An Unforgettable Weekend-Jenn and Jason's Baptism

The Mouso Family on Their Baptism Day

This weekend was truly unforgettable. We have been good friends with the Mouso family since we moved to Tucson in July 2005. They were the first people we met when we moved to Tucson. We miraculously rented houses next door to each other as we both were having homes built on the same block of the same street in a different neighborhood. We became instant friends with their family. They came to church with us for 2 primary programs and for Emma's baby blessing before Jenn ran into the missionaries who were stopped in front of her home one day. The new missionary was actually looking for our home. She told them that they had been to church with us before. They asked her if she would be interested in learning more. She replied in the affirmative. I was so excited for their family to start attending church with us! We knew the joy the gospel would bring to their family.

Elder Bearss, Elder Moss, The Mouso Family,
Ivan, Elder Olsen, and our newest Elder

They came to church and felt the Spirit. Jenn commented that she had been feeling as if there was something missing in her life. While she was sitting in the Gospel Principles Class her first Sunday she had the distinct impression that "this" was what was missing! Jason commented on how the teachings of the gospel just made sense. My dad said the same thing about his experience when he joined the church.

Jenn's mom, Mary, and Jason's dad, Harvey came to give their support.
Jason's dad came all the way from Georgia for their baptism!

Their two boys instantly loved coming to church. It helped a lot that most of their good friends were already there. Alex, 12, had an amazing experience while reading the scriptures in Sunday School which helped confirm the truth of the gospel and the church to his young heart.

The Ashcrafts and The Mousos

I always love the spirit that is felt at baptisms. This baptism was no exception. Not only did we have our good friends being baptized, but we also had a phenomonal senior in high school also getting baptized.

Jake Weiss (left) was able to baptize
one of his best friends, Nate Prathers.

It meant a lot to Ivan to be able to baptize the Mousos. I was asked to speak on baptism, and another friend, Allison Esplin, spoke on the Holy Ghost. While I was preparing my talk, I ran across a quote that I really thought summarized the concept of baptism as a gate. Bruce R. McConkie, a past leader of the church, in teaching about baptism said, “I think that baptism is a gate. It is a gate which puts us on a path; and the name of the path is the straight and narrow path. The straight and narrow path leads upward from the gate of baptism to the celestial kingdom of heaven. After a person has entered the gate of baptism, he has to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, as Nephi expresses it, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and all men; and if he endures to the end, then he gains the promised reward.”

We were so thrilled to see these five amazing people enter that gate on Saturday. Sunday was just as remarkable. We had a baby blessed and all five confirmations during sacrament meeting. Ivan confirmed Jason a member and was able to give him the gift of the Holy Ghost. Elder Olsen did the same for Jenn. Rion Westfall confirmed Alex, while Brother Hodge confirmed Zach. A father of one of Nate's friends confirmed him. The Spirit was incredibly strong and I had to wipe away several tears as blessings were pronounced and promises were given.

I love this church with all my heart. The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the greatest treasure on earth. It blesses families and brings us closer to our Savior. It has hit me with such force lately that we do not belong to an exclusive church. The Savior invites all of Heavenly Father's children to partake of the gospel, and so must we.

Lots of love,