The Baptism of Eleanor Valentia King

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, existed a women; fierce in nature and short in stature. She had a tongue like none other and a determination that outshone them all. It wouldn’t be long before her path crossed the lines of smartly-dressed, God-fearing young men. Elders Broadhead and Martins were their names. It was then that her venture began, putting to test all that she had previously learnt of God.

Her curiosity peaked, and from lesson to lesson she asked questions. From lesson to lesson she took notes. One privileged, such as I, met with one such as her. Elder Martin left and Elder Wegrowski came. Together, the three of us taught her, as she faithfully searched. She came to Church, hopping an’ all, to see all that it had to offer. She took it all in and found the love, found the peace.

Today she stands as a living miracle, having forsaken habits of old through faith in her Redeemer and trusting her all to Him. Today, on the fifteenth of February 2015, she takes that step towards baptism, proclaiming to God and the saints that she is prepared to follow Him. Her journey has only begun, and only rich blessings are in store.

I am honoured to have been witness to this beautiful occasion, and to have been asked to be the one to take her into the water. I remember our discussion in Gospel Principles early one Sunday morning, when speaking of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.

“Can you baptise?” she asked.

Elder Broadhead eavesdropping from his end of the room, nodding his head, “Jono can baptise you.”

“Really?” came her rolling R.

“Pray about it,” I told her, recounting how I’d come to choose Elder Tew as the one to baptise me.

It wasn’t long after, when the missionaries went over to teach her the Law of Chastity that she said, “I know who I want to baptise me. And I pray, from my mouth to God’s ears that you will be available that day.”

It’s truly a splendiferous, momentous occasion. She came to Church that Sunday, even today, smiling from ear-to-ear, butterflies in her stomach, and anxiously excited, awaiting what was to come.

The service opened with Brother Youngman reciting the schedule, followed by my talk on the Holy Ghost (strange, but effective), Elder Wegrowski’s musical item, Elder Broadhead’s talk on baptism, and then the moment we’d all been waiting for: dunking her under the water. No, no, I did not drown her. But there was enough water to do so.

I remember us walking in as she kept back, “There’s too much water here. I’m gonna be fully immersed just standing here.” She wasn’t.

Her testimony at the end of the service, however, was the highlight of the occasion. Her words were perfect, thanking Heavenly Father for everything that had happened, extremely grateful and filled with awe, filled with love, filled with emotion.

This was her day, and I pray – and trust – that it only gets better from hereon out.

From Aaron to Melchizedek

To quote the much acclaimed Isaiah,

"For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:" (Isaiah 28:10)

For every step becomes a journey and every line a story. From infant to elder, child to parent, and scholar to teacher; we're always learning, constantly growing. And the Lord would have it no other way.

Today, on the 23rd of November 2014, I took another step; from Priest to Elder - from Aaron to Melchizedek. And, oh, how glorious 'twas.

I woke this morning to find it raining - another confirmation from our Heavenly Father - and recalled the rain the day I was baptised and the day I was confirmed (and ordained and set apart as Priest) and the day I was set apart as Ward Missionary. In fact, it rained the night I decided to get baptised - how grateful I am to see that Heavenly Father would choose to use the same signs to confirm that this is His path for me.

Sustained at Stake Conference with fellow friends and Saints and family. My mom was there, my sister was there, my best friend was there, my sister's friend was there, and my other family (Brother Kevin and Sister Shan) was there. Unfortunately, Dylan was unable to make it.

Words of a hymn we sang (Onward, Christian Soldiers) emanates still:

"One in hope and doctrine
One in Charity"

The only thing that could've made this day better... Elder Tew (David Tew). Sadly, he's in America and it was 3am for him when the ordination took place. Speaking of which, I didn't record it for him. I should have. I wanted to. Shoust.

I can only remember some of what was mentioned as Brother Kevin acted as spokesperson (with a High Councillor and Elder Broadhead in the circle). Fortunately, there were witnesses, and together we can remember the Lord's council to me. I do remember that I need to council with my mom, family and Church leaders and that the Lord expects, also, that I be a missionary here, now, and when I serve a full time mission.

I'm grateful that I've been entrusted with the Priesthood which belongs to the Saviour Himself. I know that I need to keep the high standards set and that I need to magnify my callings and serve others to the best of my ability (the Lord will take care of the rest). I want to, and I know it is possible.

I'm grateful that my family was there. Yes, everyone that was with me today is my family. Their support and encouragement is truly appreciated and I love them - even though I may not say or express it as often as I should.

This is the Lord's plan for all His children; that they come nearer to Him and experience the blessings the Priesthood has to offer. And through this, we can all experience true joy and happiness. I know this, and I know that God knows this, and I cannot deny it. (To paraphrase Joseph Smith - God's chosen prophet in these Latter-days).