Every Friday evening here there is a baptism. Tonight we attended baptisms for seven people. There were at least 200 people in attendance. We had a returned missionary sit behind us and interpret for us. Most weeks there are many more but because of various circumstances this was a small number to be baptized.
We sang "Count Your Many Blessings," and "The Spirit of God" with all these wonderful Mongolian brothers and sisters. They can sing!! We sang the hymns in English while they sang in Mongolian.
Exactly like everywhere else in the world, this meeting included a talk on baptism and a talk on the gift of the Holy Ghost. Two sisters gave those talks and they were wonderful!!
Then everyone walked to the baptismal room and squeezed in to watch the ordinances performed. All dressed in white, it was stone still when the baptismal prayer was said. Remarkable - exactly the same as it's done anywhere else in the world with one exception: After the baptisms, we gathered once again in the chapel where we heard each of the people who had just been baptized bear their testimony. Wonderful!! This ought to be the standard everywhere else in the world. They were not at all shy or embarrassed and bore sweet, pure testimonies of what they have come to know is true.
We are just thrilled to be here in Mongolia serving the Lord and some of His children here. These are sweet, dear people who are new and fresh in the gospel it has become the center of their lives.
What a wonderful experience and one that you will get to have many more times to come. I love that they had the new baptized members bear their testimonies. I think nothing is more pure and sweet than a new members testimony. I am so thrilled for you and Don and all the people's lives you will touch. About your previous post-I know what you mean about stairs-we climb 34 everyday to get to our apartment but we too are grateful for a place to live. I guess we will all be healthier people! Also driving here in New York scares me too-the best rule they keep is not running into each other too. Love you both and continue to think of you often. Hugs and Kisses!!!!
ReplyDelete7 baptisms in one week! That's AWESOME! Sounds like Mongolia is on fire! How exciting that you get to be a part of it! And I agree with you and Megs, every new member should bear their testimony after their baptism. Who ever would have thought that us Americans that are seasoned in the gospel could learn something from the Mongolian saints who haven't had the church in their country for very long!
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