Caleb's Baptism

Caleb turned eight while in Houston, and was excited to be old enough to get baptized. He decided he wanted to wait a bit longer until we were back in Yaounde in our own church branch.

We planned the baptism for Saturday, June 28 - the last weekend before our good friends Elder and Sister Hanks were to finish their mission and depart Cameroon. We invited close friends from the Embassy community as well as members of the branch.

The service was held in the new chapel. The meeting was conducted in French, with the talks given in English. Sister Hanks played the organ and gave a very nice talk on the covenants of baptism. Then we moved outside to the font, where Jeff baptized Caleb. While Jeff and Caleb changed clothes, Stacey distributed index cards and pens for everyone in attendance to share their feelings or testimonies. We have a wonderful collection of heartfelt thoughts in English and in French that will always remind Caleb of his baptism in Central Africa. The service then continued with a talk by Noah on the Holy Ghost, a song by Elijah, and Caleb bore his testimony. Elder Hanks closed the service with a prayer.

It was a wonderful afternoon, and we were glad to have some dear friends there, including the Ham family (the boys' cub scout buddies), Tad Brown, Mary Namondo, and our (former) housekeepers Odelia and Nelly. Of course all the young Elders were there along with the Hanks and the Hendriksens.

Caleb was confirmed a member of the Church on Sunday, July 6 (exactly 23 years after Stacey's baptism). After the confirmation, Jeff shared his testimony in French, which was nothing short of a miracle!

Caleb says he feels good and wants to keep his promises to the Lord to keep the commandments, be kind and helpful to others, and take the name of Christ. We think he's already a great disciple of Christ.