This past Saturday we saw the baptism of Santi. It
was the most spiritual service I have ever been in. Santi is the most prepared
person I have ever met. It was a very simple service, Elder Dixon gave a talk
about enduring to the end that was sweet and simple. Elder Bradshaw played a
beautiful musical number. The baptism was powerful, and when Santi came out of
the water there were tears in his eyes and you could see him radiating. He
broke down into tears and gave Elder Bradshaw the biggest hug and at that
moment the spirit was overpowering. Afterward, we sang a few hymns while we
waited for him to return and he was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy
Ghost by a member of the bishopric. Then Santi gave the most powerful testimony
I have ever heard. He testified of the restoration, he had visited Carthage
jail and he told of an experience he had where he felt the spirit testify so
strongly that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. He testified of the Book of
Mormon, quoting scriptures and stories and applying them to his life. He
testified of the plan of Salvation and he gave a loving thanks to his amazing
wife and daughter. A testimony that touched every single heart, there wasn't a
single dry eye in the room. Afterward, President Dayton got up and said that he
was a TRUE convert, and during Santi's testimony he had received revelation
that Santi was going to be a leader for the church here in Spain. He said to
Santi that the next goal to make is to be sealed in the temple and Santi and
his wife got so giddy and kissed right then and there. President got teary eyed
as he testified of temples and as he saw the love this couple had for each
other. The same day we had stake conference and Santi was asked to share his
testimony, when president asked him he said, "listo hermano, listo."(I
am ready, brother, I am ready) and he gave another powerful testimony. No one
believed that he had been baptized just that day.
The conversion story of Santi is amazing. His wife and
daughter got baptized about a year ago in the Dominican Republic. Santi
listened to all the lessons but never felt the need to get baptized. Well his
wife was a faithful member, they got married so she could get baptized, they
started to live the word of wisdom as a family, paid tithing, and they even did
family home evening every week. Santi knew he had felt something when he
listened to the missionaries but he didn't act on it. He travels a lot, and he
told us that wherever he was in the world, he started to seek out the Mormon churches
so he could feel that same feeling that was in every Mormon Church around the
world. He was amazed how no matter where he would go or where he was, he always
felt that same peace. He traveled to the United States and he visited Salt Lake
City, Carthage jail, and other church sites. He went with a few of his friends
who were members and he told us that he got his confirmation that Joseph Smith
is a prophet when he listened to the story of Joseph while standing there in
Carthage Jail. His 14 year old daughter has also been an amazing example for
him. She loves to speak at church and she wants to serve a mission. They
decided to move to Spain a month ago and when he arrived here, he knew it was
time to get baptized. He was ready to fully repent and be a new man. And when
he got baptized, he knew exactly what he was doing and the importance of the
covenant he was making with God. The tears that were in his eyes as he came out
of the water showed how absolutely prepared he was.
Flora is on track to be baptized this Saturday! She
came to stake conference and we had an amazing visit with her yesterday. We
have her interview all planned and she is so excited for this
Saturday!
Also, we had a family home evening with Santi last night and
our investigator Nestor came (he also came to Santi's baptism and loved it). Well
we had prepared a lesson but Santi insisted that he share a message and it was
the greatest family home evening I've ever had here on the mission! So many
miracles!
Love you all!
Hermana Bangerter
