Sister Riana Johnson: Life as a Michiganary: ERIN GOT BAPTIZED

June 15, 2020

wow. this week was so wonderful. and so insane. let me tell you all about it!!!

• so the biggest news, ERIN GOT BAPTIZED! such a beautiful and powerful service. because of limitations with the virus, we could have a maximum of 5 people there. so that was sister nielsen, myself, the elders participating in the baptism and erin! we were able to zoom the meeting to some of the members in the williamston ward and they were so happy and proud of her. she was GLOWING. the confirmation was so powerful and it has been a very long time since i felt the spirit as strong as i did then. there was no denying that the elder was speaking with the voice of the Lord. wow. such a happy, happy day.

the glorious day!!!

• we have had just an insane week that was so packed and busy we did not hardly take a single break and we worked through most of our meals. it was pretty draining but very fulfilling!

• we had mission leadership council this week and it was really powerful and edifying as well! it was a sad reminder that president and sister brennan will be completing their mission in about two and a half weeks. we have been so blessed to be so close to them here in lansing and i wouldn't trade that for anything! being with the restrictions, we can't have in person zone conferences again, but we will be allowed to have interviews with them in person before they leave. i am SO grateful for that.

• we also met with ryan this week and he has taken a few steps forward but also a few steps back (spiritually). he told us that part of him is so excited to get baptized, but the other part is fearful for what that would mean for him. we had a lesson with him, the abels (his constant fellowship), and president gentile (the institute director and member of the mission presidency)! it was a crazy powerful lesson. ryan was PHYSICALLY struggling with the spirit and coming to terms with the feelings he was having. he could definitely use your prayers, so please remember him in your prayers today!

• also transfers have been pushed back a week with the large numbers of missionaries coming in. we did just get a call a few minutes ago that we are staying together and moving to the williamston apartment! this is actually really sad for ryan. i have been so grateful for the time i spent teaching him and it is hard to leave! i never knew it would be so wonderful serving with two units (lansing and williamston), but i am grateful we can continue working with erin in williamston!