Brendan's First Convert Baptism

Over the summer, we had some new neighbors move into the house behind us. Sara Thomas, her son Beck, and teenage daughter Avery, moved in with Tanner Teeples. It wasn't long before Sara met Jake and realized that he was a doctor at Deaconess, while she is a paramedic who frequented his ER. She also surprised us by disclosing that all of them were members of the Church, including Tanner, who has lived behind us since we moved in and we never knew! They were less active, and I found out through my ward council connections that Beck, who is 10, was not baptized either.

Sara is super friendly and in no time we were having Beck over to play with Riley and were invited to their house for dinner. We let her know that I am the Young Womens President and would be over to meet Avery, while Jake is the Activity Days for Boys leader and would work with Beck! It really was providential how it came together. So, Beck joined Jake's Activity Days group, and even attended the stake Activity Days activity. He, Sara and Tanner even came to church. We had them over for family home evening, and Riley taught a lesson and then lead us all in a game of headbands. 

Well, before long, the sister missionaries announced that they had been teaching Beck and that he had decided to be baptized! And to put the icing on the cake, he wanted Brendan to perform his baptism! Brendan was so touched and honored. This would be his very first live baptism to perform for someone. Up until now, he had only performed baptisms for the dead in the temple. 

On the big day, we found out that Beck had broken his wrist while at school, but that he powered through the pain. Despite having to go to the hospital and wear a soft cast, he was determined to be baptized. So, we put a trash bag over his arm to protect it and soldiered on. (Incidentally, Beck LOVES the Army, so soldiering is totally his thing! haha) It took Brendan a couple of tries to get all of Beck and his arm under the water, but it was a beautiful service. Jake had been asked to give the talk on Baptism, as well as give Beck the Holy Ghost. Riley had been asked to play the music for the service and did a great job playing the opening and closing songs. It was so, so special for our family to be a part of Beck's and his family's special day. 

It really is amazing how the Lord does His work. He really has got this. We just need to stand ready to step in and do some lifting here and again, as well as love His children the way He would. We have high hopes for Beck. He's a sweet boy. We pray that this will be the beginning of amazing things for him and his family.  

Beck's dad, Beck, Sara (mom), and Tanner Teeples

Sister Johnson and Sister Perry with Beck