Baptism

On Sunday, I drove back to Downtown for "Samantha's" Baptism. I could write a book about the miracle of her baptism. Remember Samantha? She said she didn't even believe in God, but she wasn't afraid to try to find Him, and little by little, one sweet, honest prayer at a time, she found God where He had been waiting in every part of her life.

As missionaries, we fear to teach the Big Commandments, it's what separates the wheat from the tares, but so many "good" investigators suddenly become very busy when you ask them to give up smoking, give up parties, break up with whomever, and then pay the Church your money. But Samantha didn't hesitate, "Keep the Word of Wisdom? Of course. I deleted from my phone all my 'friends' that would try to get me to drink and smoke." "Keep the Law of Chastity? Yes, I will." "Tithing? Well, I didn't like giving to the collection basket, but of course I'll pay my tithing to our Church."

She told us last week that she had been explaining to all her friends how she was going to be baptized and be a Mormon. She has never missed a Sunday at church since we taught her the first lesson, and when I spoke for a few minutes at her baptism, I began to cry as I related her growth in her knowledge of God and his Son Jesus Christ.

This is why I serve a mission: Because Samantha loves God, and as much has she has changed her life to follow Him, He has already promised to change her for all Eternity.

P.S. Happy Birthday Sammy!! Thanks for the letter!