Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Elder Goddard's Niuatoputapu

Elder Goddard's favorite book is "In the Eye of the Storm" which was made into a movie and titled, "The Other Side of Heaven.  In the book the baptismal font is the ocean and it is so beautiful....the perfect spot.  Elder Goddard's dream has always been to go to Niuatoputapu and have that experience.  Well, Saturday November 29th, his dream came true.  He didn't go to Niuatoputapu, Tonga, but this setting was as close as you could get.  We watched as a whole family came into the fold of God.  It was a wonderful experience, not only to be there but to have been with the Elders many times when they taught the James Family. What made it even more special was that Bro and Sister James battled and conquered their smoking addition.  We were all praying so hard for them.  The baptism was on a little beach named Arnos Vale Bay.
 Branch members gather for the baptism.
Left to right... Daniel is 12, father Carl, daughter Sky who is 7 and mom Mawasi.  Sky will be baptized next year and Carl was so elated to find out that he will be able to baptize her.
With Elder Jeppson and Elder Horsley. 
 Sister Cupid and Sister Camejo attend.  Relief Society President and Y.W. President.
 Sister Henricks and Sister Charters
 Brother and Sister George
 Elder Jeppson conducts.
 Bro Carl is first, baptized by Elder Goddard.





 Sister Mawasi is 2nd baptized by Elder Horsley.


 Daniel is last, baptized by Elder Jeppson.


As Elder Goddard expressed, "It is a great day to be a Mormon."  

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