Several weeks ago, Susie and I had the opportunity to teach with a couple of our sister missionaries in western Nebraska. On one of our visits, we taught Steve, a gentleman with his 60's, that suffers from celebral palsy and Ruth, his 91 year old mother who carries much of the load of his daily care. I was impressed with Steve's faith and his determination to be baptized. Ruth, was much more reluctant to make any change at her age but graciously listened and participated in the lesson.
Following our visit with Steve and Ruth, I had the impression that this family would benefit from priesthood service before baptism. I contacted the Stake President and asked if he would be willing to reach out to the two Bishops and see if the priesthood quorums would be wiling to participate in helping Ruth lift Steve into bed each night and to read a few verses of the Book of Mormon with them.
The Stake President immediately sent a request to the Bishops asking them to fulfill a priesthood assignment. These magnificent priesthood brethren responded with an agreement to sign up two men each night to help Steve into bed and to read to him.
The Stake President immediately sent a request to the Bishops asking them to fulfill a priesthood assignment. These magnificent priesthood brethren responded with an agreement to sign up two men each night to help Steve into bed and to read to him.
Just two short weeks after the wards started this service, Steve was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The effect of the service however, is showing to be more of a impart on those providing the service. One good brother, who is currently inactive in the ward, was invited to participate in helping Steve. After lifting Steve into bed and getting him settled, they read Steve a chapter from the Book of Mormon, the process taking about 30 minutes. Upon leaving, he asked the Bishop with whom he was serving with that night. "Would be be possible to sign up to help Steve every night?" He was blessed by the powerful spirit that Steve and Ruth carry.
Last weekend, because of the outpouring of love from thee wards, Ruth also entered the waters of baptism. They cannot wait to go to the temple where Steve will perform the baptism of his deceased father.
What an incredible blessing to see the hand of the Lord in this great work. I am grateful for faithful priesthood servants who have answered the call and have blessed the lives of these two great people.
Last weekend, because of the outpouring of love from thee wards, Ruth also entered the waters of baptism. They cannot wait to go to the temple where Steve will perform the baptism of his deceased father.
What an incredible blessing to see the hand of the Lord in this great work. I am grateful for faithful priesthood servants who have answered the call and have blessed the lives of these two great people.
Pres. Gardner
---don't know why we have a different look with the paragraps - I typed it all -- just have to deal with it. so sorry
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