrament meeting started and Gaki and her daughter were no where to be found. I was so stressed I couldn't help but laugh. Five minutes into the meeting I get a call from Gaki and I go out in the foyer and there she is with her daughter. Her hair was put down into braids and I immediately knew why she left. Her hair was pretty wild after the baptism, so they had to go do something about it. Haha. In sacrament we had three confirmations. Gaki, Brian, and HINDILLO! Hindillo was baptized on Friday! Three people that I loved dearly were about to receive the Holy Ghost. Hindillo was confirmed first by the bishop. Then Gaki was confirmed by Elder Shelley. Goodness, I love this lady so much! Right after she was confirmed she gets up and I go in for a handshake and she pushes my hand away and just give me a big hug! I was took me by surprise but it was so touching. It was then Brian's turn to be confirmed by me. It was absolutely an honor to confirm Brian. He has been waiting for this moment most of his life. As I was confirming him you could tell that he was getting very emotional and I just know that it is because he knew his search for the truth was over. After I was done confirming Brian he gets up and give me a big hug too. 
       After their confirmation they stayed up on the stand and were presented to the congregation. You could see the joy and excitement in all of their faces. When the Sacrament Hymn started Elder Shelley and I look at each other and just smiled. During the sacrament I felt so at peace. I knew that I had done a good job and that Heavenly Father was proud of me. Yet I knew that none of this happened because of my own efforts. Gaki and Brian were placed in front of us by God. There is no doubt in my mind about that. They were prepared by the Lord to hear our message and all we had to do was bring in the harvest. I am so thankful that God let me have this experience. 

      When I came out on my mission I was scared that I might not get a baptism, that I would not be a successful missionary, or that I might not affect anyone. I am so thankful for choosing to come out here and serve God. I am so thankful for the experiences that he has given me. I have seriously had the best start to a mission that anyone could ever have. I am so blessed. 

      I hope that y'all enjoyed this letter. I hope to hear from everyone the upcoming week. I am not being transferred so my address is not changing this transfer. So don't be scared to send me TONS of mail. Haha. 

I love you all sooooo much. 

-Elder Ryan Romero 

Second Week in Hotlanta

Hello Everyone, 

     Today has been a busy week. I have done a lot of stuff. So I still don't have a library card so I don't have a lot of time to write emails or read them... So I am going to have to be kind of quick. I'll start out by telling you more about where I am serving, then I will tell you about the people  I am teaching. 

     Like I said in the last email I am serving in a town called Lithonia. It's a little ways from the big city. Atlanta is interesting because you can go down one street that is super ghetto, then you could go down the next and it will be very nice. The apartments that I am staying aren't very nice. They are safe... So don't worry parents. The first day I got there there was this car with HUGE rims on it. The next day the rims were stolen off the car and these piece of crap ones were placed on it. Haha. I have pictures I will attach to the email. There are very interesting people all over the city. Like I said in the last letter, my companions and I are literally the only white people in the city. Some people around here really don't like Mormons. We walked out of a store one day and this guy yelled at us and said, "Hey, you guys Mormons." and we said, "Yeah, you've heard of us?" and he said, "Yeah, you guy's in a cult, Joseph Smith is in hell. You guys in multiple wives and gay marriage. That's all a sin." Then we said, "You obviously know nothing about our religion." and tried to give him a pass along card with our website on it. Haha. It was pretty funny honestly. It is amazing to see how much people do not know about the Mormons. 

Car that rims were switched out on

     There are trees everywhere. I have never been to a place that has as dense forests as there are here. You never know where you are at. You cannot tell which way is North. It is so confusing and often gives me headaches. Coming from Utah where you ALWAYS know where you are at, it really sucks going to somewhere where you never know where you are at. I will get used to it though. I did not think that it was going to be this green. Atlanta is a really cool city, and the towns around it are really cool too. You can't tell that you are in a city or a rural area because you always feel like you are in a forest of green. It reminds me a lot of pictures of the Sacred Grove. 

     So I will start telling you about the people. The first person I want to talk about it Leesa. She is going to be baptized on August 4th. She is so excited. She is scared we are going to drop her and she is going to drown though. Hahaha. She is an amazing lady. She has investigated almost every religion. She called us yesterday on the phone crying saying, "My search is done." She has been through so much, and it is such an amazing experience for me to be able to bring peace to someone that has been searching for it their whole life. 

     The next person I want to talk about is a man named Antonio. He is a buff black man. He works at a car stereo place. He is awesome! He is the kindest man. He has a wife that is a less active member and two children. He is interested in the church and wants to learn more about the Priesthood. Antonio loves meeting with us and loves the spirit that we bring into his home. I get excited every time we meet with Antonio because him and I get along so well. I love people that I can make laugh, and there aren't very many people that I can make laugh. Haha. 

     There are a lot more people that I would like to talk about but I just don't have the time. =(. I am going to get a library card next week so hopefully I will have a little more time.

     I'd like to share my testimony before I go. I know that this Church brings people peace and happiness. I know that because I am seeing the change that it is bringing into people's lives. I know that by living the gospel you can experience peace and happiness in this life more than you can by any other means. I love teaching the people of Atlanta. I love them so much. I know that Jesus Christ is a perfect example for us to follow. By following the doctrine of you can become more like him and have all the attributes that he possesses. You can have faith, hope, and charity. You can have a love for people that you don't even know. You can have your anger towards your worst enemy disappear.  You can be forgiven for any mistakes that you may have made. I know that this Church is true and I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that you can find peace and happiness in its teachings. 

     I can't wait to tell you guys all about next week. I love you all. 
     

Elder Green, Elder Romero, Unknown Elder, Elder Pettit in MTC