Happy Independence Day
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
This is our third 4th of July in Sierra Leone. And for the third year in a row, Kathy and I didn't go to a parade or picnic in the park. We didn't stay up late watching fireworks. This morning, we witnessed 87 people being baptized at one service. Children wanted to hold my hand, young men and women gave me fist bumps, and adults smiled so brightly when we caught eyes, smiles that I will never forget. These beautiful and friendly people are so easy to love.
When a baptismal candidate has something to repent of that is rather serious, I get to be involved in their interview. One woman asked me today at the end of our visit, what country I’m from. I told her America. She said, "Thank you for coming here and bringing your church." She added, "I am very much grateful. I feel happy and free."
Another woman preparing for baptism told me how she felt after having an abortion several years ago. She said she cried and she knew in her heart that it was wrong. Every time she prayed from then until now, she has asked Papa God for forgiveness. At the end of our interview, I asked if she had any questions for me. She said she had one question. “Will you pray for me to be forgiven?” I said I would. And I promised her that she would in fact be forgiven.
I've had hundreds of these conversations with women and men in Sierra Leone. They are beautiful moments that I get to experience because of my assignment to help them prepare for baptism. I love testifying they will be blessed with peace and joy. They always answer with a sincere and grateful, amen.
Before the service today, baptismal candidates, their missionaries, family and ward members gathered outside for a big picture. And then they divided into smaller groups for more intimate snaps. Everyone was moving around, laughing, hugging, taking pictures. It was reminiscent of a family reunion in the park, only without hotdogs and watermelon.
The font at the Bo East Stake Center is outside. We are in the rainy season now but there was no rain today. We enjoyed cooler weather and a light breeze.
I was one of two witnesses for the baptisms and so was standing on the left side in front of the glass looking down into the font. A very little girl wanted to see the people being baptized and inched her way up to me. She was hesitant. I beckoned her to come closer. I could see the other witness disapproved. He told her to go back and sit down. I looked the other way, put my arm around her, and pulled her close. She wrapped her arm around my leg. “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbit them not.” She stood by me for a long time—it takes a long time to baptize 87 people.
Today is the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. In total, more than 250 people were baptized in our mission today. That’s more than one person for every year America is old. We have baptisms every Saturday here. But this is the last weekend before transfers and these Saturdays are especially busy. I guess we had our own sort of 250th freedom celebration today. It was a celebration promising freedom from pain and sorrow.
I love this scripture in Revelations 21:4-5, referring to the ultimate freedom that is promised: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. . .. Behold, I make all things new.”
Happy Independence Day to all my friends.
What a profound way to share your experiences on the fourth of July. I wiped the tears away as you described the tender scenes of the baptisms, especially the little girl who needed to know that she was loved and valued. You certainly made her feel loved. Thank you for sharing these tender moments with us!
I loved reading this. What a great 4th of July celebration you experienced.
You truly do have a gift to write and express yourself. I also read it to Thayne. We felt the love you have for the people there. Amazing things happening in your mission. Keep up the good work. We miss you guys.
I just read this aloud to Gary. We loved it. I know I told you I was so glad this mission call was yours and not ours, but today I asked Gary: if we were retired and if we didn't already have a "mission" in our own home, would we have joined you in Sierra Leone? My answer was I think we would have-- after a year of your messages and Kathy's posts. I know there are hard things you don't post, but also it just looks like so much joy. Thanks for sharing.
Reading your blog is one of the greatest highlights of my life. You know you will need to write a book when you return and then I will look forward to the movie! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing and inspiring experiences. Ya'll look fantastic in white! With love, Kathi Bischoff
Absolutely incredible experiences! You must be feeling (almost) constant real joy. Sounds like a perfect way to celebrate the 4th. Wayne and I hiked up Rattlesnake canyon, across the top of the Wellsville range and down Deep Canyon. We walked like we were even older than we are near the end and so glad to get to back to a car. We had hoped to witness the military jet fly over from that scenic viewpoint but missed it somehow? Still a great day. loved hearing about yours! We love having your family in our ward!