We had a baptism this week! WOW! Who woulda thought that that could happen to little ol’ me? Hallie (the mom), and her two boys, Dustin and Brandan, decided to enter the waters of baptism to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! How cool is that?! We’ve been teaching them since Thanksgiving. Once 2012 started, we taught them discussion after discussion, and doctrine after doctrine, and they just accepted it and kept asking for more! They were actually developing testimonies of the things we were teaching! What an elect family!

Their baptism took place on the morning of January 22, 2012. Elder Stone and I showed up at the church building at 7am to start the font and shovel the walkways. We’ve been experiencing quite the blizzard here in Wells! Once the walkways were clear and the font was getting warm, we tidied up the Relief Society room and set up the TV for our video presentation. Hallie and her boys arrived at about 8:30am and got dressed in their stylin’ white jumpsuits. We snapped a couple pictures and took our seats in the chapel (there were too many people in attendance to fit in the Relief Society room). Brother Haskell conducted. Opening prayer by Elder Stone. Talk on baptism by Sister Egbert. Once that was completed, the congregation made their way to the baptismal font which is on the other side of the building. Elder Stone and I served as witnesses as Hallie was baptized by Brother Egbert, Dustin was baptized by the Egbert’s son (a priest), and Brandan was baptized by Bishop Johnson.

While the three newly baptized members changed, we went back to the chapel where we watched a short video about missionary work (“By Small and Simple Things”). Elder Stone had a great idea to pass out paper and pens to everyone and we each wrote our testimonies to give the family when they came back into the chapel. Then, Sister Haskell gave a talk on the Holy Ghost followed by various “Welcome to the ward!” addresses. After the baptism, we parted ways for our church meetings. Elder’s quorum first, followed by Gospel Principles, and then sacrament meeting. In sacrament, Elder Stone and I, Bishop, Brother Haskell, Brother Monroe, and Brother Egbert stood in a circle to confirm each new convert so they could receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!

After sacrament, our ward threw a “Linger Longer” luncheon in honor of the Hallie’s family. It was quite the sight to see the ward rallying around their new members! It may have just been me, but I seemed to see a visible change in our three converts once they were confirmed members of the Church. What a wonderful blessing it was and is to be involved in the conversion of such a fantastic family!

It’s such a wonderful blessing to be able to serve the Lord while staying in contact with my family. I love my mission, both the good and bad, and I’m excited to see what else it has to bring. Please continue to pray for me as I do the same for you all. Remember the Lord in all you do and make sure you read your scriptures and pray every morning while continuing to pray throughout the day. The Gospel is really the key to happiness in this upside-down world of ours. Always remember that. Have open and frequent communication between everyone in the family. Have Family Home Evening. And above all, know that Elder Millar loves you completely and is rooting for you! Have a fantastic week, family. You’re wonderful and I can’t wait ‘til next week when I get to email you again.

Elder Jesse Millar