Elder Scott Learning, Living and Sharing the Gospel in Perú: Final week in Palermo

Transfer time has officially come and on Tuesday Elder Scott moved from Palermo to Moche. He's really excited to teach and discover the in's and out's of the new area he's been assigned to, although it is definitely hard to leave behind so many friends who have become like family during the past 18 weeks. With the change he will also be getting a new companion named Elder Moran. I'm sure the two of them will do amazing work together and I can't wait to hear stories about their experiences.

The week proceeding change week was packed with a lot of fun and spiritual events including a zone outing to the Plaza de Armas in Trujillo, a water balloon fight where everyone got drenched and shared lots of laughter, a companion exchange where Elder Scott and Elder Huezo were able to teach together again, comfort food in the form of Mac n' Cheese as well as a special dinner from McDonald's, lots of lessons and teaching the wonderful people of Palermo, and the highlight of the week was witnessing 3 new members entering the waters of baptism. During the baptism Elder Scott envisioned his younger brother Jordan, who was home celebrating his 15th birthday that day, being able to perform this sacred ordinance in one short year. He wrote him and said, "You have been on my mind today, especially during the baptisms of the Hermana's of Trujillo. Today 3 people entered the waters of baptism in the Trujillo barrio. Have you realized that in one incredibly short year from today, you can be the one standing in the font, holding your arm to the square, and performing the baptism? But, only if you're worthy because it is done with the authority of Christ in the name of the Holy Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I challenge you, not in a year, but now, to be a worthy holder of the priesthood so that you too can say, "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ". Be worthy now and forever because you hold that authority of Jesus Christ, and prepare now for the rights and responsibilities of the office of a priest that you'll be receiving in one short year. So yes, during the baptism today I pictured you in the font, dressed in white, holding your arm to the square performing this sacred ordinance."

I loved this message home because it was a reminder that we should all be preparing and striving to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. It begins right where we're at, at this very minute. By definition a disciple is simply one who is a pupil, a learner, a follower of Christ. We don't need a special calling to be a disciple. There's no need to be rich or well educated or be an eloquent speaker. None of those are prerequisites. We simply need to be humble, have faith, serve others, show gratitude, study the gospel teachings and then embrace what we learn about our Savior and share them with others. The more we learn about the Savior, the greater our desire to become like Him will be. Even if we have strayed from the path of discipleship, we can start again, but the time is now. I invite everyone to do something today that would be pleasing to the Savior. Call up a long lost friend and see how they are doing, study a passage of scripture, invite a neighbor to a church activity, teach your child how to pray, make a dinner or a treat and take it to someone you know is having a hard day, post something positive on social media, pray and communicate with your Father in Heaven. There are so many small, yet significant things we can do, and each will bring you closer to your Savior and your Father in Heaven.

Pictures from Elder Scott's last week in Palermo