37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
She replied, "Thanks! Good night."
On Tuesday we had Home Evening at the Colvins'. Sveta came and we had a good time, as usual. Afterward we were walking home together along with a couple other members. I was able to walk a little bit further ahead at one point. We had been praying a lot about what to do because I knew that we needed to move on this. The conversation went to Priesthood authority, as she had just seen us give two blessing after Home Evening. I told her that as missionaries we are called to represent Jesus Christ and His Church and, "We invite you to be baptized by one having authority." She said she's not opposed to in, but she wanted to understand better what would be expected after baptism. She said that she's a woman of her word and if she says it, she will do it, no matter what. The other members split off to go home in another direction and when we got to her dorms we stopped for a minute. I told her, "We have been praying a lot about you and how we can best help you. This Saturday there will be a baptism at 2:00 PM. I know it is very soon, but I know you can be ready for that day. That is what we want to talk about tomorrow." We set up an appointment for the next day.
On Wednesday morning we met at 8:00 AM at the Colvins' apartment with another young member, Yulia. We taught her the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the final time I asked her if she will be baptized, she said, "Yes." She later told me that the words just came out of her mouth and she felt like it wasn't even her saying them. She just knew that it was right.
On Thursday, same thing, we met at 8:00 AM and covered several commandments and one after one she committed to follow them. We watched a talk by President Monson and the Spirit was very strong. She said she got goosebumps again and felt full of joy. I asked her what thoughts she had when she felt those things. She said, "I am just happy to know that there are people like me." She's already more of a saint that I am. Light attracts light. (D&C 88:40)
On Friday, at 8:00 AM again, we finished all the commandments that need to be taught before baptism and everything was just fine. The Spirit was present on all the lessons and really guided us. We reviewed the baptismal interview questions and she was ready as far as I could tell. I saw the Lord's hand make everything move. We ran into her on the street multiple times during the week. Everything lined up perfectly and she had just the right experiences, opened to just the right verses, and ask all the questions she had. The Lord blessed her so generously with spiritual experiences and confirmations that what she is doing is right. We could NOT have done any of this without Him. Throughout all of this she was calling all of her friends who sing looking for singers to do a musical number for her baptism. She invited so many people.
On Saturday morning she already came to the chapel early to iron her baptismal suit and make sure everything was ready. She had her baptismal interview. It went great. Just after 1:00 PM the service started and it was one of the greatest baptisms I've ever attended. There were two amazing musical numbers. She sang soprano herself, a member, Liza, sang alto, and two professional singers sang tenor and bass. I was also recruited to tag along on the bass for the first number, Be Still, My Soul. Then they sang Come Thou Fount as well. They are so good. Wow. I was privileged to baptized Popovichenko Svetlana Viktorovna. It was amazing. She was so happy. I was so happy. Since it was also District Conference weekend, she was also confirmed the same day. The Spirit was strong and the blessing was very powerful. We had a member, who had been on a lesson, be voice. It was all a blur. Afterward, she stay for the Institute Open House, then watched a movie with the YSA, then stayed for the adult session of District Conference. When I called her after that she was in the store buying things, so she wouldn't have to should on Sunday. She became a very active member in a day. I talked to her later that night and taught her the importance of keeping a journal.
On Sunday morning she was a little late for the new members meeting and I later learned that it was because she was writing in her journal. She's amazing. She smiled all the way through the general session of District Conference. It was such a privilege to be a part of all of this. She will be a very strong member. One of her friends, who had "warned her" about us, called her yesterday and she told her about her baptism the day before. She said, "Though she was in shock, she congratulated me, and I told her The Church of Jesus Christ is true!" I look forward to seeing her married in the temple and her children going on mission. I think she's an angel. I could not have dreamed a better ending to my mission. I have loved the whole thing. The Lord has been so good to me.
I know that this is His Church and His work. It has been a humbling experience to feel the Lord use me as an instrument in His hand. I know that I am nothing without Him. I know that with Him I can do anything. I love my Savior and His gospel. I know he wants us to be happy and He teaches us how through living prophets. It's all true and Heavenly Father is ready to tell anybody if they just ask.
Thank for you everything. I love you.
- Elder Jonathan D. C. Mahoney
