Our First Baptism

Devan Clyde, pictured here with his father, Curt, (and the Savior) was the first baptism of our new mission (Mission to our Grandchildren - a calling we received after only two hours home from Africa). He was a very wlling candidate and had been taught all the 'lessons' in the Clyde District so our part was pretty easy - all we had to do was to show up and then help feed 'the 3,000' at our home after the 'big event' . Devan will be accompaning us on a special zone conference/ Preparation Weekend to Palmyra in June along with some of his cousins who were baptised while we were in Africa.
Here are some of Devan's cousins practicing for a special song they were asked to sing at the baptismal service. More than half of his cousins couldn't be here for the baptism as they had just been to Heber the week before to attend the 'welcome home' festivities of the Africans - two trips from St. George and Las Vegas in eight days was more than school and work would allow...
Here's the 'big production' as they sang at Devan's baptism...Devan later bore his testimony, first time as a full fledged member. We were proud grandparents and missionaries... This was the first big step to his Etnernal Life, next is Deacon, Teacher, Priest, Patriarchial Blessing, Elder, Temple Endowment, Mission, Sealing, University Graduation, Family, Career, High Priest, Senior Missionary with his eternal companion and meeting the Savior for his 'Eternal Life' Confirmation. Lots left to do, but Baptism opens the door and points the way to all the rest. The rest will come easy as he commits to the Covenant he just made...and endures to the end...the reward for his life long journey is 'never ending happiness' (Mosiah 2:41). Satan will be trying hard to get him off track and lead him instead to 'never ending misery' (Alma 12:11)...this must not happen. President Hinckley has taught us how to prevent the 'falling away' and instead RETAIN all our converts..."Good friends in the church, service and responsibility and daily nourishment of the Word of God". One of our mission commitments is to work closely with all the missionaries in the Clyde District and help them make sure our new baptism stays commited to those three 'events' happening. No one must be left behind and not one of our 'baptisms' must lose track of his/her way...