Mission in Guatemala: Questions

One day after church, I said to Oscar, "Aren't you ready to get baptized?"

He answered, "Not yet. I still have some questions."

I said, "That's fine. Just don't wait too long." I knew that Oscar and his wife had already set two baptismal dates, then backed out at the last minute.

A week later, his wife, Aura, came to church by herself. I asked her, "How close are you to getting baptized?"

She answered, "I have a testimony and want to get baptized. But Oscar still has a lot of questions."

I said to her, "Tell him that questions are great. Just let him know that we would love to have the chance to answer his questions."

The following week, both Oscar and Aura Rocito were at church together. After Sunday School, I asked him, "How are things coming? I know you have a lot of questions. Just let me know what they are, and I will try to answer them for you."

He guaranteed me that he would.

Two weeks ago, I saw him again. With a serious expression on his face, he addressed me, "Elder Harris, I have a question for you."

I wondered what he had in mind. I mentally prepared myself to answer a really tough question. "OK," I nervously said, "What's your question?"

"My question is this: Next Sunday would you baptize me?"

"Seriously?" I said.

"Yes. I want you to baptize me next Sunday," he grinned.

On July 16th, Oscar, Aura, and their two daughters, along with the missionaries, Elders Nelson and Cruz, squeezed with us into our five-passenger Toyota to travel to Barbarena for the baptism.

The only other vehicle in our branch is a truck belonging to our branch president. Friends piled into the truck to make the hour long drive and join the Rocitos for the important occasion.

The baptism was a joyous event for all of us. It was particularly meaningful for me because I wasn't sure if I would get the chance to baptize anyone during my mission in Guatemala.

After the baptism was over, everyone climbed back into their vehicles to make the drive back to Pueblo Nuevo Vinas. Almost immediately, the skies opened with a downpour.