THE BAPTISM

We  had  a lovely evening Wednesday with the Silkers and Fradys.  We were invited to dinner at the Frady home.  It is always so good.  I think we could just have peanut butter sandwiches and we would enjoy it.  They are just great people.  The Silkers were there for Elder Silker to interview Jeff for baptism.   After dinner while they were interviewing, we made the dessert.  Jeff told us how and we tried to remember.  It was apple dumplins.  They were so yummy I hope we remember how.  It took forever.  I started getting worried.  I was wondering if they were interviewing or talking fishing.  When they finally came out Brother Frady just hugged Elder Bayles and sobbed.  Again, the Spirit was so strong.  We so love these people.  Brother Frady went around the room and hugged everyone.

The rain was so treacherous that it was very slow driving so the Silkers left right after dinner.  We stayed long enough for Elder Bayles to give Bro. Frady another lesson on the priesthood.  I love how Elder Bayles explains the principles and doings of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We had a zone meeting in Waynesville this week and on the way home I decided to take some movies of the gorge so when I got lonely for NC I could watch them.

Our replacement missionaries called and wanted a taste of what they were in for.  They will be just great and not miss a beat.  Elder and Sister Ogden from Provo, Slate Canyon area.

The baptism could not have been one ounce better.  The meeting was so filled with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.  It was tangible.  There were 35 people who came to support Jeff; even his family was there.  He also had his very best friend.  He has a lot of missionary work to do.  His family is very close and such good people.  Elder and Sister Silker were also there.  They were so drawn to Jeff at the interview.

I gave a talk on baptism  (She gave a wonderful lesson on baptism and the  Doctrine of Christ) and then we went to the font.  Elder Bayles started to give the prayer but was so teary he had to pause and gather his emotions.  It was powerful.  We really love this man and his wife. 

After coming up from the water the two men just held each other in an embrace for a long time.  Again, it was filled with the Spirit.

We showed the DVD “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” while the men were getting dressed and a few women prepared the refreshments.  We had a cinnamon cake, two fruit plates, a veggie plate, peanut butter, chocolate bars and nuts.  Water and soda for drinks.

People stayed for a long time after just visiting and enjoying the Spirit.  It was a wonderful evening.

When we were ready to leave I noticed that Elder Bayles had forgotten to unplug the font, turn off the light in the font area, lock the door or to get Pres. Caron’s signature, and I had to remind him to get the baptismal book from the table.  Do you think he was just a bit nervous and completely taken by the Spirit?

Sunday was another wonderful day.  The Branch Pres. mentioned the baptism and how great it was before having Jeff go up front.  Elder Bayles gave him a beautiful blessing and confirmation.  Again, the Spirit was very strong.  Brother Boyd filled in for the stake speaker who wasn’t there and did such a great job of talking about personal revelation, mentioning Jeff throughout his entire talk.  What a meeting.  He is now staying to all 3 meetings and loving it.

The restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is so true and changes all of our lives in such a powerful way.  It is so exciting to watch this happen.  As we follow the commandments of our Father, grow in our faith and continually repent and do better, we can feel the gift of the Holy Ghost that has been given us and endure to the end.  What a beautiful plan of happiness our Father has given us.  We testify that this is true and love that we can be together as a family throughout all eternity.  We love each other and ya’all so very much.

Tues. July 31st  We left French's in good time and went to Mrs. Orr's & after talking with her until 10 A.M. we then left Charlotte & started for Cabarrus Co.  After we had walked about 4 miles we got to ride 7 miles with a negro.  After walking about a mile farther we stoped with a friend by the name of John M. Wilson & spent the night with him.  We also had some grapes & pears.