Hi there,

I want to tell you about my baptism.

When I was going for my baptism, even the night before i wasnt sure i was doing the right thing. I lay there staring and the ceiling wondering how i got myself into this.

I remember my wife at the time coming into the house and telling me about these two young women. How they stopped her in the street and told her about there church. I remember thinking that they sound alot like those two American guys who spoke to me when i was 16 years old in Motherwell train station. They commented on my grey cowboy boots, then started telling me about there church and how important it was for me to be part of it.

Making an appointment for them to come see me and finding out that my mum had turned them away.

Well i was now in my early 20's and finally was going to hear about this church that was so important, that I should join it and no other. Well they came to my house and this time i made sure i was at the door to let them in. They held me a BoM and asked me to read it.

We sat down each time they came, started and finished with a prayer. The lessons themselves didnt feel like lessons, it was as though I knew these things already. Finally someone was laying it all out in front of me. I had suggested some of this stuff to others in other churches and was mocked, But yet here i was listening to someone telling me these things and they were serious.

How could I already know this stuff. Ok, yes i had prayed many times and read my little red pocket NT over and over again AND I did feel that God had told me these things. I just thought I was mad, But no, these girls were actually saying these things. As you can imagine, I wanted to be baptised as soon as possible.

So why am I doubting now? That just doesnt make sense.

Well its Sunday night and im on my way to the Hamilton Chapel. Eldar Harris has loaned me his white trousers and tie. Im standing in the hallway, taking pics with the Sisters and Eldars, still thinking. Am I doing the right thing? Finally it was time. I looked round the corner of the changing room, there was Eldar Harris already in the water. I stepped in. It was warm, my socks seemed to fill up with water and felt really heavy on my feet. I lowered myself in till I reached the bottom of the stairs. Eldar Harris took my arm and showed me where to stand and how to put my arms.

Looking out the glass, i could see everyone watching me. I was still thinking, am I doing the right thing here as I went under and although there was a real feeling of peace, I still didnt feel quite right. From there I went and got changed and had to go to the room where everyone was sitting. They sat me down on a chair, some members put there hands on my head and started to talk.

I really wasnt listening to them. I was to busy praying myself to my Heavenly Father. For the first time in this whole thing, I asked Heavenly Father to please tell me if I was doing the right thing. At that moment I felt as though a hole had been opened up in my chest and it felt like warm water was being poured inside me. I could feel it move through my chest, then into my arms and legs, finally filling my whole body from head to toe. Theres nothing I can say that could truely share what this felt like. I knew then as I do now. I got my answer and it was a loud and clear yes.

Ive now been excommunicated. Fully my own fault and waiting to be re-baptised. I may not feel that way again, But to be honest I dont need to. As this time when I go to be baptised. I know the church is true. Ive tested it over and over again and although I dont recommend it, being excommunicated was the best thing that ever happened to me. Why? Because only by losing the spirit, could I truely understand what it ment to have it. So in effect, losing the spirit taught me that the church was true. Once I get that holy spirit back, Im going to hold on to it for all im worth. I felt so alone when it went away. I never want to feel that way ever again.

Thank you for reading and I pray that God blesses you as he has me.

I ask dear friend, that you pray for me to be re-baptised soon. I love my Heavenly Father and know that this is his true church. I also know that I have to wait for my Father in Heaven to grant me this desire, But im sure a few prayers from someone as wonderful as you will help alot.

With all my love.

John

Tags: Baptism

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