Special Baptism

The Friday after Thanksgiving we had a double baptism in our ward. This was a special day, not just because of the events that brought us to this point but also for the miracles that manifested themselves that day. One of my friends in my ward had his wife and daughter baptized this day. I learned of him and his family through a PEC meeting as I was informed he had a non-member wife and daughter that were learning English but spoke Mandarin as their native language. The Elders and High Councilor over mission work found some amazing people to translate and help teach the discussions and soon this mother and daughter were ready to be baptized. They selected the Holiday weekend because the wife's sister would be in town from Washington State. Her sister was not a member though she married a member (she has another sister that is a member). The missionaries were able to order a lot of literature in Mandarin. As plans were set and we were in the week of the planned baptism my friend decided his life was dull and wrecked . . . a moped (ha ha). He injured his right shoulder so bad that he could not raise it to the square. Since ordinances need to be performed with exactness we were all concerned. He asked for a blessing in which the voice said "you will be able to perform the baptisms and lift your arm to a square". For this reason we had no "Plan B". The day of the baptism arrived and in he came still cradling his arm. Our preferred speaker for the baptismal talk was unable to arrive in time and so another stepped in - it wasn't in Mandarin as planned but it was simple. Off we went to the font to see a miracle take place. My friend raised his hand without a grimace and baptized his daughter. The ordinance is so simple and pure. Daughter traded places with mother and my friend baptized his wife. It actually required a 2nd attempt since the first wasn't done with exactness. Still his right hand was in a square and the ordinance was performed.

He did mention later that while he was promised that he'd be able to perform the ordinance that he wasn't told he'd be free of pain. His expression indicated that he felt the pain.

His wife's sister was touched by the experience and the spirit. The talk on the Holy Ghost was given in Mandarin and while I couldn't understand the words, I too felt the spirit and watched as the sister listened intently. We got word back that the sister wants to meet with the missionaries when she gets back to Washington.

The Young Women’s organization sang "Steadfast in You". A very beautiful performance. The RS and YW sisters both gave amazing welcomes - very moving.

The RS had some sisters volunteer to host the refreshments and did a stellar job where people mingled until nearly 9pm. It was a great environment where many people were able to express their happiness in their new covenant and be part of this wonderful memory and ordinance. I was happy for my friend and his beautiful family - this is how baptisms should be.

Andrew "I wish I could speak Mandarin" Brown