Visit to University Park Ward

We attended the University Park Ward today, as we will be doing on the first and third Sundays of each month.  They have a new ward mission leader, Bro. Igarta, who has been a member for about 2 years.  The ward is working on a ward mission plan.  Following the ward council meeting, we gave Bp. Leedom some sample ward mission plans and suggested to Bro. Igarta to work toward definite, measurable goals with deadlines, such as each ward council member providing one name each month to the missionaries.

Following those meetings, we drove to Bradenton for a baptism in the Cortez Branch.  We aren't sure why they scheduled the baptism following their three hour meeting block, but the time probably helped with the attendance.  The sister who was baptized is married to an inactive member.  We were told that she was hoping he would be able to baptize her.  However, he isn't ready for that, so the branch president baptized her.  She was primarily taught by Elders Laguna and Alarcon, and they were excited to have the baptism. 

Elders Alarcon and Laguna and Sisters Phillips, Jahnel, and De Jesus