In the Micronesia Guam mission alone, over 800 people were baptized in 2014 and several hundred became active in coming to church again. To be considered active again in our mission, they need to attend church three consecutive Sundays in a row.
This baptism service was also amazing. We arrived late but it must have been early, since several people, including the man that was to be baptized, came later. I sat down on one of the baptismal service chairs provided, but then decided to walk around with the children.
I got a glimpse of a rainbow after a light sprinkle.
Sister Martin took my picture out on the beach. Some enjoyed skipping rocks and others sifted through the rocky sand. I found some fun shells and even some teeth. We gave the teeth to one of the boys, who thought it was neat.
The boys chased and played with the crabs. I watched one crab dig a hole and disappear into the sand.
Then it was time to start. After a prayer and song, a talk was given on baptism by Brother Albert.
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| Elder Kata, the new member, Elder Afualo, and Elder Holmes |
Elder Afualo performed the baptism. Here's a link to info on baptism...Baptism-beliefs
After the baptism, Elder Kata played the guitar and Elder Afualo and Elder Holmes sang "How Great Thou Art". It sounded like Elder Holmes was just getting over a cold so we were thankful he was able to sing.
We also enjoyed a talk on the Holy Ghost, given by Brother Ongesel.
Sister Martin and I felt the calm peaceful feeling of the Holy Ghost testify to us that what we witnessed was of God, performed by those holding the proper authority from God. Authority-to-baptize
The service began with a rainbow and ended with a beautiful setting of the sunlight pouring down through the awesome clouds onto the vast calm ocean.
Baptism is the first step of many steps required to gain eternal life. Click this link to the song...Families-can-be-together-forever. We couldn't accomplish this without the help of our Savior. Death is the final step in this life.
On January 18th, Antone Clark, a dear friend and work colleague, passed away at the age of 60. I was following his blog of his battle with Amyloidosis cancer. -Obituary I will miss him as he left this life earlier than I expected. I credit his example as a writer as one reason I am writing this blog. We worked closely together for a decade, creating informative newsletters for Martin Doors. He was a great member of our team. May his family be comforted as I was when my late wife Laura passed away suddenly at age 40. Likewise, my wife, Sister Martin, lost her late husband at age 48. I know that as we have faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, we can be strong during times of heartache as well as in the happy times of life. He is the "way the truth and the life" (John 14:16) John Chapter 14. This is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Here's a clip of the September 2002 newsletter...
Elder Afualo sent us these pictures of two other individuals who were baptized last week at the same place.
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| Elder Afualo |
Elder Kata(left), Elder Afualo and Elder Holmes(far right) just before the baptism.
