Makhail's Baptism Letters 11/28/09

Makhail's Baptism Letters 11/28/09
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Our granddaughter Makhail just turned 8 and will be baptized next week. Her mom, our daughter Trisha, asked us to write something about our feelings and testimony about baptism so I wrote this little story to illustrate what I think baptism is and why it is important.

Dear Makhail,
I am so pleased that you are going to be baptized soon. It is such an important thing for you to do. You know, I think of baptism as the gate to a big castle where the king lives and where we each want to live with the king forever.  When we are baptized we go through the big gate because this is the only way into the castle and his kingdom. By doing this we become part of the king’s people where we can live free from the bad things that we have done and we can change each day to become better and better by repenting of the bad things and doing more good things.

With your baptism you become a part of the kingdom of God and you can be happy all of your life by doing all the good that you can do. The king also has a special assistant who will help you to do the right things. After the elders of the kingdom give him to you, he will be with you always to tell you the truth, to help you feel better when you are sad, and to help you to be the best you can be.

Grandma and I are part of that kingdom too and so are your mom, dad, sister and most of the good people you know. I know that being part of that kingdom is very important and I know that God wants the best for all the people and welcomes them into his castle, but they must come in through the gate. We are proud of you and love you very much.
Love
Grampa Doug

Grandma Cindy wrote the following

Makhail
December 5, 2009

I’m so happy that you have chosen to be baptized and strengthen your place on the Lord’s team. Baptism is a very special ordinance that opens the doorway to eternal life with your Heavenly Father. He loves you so much and wants you to come back and live with Him again someday when you have finished your work here on the earth.  Through your baptism and confirmation, you will be ready to be a new member of the Lord’s church. What a blessing! You have learned about our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation and about His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, at home from your family, and at church from your primary lessons and leaders. You have been a good student and Heavenly Father and Jesus are so pleased with your choice to join their church and continue to be such a good example.

There is another very important member of the Godhead that is, also, very happy with your decision. It’s the Holy Ghost.  You won’t be able to see Him, but you will feel His presence and influence around you. His special job is to ALWAYS tell you the TRUTH. Most of the time you will just feel what’s right and what’s wrong. You will know what you should do in your life if you pray and ask for guidance and direction. No matter what, you will always know the truth if you are righteous and listen to the Holy Ghost. He will always lead you correctly. He is a very special friend that you can always count on.

I want you to know that I have a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that these things are true. Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost know you and love you. And so do I.

Love from Novosibirsk,
Grandma Simmons/Gram/Grammy/Me/Grandma Cindy