Yay! CLEMENTE GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!! His baptism means enough to me that I would no doubt serve a whole year and a half just for him. He is going to love the gospel so much. He already does. We left the house early this morning to pick him up for seminary. His getting permission for his baptism was a huge miracle...
He and his mom sell food at the school by his house. He's a hard worker, but I wish he had the opportunity to study at the school, rather than vend. Too many youth and children here are not able to study. Many adults cannot read and it hinders their gospel progress greatly.
Sometimes we go at the end of the day to help Clemente and his mom bring their things back to their house. We did on Tuesday and were surprised to find his dad there. His dad had never talked to us before. We've tried many time to have him come to the door or to have at him from the door, but he wasn't interested. At first we were nervous to see him, but then the Spirit communicated that this was the opportunity we'd been praying for. We worked hard and fast. His heart was softened a bit to see the two ''gringos'' picking up garbage from the school lot and helping his wife carry things home. (They carry nearly EVERYTHING on their heads here. Clemente carries home the vending table on his head every day. It's about the size of our dining room table)
When we got to his house, we talked to his Dad about the gospel a little bit and about Clemente's desire to be baptized. It went better then anyone could have expected. We left feeling like progress was made. He had some concerns about Joseph Smith. It feels so good to be able to say with all the sincerity and honesty of my heart that we love and worship our Savior Jesus Christ, that He is the head of our Church and the reason for everything we do. We explained that Joseph Smith is just the prophet of the Restoration. We are grateful for his sacrifice and recognize him as a Prophet of God...but nothing more. I bore testimony to him that I never have and never will worship Joseph Smith, always and only God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. This eased his concerns a bit.
The next day we came to check on Clemente. He looked really sad and we were concerned. He told us that a preacher came to talk to him and his father. In the end of that visit from the preacher, Clemente's father said that he could not now or ever be baptized.
We continued to help Clemente and his mom bring things home. When Clemente's father walked by, I looked him in the eye with a great big smile and firm handshake. I told him hello and I hope he has a wonderful day.
I don't know why, but that seemed to give Clemente extra courage. He said with a new life and joy, ''I'll be right back! I'm going to go ask him again!'' He ran after his Dad. My companion was very nervous. I prayed with all the faith I have. I know that God is a God of miracles, and I know that this church is true.
Clemente came running back with the great news! His dad said yes! Clemente's mother has been a huge help through all of this. Clemente told us it was her words that finally tipped the scale. She presented to her husband that all we do is good. All we say is good. She believed the church was good and we would never ask Clemente to do something that wasn't good.
When we were filling out his papers, we found a surprise for everyone. They thought Clemente was thirteen about to turn fourteen. He is actually sixteen!! I'm grateful for birth certificates.
Clemete is now a confirmed member of the church and an ordained Aaronic Priesthood holder in the office of Priest. He is preparing for the Temple and for his Patriarchal Blessing. He attended seminary this morning. In three years, he will be leaving for a mission.
His baptism was a miracle.
I know this church is true. I know that every single aspect of this church is true, and that it changes lives for the better. That is why I am here.
Rebekah Finch: Guatemala Quetzaltenango Mission Daniel Finch: Columbia South Carolina Mission, Spanish Speaking
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