Kaleb's Baptism

July 30th, 2011

Kaleb was baptized! It was a wonderful experience. We're so grateful that Gma and Gpa Pemberton were able to travel here for it, and for all the family that attended. Kaleb has been working on overcoming his fear of the water for a long time, and we're so pleased with his decision to be baptized. There were two previous times that Kaleb attempted to be baptized and just couldn't overcome his inhibitions. So, it was a huge blessing for him to be able to do this.

We're also grateful for all the missionaries that have come to teach Kaleb about getting baptized and helping him to recognize Heavenly Father's love for him. Elder Peterson (on the right) was there for Kaleb for a few months before his baptism. His companion (we can't remember his name) had just gotten transferred, so we don't know the name of the Elder on the left.

Gma Pemberton gave a great talk about baptism. She spoke about when she became a convert to the church. Then Robert, Kaleb, the missionaries and Bishop Nelson went to the font. Kaleb didn't want everyone there to watch him get baptized, so we all waited. After about 45 minutes, Kaleb still had not returned, so I went to check on him. He was still too afraid to get in the water. Robert and David and I talked to Kaleb for a few minutes. I asked Kaleb if he wanted me to get in the water with him and Robert, and he said yes. So I went to change my clothes.

By the time I was ready, Kaleb and Robert were in the font, waiting. Robert and I spent another 15 minutes or so talking to him about his decision and that we would not force him to be baptized. We told him that we would both lift him up out of the water immediately, and we would not let him drown. He was finally ready to trust us. He placed his hands on Robert's arm, Robert quickly said the prayer, and immersed Kaleb in the water. We immediately pulled him up, he looked at us, and started crying, with a big smile on his face. A group hug ensued, as we spoke to Kaleb about the love that we all felt from the Spirit of the Lord at that moment. Kaleb couldn't stop smiling, and neither could we.

Later on we found out that during the 15 minutes we were in the water with Kaleb, Robert's brother David had requested that the family waiting in the other room pray with him. He offered a beautiful, humble prayer on Kaleb's behalf - that Kaleb would be strong enough to overcome his fears. Many special things came to pass to allow Kaleb this wonderful opportunity, and we are so grateful that he made the decision to follow our Savior Jesus Christ's example and be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Gpa Pemberton gave a great talk on the Holy Ghost after Kaleb came back in the room. Kaleb was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost the next day during Sacrament Meeting.

All the family in attendance (that we could round up. I think Macy, Rachel, and Mackenzie were running around somewhere.)

Kaleb with his buddy Chris Anderson, who also attended with his family.