Missionaries had been pulled out of this small branch, the only one in Ipetumodu, some time ago. Therefore, when we sent 2 missionaries back in, there were several children 9 and older that hadn't yet been baptized. Several other 13 and 14 years olds had also been faithfully attending and wanted to be baptized so we had a busy day baptizing all 12 of them!
This group of children and members gathered for a picture after the baptism.
Ebenezer is a faithful member of the branch who is trapped in a body with severe birth defects. He's the first one to arrive at church every Sunday. He lives alone with his mother who has taken good care of him since his birth 17 years ago. He gets around with considerable difficulty on all fours but is always happy and good natured. The church provided him with a wheelchair several years ago but when we first met him in August 2008, he had put it to good use and it was ready to fall apart.
So, working with LDS Charities, we were able to get him a new one called the Rough Rider, made especially for the rough terrain that Ebenezer has to travel over to get to church every Sunday and to school the rest of the week. AND, we have another baptism coming up next week in the branch - Ebenezer's Mother!!
We encourage families to sit together during Sacrament Meeting. However, this Branch in Ipetomudu prefers to have the young children sit together near the front of the room. I think it's because the small chairs are such a perfect size for the children and it's more practical to group them together rather than mix them in with the larger chairs. Anyway, you'd be amazed that these children will sit there quietly pretty much unsupervised the whole 2 hours of the meeting. (This branch only meets 2 hours - 1 for Sacrament and 1 for Sunday School). Since the missionaries have come back they have started Primary for the children as well as Relief Society and Priesthood meeting for the adults.
2 comments:
Wow, now that was a baptism! Thank you for keeping us up on everything that is going on in your neck of the world! We love to follow your comings and goings. Miss ya - and look forward to a great re-union!
What a wonderful picture. They ought to send it Church-wide. Lisa informed us on Sunday that you're coming back in July!!!!! I saw that the two Nigerian missions were being combined and wondered how that would affect you, but I never dreamed it would mean your release. Your kids have even planted some flowers in the front yard in your honor. How wonderful to have you back!
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