We are so happy for our two friends who were baptized yesterday. Our friend, Alphonse was so excited to be baptized into the church that he even wrote out his testimony in English and gave a verbal testimony in French at the baptism. His wife, Anna, who only speaks French was there as well as two of his daughters and one of his sons. They all stayed for the two hours and apparently the two daughters, who are bilingual, participated quite a bit in the Young Women class. We hope that his family will follow him into the church and welcome them with us. Alphonse was a minister in a Christian church in Africa, and he readily sees the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Jesus Christ. It is really amazing to see so many immigrants from Africa recognize and accept the gospel with humble hearts and quick perception.
It was also quite amazing to see our friend, Tom, who is a Quebec resident come with such great faith. He walked into church a few weeks ago and sat right in front at sacrament meeting. He told us that he had been taught by missionaries about a year ago but then stopped. Now he said he was ready and wanted to be baptized. He can only come every other week, but he has been very consistent. The sisters went through all the lessons with him again and prepared him to be baptized on the same day with Alphonse. Tom is hoping to bring his daughter to church with him soon. They both were just beaming with happiness.
We hosted a light lunch afterwards that was well attended by branch members. I think these two brothers will be firm in the gospel and a strength to our little branch. It is such a blessing to watch others grasp the gospel and literally glow with their newfound joy. Elder Glenn and I will be working at the mall next Tuesday as hosts for our Giving Machines. This year they added a third location to the Light the World project here in Montreal. So, we are happy to be a part of this work in the season of giving. Our friend, Alphonse, asked if he could do it with us and of course we are delighted to have him join us there. He was really impressed when he heard about the Giving Machines and can’t wait to be a part of it.
Au revoir, The Glenns
Gigi and Papi