WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: Baptism of Melanie Froese from Germany

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Baptism of Melanie Froese from Germany

Elders Stimpson and Strong called and invited Pres and I to a baptism on Saturday evening. There were 5 baptisms scheduled for that evening at the same time and we didn't know which one to attend. We were thrilled when they called and so we headed to Oakton. This sweet Sister, Melanie Froese, is the babysitter (opear?) for the Green's grandchildren who live in Germany. They came home for a 2 month holiday this summer and brought their live-in opare with them. And during her 7 week stay she took the lessons, accepted the Gospel and was baptized. The following day she will be confirmed at church and then on Monday the 10th they return to Germany. She bore a very heartfelt testimony and was so happy about this decision. What a tender mercy for her to hear the gospel on this trip and now she can return to Germany and strengthen the members in that country. Elder Strong performed the baptism and led the singing and Elder Stimpson is going to confirm her on Sunday. The room was filled with ward members showing their support. Sisters Bertucci and Jacobson also attended because they had befriended her in the singles ward where they serve. Every baptism is filled with an out pouring of love and the spirit. Good luck to Sis Froese in Germany.

3 comments:

lizNovember 8, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Thank you for posting these photos. Elder Strong (my amazing son) has written about Melanie often. I see in the photo she is holding the scriptures that Elders Strong and Stimpson bought for her. Thanks again.

Liz Strong
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AnonymousJanuary 3, 2010 at 1:56 PM
hey

I am so grateful that I found these!!! this is a great site.
so I can know what my elders are up to ;))
it was a great time in reston!!!!! and I loved the missionaries. they gave me alot;) I am so grateful that my Father in Heaven gave me the opportunity to found out about the restored gospel, for my baptsim and for my wonderful friends I have found in the elder!!!

I pray for you all.
mels
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melsJanuary 3, 2010 at 2:16 PM
oh and I forgot that I miss the ward I was confirmed in so so much. I miss amerika, the people, the members, my friends there, the culuture and oh everything I experienced there. every day I remeber my time in reston fairfax and everyday I pray for the opportunity to see everybody again. if somebody ever reads this.

I am unhappy in europe and I want to come back soon. I want to build up my life in the u.s and if anybody feels the need to pray for my and my goals I would be very happy and grateful.

the time in reston was the best time in my life and it has change my life, my lifestyle and my opinions and my personality very much.

thanks elder strong and elder stimpson for everything you guys did for me............thank you...i miss you so much.

mels
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Stephanie Smith Fireside

Last Sunday evening we were privileged to attend a fireside in the mission. It was held at a beautiful old chapel in McLean. One of the pictures shows the inside of the chapel and the wood beams on the very steep-pitched ceiling of the room. The gym is under the chapel in the basement. I have never seen a floorplan like this one. Very unique. This fireside hosted Sister Stephanie Smith. Her story was in the Ensign sometime in the last year. She has a remarkable conversion story. She has held very high government positions and at one time was 5th in command at the CIA. She said something at the first of her talk that I wrote down: she said, "I've been on some remarkable adventures. But no adventure in my lifetime has been as extraordinary and life-changing as my path to conversion and baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She then told about her introduction to the church. She was at a time in her life with tremendous worldly success achieved after clawing her way to the top without any regard for others, and she felt her life was shattering into a million pieces. At this time she turned to a colleague she admired who was a member of the church. He told her two things. That her Heavenly Father knew her by name and loved her and that Heavenly Father had a plan for her success. The next day he sent her a map to the temple visitor center. She told how when the missionary sisters came to her door, she didn't think she could relate to these young women. The first thing they did was ask if they could sing to her. They sang,"I am a Child of God." That was the beginning of her conversion, a long a beautiful story. You can read it on the web at Meridian Magazine. Her testimony was a real inspiration to me. There were over 350 people there and she does a great missionary work speaking to investigators. What a blessing to have heard her and felt her spirit.

Chelsea Our recent Convert

We have met the sweetest young sister. Chelsea is amazing. She joined the church during the last year and has an incredible testimony also. She never misses any missionary function and we were able to take her with us to the Stephanie Smith Fireside. She also came to the mission home a few weeks ago and we had family night. She gave the lesson and is was unbelievable. She is hoping to go on a mission next year. What a great young woman. This is a picture of her with Elders Ganaway and Gifford.