Guest Douglas Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am a Latter-day Saint! Last night at 6 pm (eastern time) I was baptised and took on Christ, becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a beautiful evening, after a day of heavy rain. My wife and two youngest children joined me for this joyous occasion. The ward prepared a little booklet program which I never expected. What was most amazing was that I was joined by 20 ward missionaries and about 20 ward members...some of whom I did not even know! Even one of the Stake Presidents attended! I was so touched. We sang a song, a prayer was said, and Elder McGill, one of my missionary teachers, gave a beautiful talk on the meaning of baptism. Then Elder Bedwell and I entered the baptismal pool. As I stepped into the water I noticed how warm it was and then, for a brief moment, I became so focused everything was blocked out....the people watching, the water.......I placed my hand on Elder Bedwell's arm and he held my other wrist. When he began the words of Baptism I heard them in my mind...loud...clear....and I and an instaneous flash of the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost...and then I felt a gentle falling back into the water.....calm...peace..freedom.....and it was done. After changing out of our baptismal clothes, Elder Bedwell and I returned to the congregation and I was officially welcomed into the Ward on behalf of the Bishopric by Elder Shaffer. We closed with a beautiful prayer by Sister Schaffer and then the closing song, "All Glory, Laud, and Honor". It was one of the most beautiful moments of my life. Written with deep affection to all my brothers and sisters in the faith, Douglas Olmstead 2nd Ward - Bronx, NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susieSA Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 This is wonderful news Douglas.... Congrats!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 thats awesome Douglas...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 I am soooo happy for you Douglas. Keep us up to date on how things are with your new membership. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gabelma Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 good to meet you congratulations/ I am Charley Ihave been baptised 16 years now, married with 2 kids and live in Scotland. -Charley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 Congrats Douglas! We wish you the very best! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john doe Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 Congratulations, Douglas! I have a brother who was a missionary in the New York City Mission. He moved back later and now lives on Long Island. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaskagain Posted October 28, 2007 Report Share Posted October 28, 2007 Doug, how wonderful! Your description of the events took me back to my own baptism and all the feelings of that day. What a grand spirit you have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Douglas Posted October 30, 2007 Report Share Posted October 30, 2007 Brothers and Sisters, This past Sunday during Sacrament Meeeting I was confirmed in the faith and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a most amazing moment as the bishop, his two counselors and my two missionary elders placed placed their hands on my head. As Elder McGill said the prayer I felt my head and heart warm...I knew my soul was being touched....it was a great sign to me and one that this poor sinner neither expected nor deserved. I had a meeting with the Bishop at the end of the day and after a round of questions he told me that he agreed with the elders and his counselors that I should be ordained a priest in the Aaronic priesthood next Sunday. I am humbled and honored by this. May I be a good servant of of the gospel. And now I am exhausted! But there is work to do! God is our loving Father, Jesus Christ is our Lord and brother and is the one who saves us. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored Church. Thank you Father for Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon and for sending us latter-day prophets. This I believe, to this I testify, in Jesus' name. AMEN. With affection. -Douglas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillebre Posted October 31, 2007 Report Share Posted October 31, 2007 I'm a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. lol but I'm only one because of my age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbauro Posted October 31, 2007 Report Share Posted October 31, 2007 Welcome Douglas, As I am reading your message I feel the Holy Spirit.... I was baptised 7 yrs ago and still I can never forget the same feeling u felt. Congratulations!!! !!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Douglas Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Dear Friends, This past Sunday I was ordained a priest in the Aaronic priesthood. It was as powerful a moment as my baptism and confirmation. Why I am entitled to receive this privilege I do not know. I only ask Heavenly Father for the grace to exercise priesthood power in total humility and confidence in Him; to be of total service to Him and my fellow brothers and sisters. Many years ago I studied for the priesthood in the Catholic Church. When I had to leave those studies because the I heard the Lord's call that I should be married, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would or could be His priest. At this thought I weep. This gift is a great one! For without Heavenly Father choosing our dear Joseph to be His prophet we would all still be in the darkness of apostasy. Thanks be to God! -With affection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snipe123 Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Dear Friends,This past Sunday I was ordained a priest in the Aaronic priesthood. It was as powerful a moment as my baptism and confirmation. Why I am entitled to receive this privilege I do not know. I only ask Heavenly Father for the grace to exercise priesthood power in total humility and confidence in Him; to be of total service to Him and my fellow brothers and sisters.Many years ago I studied for the priesthood in the Catholic Church. When I had to leave those studies because the I heard the Lord's call that I should be married, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would or could be His priest. At this thought I weep. This gift is a great one! For without Heavenly Father choosing our dear Joseph to be His prophet we would all still be in the darkness of apostasy. Thanks be to God!-With affection.That is so great Doug...I just told my son about you and shared your most recent post because he is receiving the Aaronic Priesthood this coming Sunday and will be ordained to the office of Deacon (He is turning 12)...His response was: "Cool". What can I say...He's twelve...:)Have you talked to the bishop about blessing the sacrament yourself? How do you like your new ward family? Made any new friends or aquaintances, met the Bishop etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Dear Friends,This past Sunday I was ordained a priest in the Aaronic priesthood. It was as powerful a moment as my baptism and confirmation. Why I am entitled to receive this privilege I do not know. I only ask Heavenly Father for the grace to exercise priesthood power in total humility and confidence in Him; to be of total service to Him and my fellow brothers and sisters.Many years ago I studied for the priesthood in the Catholic Church. When I had to leave those studies because the I heard the Lord's call that I should be married, I never in my wildest dreams thought I would or could be His priest. At this thought I weep. This gift is a great one! For without Heavenly Father choosing our dear Joseph to be His prophet we would all still be in the darkness of apostasy. Thanks be to God!-With affection.The first and greatest call of man is to family and parenthood – it is the type and shadow of G-d and his most kind and loving treasure. I am impressed that you chose correctly with great incentive to do otherwise. I stand forever in awe of those that leave Babylon and cleave unto Zion taking upon them the mantel and example of a saint of G-d. Welcome to that path garnered with a rod of iron. While our paths are joined –The Traveler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a-train Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 It's great to hear from those who have recently been baptized. -a-train Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pam Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Brothers and Sisters,This past Sunday during Sacrament Meeeting I was confirmed in the faith and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was a most amazing moment as the bishop, his two counselors and my two missionary elders placed placed their hands on my head. As Elder McGill said the prayer I felt my head and heart warm...I knew my soul was being touched....it was a great sign to me and one that this poor sinner neither expected nor deserved.I had a meeting with the Bishop at the end of the day and after a round of questions he told me that he agreed with the elders and his counselors that I should be ordained a priest in the Aaronic priesthood next Sunday. I am humbled and honored by this. May I be a good servant of of the gospel.And now I am exhausted! But there is work to do! God is our loving Father, Jesus Christ is our Lord and brother and is the one who saves us. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the restored Church. Thank you Father for Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon and for sending us latter-day prophets. This I believe, to this I testify, in Jesus' name. AMEN. With affection.-DouglasDoug you think you are exhausted now. Wait until they REALLY put to work. But it sounds like you will put your entire effort and being into whatever they have for you. Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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