Brayden's Nicaraguan Adventure: OCOTAL ON THE RISE March 20, 2017

The end to an EXCEPTIONAL week and the beginning of yet another here under the hot, tropical sun! What a time it is to be alive.. We had District Conference in Estelí this Sunday with over 500 Nicas (Not Too Shabby!). It was quite an experience seeing all of these people gathered into the Stakes of Zion to listen to the various leaders, including President Poncio! Before we begin, I would like to tell those Hone twins FELIZ CUMPLEAÑO(S)! I remember when you little guys weighed a staggering 4 pounds.. I loved your day of birth because you got me out of going to WWII class to take a test hahaha. I can't wait to see where the future takes you two dudes, you have brought so much joy to the Campbell/Hone/Withers Clan.

During the week, we had a zone duel. Ocotal v. Matagalpa! The goal was to see which zone could commit the most people to baptism in one day.. It was amazing to see how hard the missionaries worked haha! We found some of the Lord´s elect this day and were able to commit 47 people. Tuanis!

On Saturday, one of the most humbling and testimony building moments happened. The Sisters in our zone had a mom and her two kids set for their baptisms for the afternoon and when they passed for the morning, she was beyond depressed. They called us over and we entered the room and in all honestly, it felt dark. We tried comforting her, but she said she felt completely empty and unworthy of God´s love. The enemy was in full force.. She told us to leave and that she was not going to be baptized. We sadly followed her command. We waited outside, and my companion had an impression to sing a few hymns. As we sang, she called the Sisters into her house.. She told them that the hymn we sang was one she heard in her dream and that it brought a light into her heart and soul. She knew in that moment she needed to follow Jesus Christ´s example and be baptized. The Spirit filled my heart when I heard this.. A few hours later, she chose me to baptize her and her children. Three more souls for the Lord. What a Saturday it was for us in Ocotal.

As we were heading down to Esteli for the conference, our investigator puked her guts out on the bus and got it all over the people behind her. I felt terrible, but it was honestly awesome hahaha!

The Lord will work always work miracles in our lives, even in the darkest hour. We are never alone! (D&C 84:88). I know he lives ladies and gentlemen. You can know too. Prepare those Qs for General Conference in the coming weeks. He'll be ready to give you answers if you come prepared! (Tip of the week from Elder Campbell)

The mission is quite a thing. It is unexplainable! Only those who have served will fully understand. Shout out to all of you have received your calls.. This was the best decision I've ever made. I can't wait for 16 short months being a servant of the Lord. Hasta lunes amigos, les quiero muchismia!

Élder Campbell

Scrip!

2 Nephi 9:34 The best scripture for Sundays when nobody goes to church!