WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: LOS BAUTISMOS

Sunday, August 16, 2009

LOS BAUTISMOS

This Baptism was held at the Garrison Chapel in Stafford. The Stafford B Spanish Branch of the Fredericksburg Stake. It was for a whole family. A Father, Mother and their 9 year old son: Jose Orlando Saenz Dias, Edith Rivera Saenz, and Jonathan Rivera Galan.

This was an especially touching baptism because it was a whole family and because it changed their lives so completely. Sister Bunker and Sister Reid tracted into the Saenz family. Edith said she was not interested in hearing the Gospel, but would love to learn to speak English and so began the journey. Over time they began to teach the Gospel. Edith who was 8 months pregnant at the time lost the baby and had a still born. She was devastated and very angry with God. She was very hardened , but eventually through the gospel and hearing of the plan of salvation and her ability to have her baby again some day her heart softened and she gained a testimony. Sisters Reid and Johnson are the current missionaries in the ward. They helped the Saenz learn about the requirements for baptism and taught them the commandments and then they helped with arranging for them to be married on Friday evening with the baptism planned for the next day.

When we arrived at the chapel at 5:50 they were not there yet. We called the sisters and were told that the Saenz's were very nervous and scared. That devil works overtime to stop good people from being baptized. They finally came to the church , but were still worried. After the actual baptisms it was amazing to see how their countenances changed and how peaceful and happy they looked. SisterBunker gave a lovely talk on Baptism and Sisters Reid and Johnson bore their testimonies. Elders Smith and Searcy were also there. They are the District Leaders. Elder Searcy played a beautiful piano solo for the musical number. Every day I am more impressed with all the talent in this mission. Both Bro and Sis Saenz bore very sweet emotional testimonies. (Of course I cried) and the amazing thing was I couldn't understand any of it, but the spirit was wonderful and almost tangible. What an amazing day. Three very different, yet all exactly the same baptisms. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to witness each of them.

Sisters Bunker and Downey brought an investigator with them all the way from Annandale; a brother Josh Martin. He is a deaf man. Sister Downey is ASL trained. They asked if I could go with them to take him to the Deaf ward in Maryland tomorrow. Of course I would love to.

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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.