Un Otro Bautismo

¡Oye todos!

The only thing I really have to report on this week is something awesome! So, as I've previously mentioned, on my mission I've had the incredible privilege of teaching one particular family, who I've profusely mentioned beforehand: being my first lesson and my first baptism on my entire mission! They're wonderful people and I'm so, so happy to see them progressing. One of the family members actually joined my missionary group on a recreational trip to the zoo recently, and apparently the husband is going disc golfing with other missionaries in my district (which is a ways from their home), and that's all been fun and neat.

This weekend, however, I had the opportunity to attend the baptism for the two daughters! If you're connected to me on Facebook you may have seen the mother's post. I was so incredibly happy to see the culmination of these missionary efforts, to see these two wonderful youth enter the waters of baptism, and to see the happiness, peace, and joy which has descended upon this family over the last few months. It was a super spiritual moment and a beautiful service conducted by my last area. I really enjoyed it. I've attached a photo of the two girls and I, with permission from the mother.

Today's scripture about baptism comes from the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (its full name, for that's what it is). As I've continued reading through the Old Testament (I've finished the five books of Moses and am starting Joshua), I've gained a new perspective and stronger appreciation for the simple principles of Christ and the Gospel that are emphasized by the Book of Mormon. Here's Mosiah 18:8-10:

"8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the [waters] and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; "9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— "10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?"

Baptism is a really big deal! It's a commitment, a covenant (promise) we make to God to follow Him and try to become better people. A few reasons we might desire baptism, and some of what we commit to, you might have caught in the above verses. Being willing to be called God's people, bear one another's burdens, and stand as a witness of God are some reasons: and when we are baptized we promise to keep God's commandments. That's the decision I made back six years ago, and that's the decision I continue to make -- to recommit towards -- as I go forward each and every day. It's a very special thing and I'm so blessed to have been able to witness the making of that decision for all four of this family.

Having the largest (practically speaking) biking area in the entire mission is tiring and absorbs a lot of time, but it's also an exercise in physical resilience and I'm glad to have the opportunity to bike around Tucson! It's a very bike-friendly city and I do have fun biking across town.

God bless you all! I look forward to seeing y'all again whenever I can.

Elder Brannon

Arizona Tucson Mission

Spain Barcelona Mission