Tender Mercies and Miracles

 Attended a baptism today for Sylvester. Unorganized and chaotic. It was announced in Sacrament meeting that the baptism would be right after the block meetings. When it was time for the baptism, the bishop was in a meeting. The elder’s didn’t know where any baptismal clothes were. We waited quite awhile. I was trying to talk to Sylvester’s mother and her friend (both are taking the missionary lessons) which was difficult because of the language barrier. 

Then someone decided to call off the baptism until next week!! That did not set well with Elder Phelps!!! 

I remembered seeing a few baptismal suits at the mission office so Hal hurried to get them. Before Hal left to get the clothes he talked to a member of the bishopric and the Elders about fellowshipping and the importance of following through with commitments and how baptism was more important than meetings or anything else they could be doing. 

The bishopric member was really good and started talking to Sylvester’s mom and her friend in their own native language. He took them on a tour of the building, explaining what was done in each room. I could just get the gist of what was being said.

Eventually, Hal returned with only one baptismal suit because everything else was too small. The bishop finally came out of his meeting and said he had his own white clothing. The baptism was back on!

Finally, the baptism started and the bishopric member conducting announced the program. He said, “Sister Phelps will say the opening prayer after she leads us in a hymn.” (news to me!)

Two elders were called on to give talks about baptism and the Holy Ghost. (News to them, but they are used to it I suppose)

I was then instructed to lead more hymns after the baptism while Sylvester and the Bishop changed.

(News to me…oh and there was no piano so I used my phone to accompany us)

Sylvester, who is sixteen, was invited to bear his testimony (news to him but he did a great job) and then his mother was invited to say something (news to her and remember she is not a member). One thing she said was how very happy she was!

All in all it turned out to be a very beautiful service. When in the Lord’s service tender mercies and miracles happen!!