Brock's Baptism-- March 28th 2015

Brock was baptized! Saturday, March 28th, 2015. He turned eight on February 14th. Grandma and Grandpa Phillips, Uncle Steve, Aunt Rachelle and Sophie and Shya were coming in March so it worked out well that they could be here for Brock's baptism! He was baptized by Brian and our friend Arpine was also baptized too! 

Grandma and Sis. Christy Moore gave talks on baptism and the Holy Ghost. Cousins Sophie and Shya sang, "Teach Me to Walk in the Light". Busayo and Grandpa gave the invocation and benediction. It was a beautiful, simple meeting which really emphasized to me the most important part of why we were gathered together that day. Baptism is a sacred ordinance. 

When we are baptized, we make a covenant with God to keep His commandments, take Christ's name upon us and always remember Him. A covenant is a two-way promise and God promises us that we will have His spirit to be with us. What a beautiful promise. We are never alone. Christ has given us a beautiful gift, the gift of the Holy Ghost. On Sunday during church, Brock was endowed with that gift through the authority of Christ's Holy Priesthood which Brian holds. Through baptism our sins are washed away. And just as clean as we become when we repent and are baptized, we can be again as we repent and partake of the sacrament every Sunday. We renew our baptismal covenants when we partake of the sacrament. 

When (Christ) was about to be crucified, the Savior described the way He helps lighten loads and gives strength to carry them. He knew that His disciples would grieve. He knew that they would fear

for their future. He knew they would feel uncertain of their capacity to move forward.

So He gave them the promise that He makes to us and to all His true disciples:

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

Then He promised:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”4 Pres. Henry B. Eyring

On Sunday, Brock was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost through the authority of Christ's Holy Priesthood which Brian holds. He placed his hands upon his head and Brock was not only baptized by water but also by "fire". The Holy Spirit sanctifies us. In order to have Him with us we must be made clean-- spiritually.

The Holy Ghost is a comforter, a teacher and a guide. He can be our constant companion! He brings light, peace and joy. We are able to know and understand truth through Him. We can feel more deeply and be prompted to know how best to lighten the burdens of others.

When we become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we also promise 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 (we) may be in, even until death, that (we) may be redeemed of God...and have eternal life." (Mosiah 18:8-9)

Busayo, Arpine, Brock and Brian

Busayo is from Nigeria and has been a member for over a year now. He's a great example to me and has so much faith and a powerful testimony God and God's love for us. He has brought so many friends to church, including Arpine! She was taught the discussions and chose to get baptized. We are so thrilled for her! She was able to get baptized by her good friend and on her 21st birthday. She's just an incredible woman whom I adore. 

Portable baptismal font on the outside deck of our church meeting home.

Rubina and Reyhaan. 

Brock invited friends from school and our community. The Mannings came as well as Rubina with Reyhann and Prisha. Many were out of town due to Spring Break! We love these guys!

Our branch family and family and friends!!!

 Aunt Rachelle, Grandpa Russ, Uncle Steve, Sophie, Shya, Brian, Sarah, Callie, Dash, Grandma Deann, Brock and Chael.

Brock with friends, Max and Jet. And sister and brothers!

They're just super cute kids!

It was a really special day for us. We're so proud of Brock, for his desire to follow Christ's example, be a doer of good and stand for what is right. We're proud of him for preparing to get baptized and making that decision. He's a great example to us and we just love him!