Meet Arthur and Sheree,
the newest members of the Cheboygan Branch of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!
I have been staring at this picture for several minutes and wondering how can I even begin to write what is in our hearts in a way that enables you to share in the experience we had yesterday at the baptism. I don't think I can. That's the thing. We have to experience and know for ourselves. But I can give you a bit of background...
We met Arthur and Sheree the first Saturday of our mission. Arthur, who many of our Branch members knew already, was in the hospital in Petoskey and we went to visit him. Before leaving Sheree walked in and we briefly met her before saying goodbye. They have been on a path of faith and repentance (turning to God) and yesterday were baptized and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Now they are in the process of walking The Covenant Path and "enduring well to the end." On a mission these are the five things we are asked to share with everyone. It is the Doctrine of Christ. And Arthur and Sheree have accepted and desire these things in their lives. Arthur is a man of great depth of understanding and love and Sheree is a woman of great faith and lives in such a way the spirit is ever-present.
"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!
And if it so be that you labor all your days...and bring, save it be one soul unto me,
how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"
Doctrine and Covenants 18:10, 13, and 15
That's what is hard to describe to others the joy!
Elder Rogers escorting Sheree to the dock for baptism.
Sheree is baptized
Arthur had to go under twice. His hand didn't completely immerse. He was sure it was Elder Gibbons' doing.
Back row: Sister Pugh, Tucker (their grandson), Elders Gibbons, Rogers and Sines
Front row: Arthur, Sheree and Sister Gibbons
The baptism took place at the home of our Relief Society President and her husband, Garry. They live on the shores of Lake Mullett. It had rained overnight and was cloudy as we headed out to their place. By the time we got there, there was plenty of sunshine. So grateful. I am not sure it helped warm up the water at all, however. But, no one complained even if it took their breath away when first entering.
Arthur and Sheree both asked Elder Gibbons to perform the baptism and Arthur asked Elder Sines to confirm him a member of the Church and give him the gift of the holy ghost. Sheree asked Elder Rogers to do so. I was asked to give the talk on Baptism and Sister Pugh the talk on the Holy Ghost. These two missionaries have been amazing to watch as they taught them the required missionary lessons. As a matter of fact, a called and set apart missionary brings a light into any lesson and people feel it.
The lessons focus on four key areas:
The Message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation with Jesus Christ central to His plan
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Becoming Lifelong Disciples of Jesus Christ
Arthur and Sheree had invited lots of family and friends and we had a potluck after the services. We have a lot of potluck dinners in this little Branch. They love to gather together, especially over a meal! The Branches are so spread out in northern Michigan that when church leaders come to visit from the District they always have a potluck to feed them before then make the long drive home.
Next stop for Arthur and Sheree, the Detroit Temple, to perform baptisms for the dead! (See the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 15:29) Within two or three weeks, we will be going there with them and the Elders (who are so excited because they don't usually get to travel outside the mission boundaries. There are so many of God's children who live and die before ever knowing about Jesus Christ and His gospel. They are taught in the next life and have the opportunity to accept or reject the work that is performed here for them with us here as "proxy" for them. God's plan is perfect for ALL his children. All glory goes to God and to His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Elders told Elder Gibbons to wear his blue suit for the baptism. They were going to wear theirs too because they wanted to take a picture with them.
More pictures from the baptism...
This week has been one to remember for sure.
We have been serving on Monday and Friday at "The Lord's Kitchen" that the Nazarene Church here hosts. We took the Elders on Friday for the first time and they will take that shift for us. People we have come to know commented on the goodness they felt from these young men. The light does shine through them. But they are still 20 year olds filled with fun and play...with a purpose.
Elder Rogers said, "We look like we are working at Culver's."
Can't waste the pictures we take, so for the record (and for the mission book I will print when I get home, here are some more pictures of Elder Sines and Elder Rogers. We don't know how long they will be here serving with us in Cheboygan. We try not to discuss or think about the time that one or both of them are transferred to a different place.
Sure love these young men!
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