A Special Baptism!

Baptism of

Pierre Van Breda

14 February 2016

 

Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins.

-Joseph Smith

Opening Hymn:

#64 On This Day of Joy and Gladness

Opening Prayer: Elder Pickup

Talk: Sister Kayla Westpfahl

Talk: Elder Masoka

Baptism of Brother Pierre Van Breda

Performed by President Dunn

Testimony of Brother Pierre Van Breda

Welcome by Bishopric

Closing Hymn:

#149 As the Dew from Heaven Distilling

Closing Prayer: Brother Pierre Van Breda

I am excited to share a special event.   On Sunday February 14th,  Valentines Day, our neighbor Pierre Van Breda was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Florida Ward.

  

 We are thrilled about his decision because he and his family were some of our very first friends here when we landed just over 18 months ago.

 We love Pierre and have developed quite a friendship with him. We have done so many different things in Joburg, like bike riding, eating out, taking city tours and going to special exhibits. Mostly we have enjoyed enjoying dinners and Braai's at each others home with his parents, Lynne and Cecil.

 The Van Breda's have been neighbors to the South Africa Johannesburg Mission home for over 40 years. Pierre was raised next door and has witnessed all the coming and goings of missionaries and mission presidents over his life of 27 years.

We asked Pierre after knowing him for awhile if he would be interested in hearing more about the church and adding to his already strong faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to following His teachings. Pierre took the challenge but after meeting for a while last year, he wasn't sure about continuing on this path and took a break. 

  This year came around and we asked Pierre if he would be interested in re-visiting this and at least getting the full discussion sequence so he could judge it for himself. He agreed and this time the Spirit worked on him and he has felt that this is the right timing and choice for him.

So, on Sunday February 14th he was baptized.  Elder Pickup and Elxer Masoka taught Pierre the discussions and Elder Lea'aetoa and Elder Tinarau (below) met him at church and fellowshipped him and participated in lessons with him there.

 We invited friends in addition to his ward to join with us and celebrate his decision. 
The chapel was full of friends that love him and support him in his decision.

Many were able to participate after at the mission home, where we provided “eats" and others brought food to share as well.

 It was a lovely afternoon and many people came over for the reception following the baptism. 

The Wentzel family came and we are sharing the news with their missionary daughter, Sarah, who is in SL serving amission. She was invovled with Pierre as a friend last year when he first was investigating the church. 

Great to have Jenny Cook participate (below) Her baptism of over 1 and a half years ago will always be a very special one.

 Elder Pickup and Masoka helped make wors on the grill to serve for the gathering.

 Pierre was able to meet and talk to everyone and feel the genuine love for him and desire to know him even better.

 Loved having so many friends from the Florida ward in attendance.

We loved that our neighbors and friends from Salt Lake City, Utah were visiting. The Holdings helped out so much and were so fun to have with us.

 Love those matching Valentine ties on the Brae father and son!

 Charlotte Holding lives right next door to our home in Slat Lake Ciyt. Fun to have her in this home in South Africa.

 The Lynne and Theo and Tyler Van Der Hover traveled all the way from Pretoria to support Pierre.

 Perfect weather day..after the party was over the biggest Joburg storm hit. It made for a perfect finale to an awesome day.

 A few more candid pictures to follow: 

  Friends, Kayla, Madison and Karin

  Pierre with Mtetelele and Ayanda- great friends in the ward! They also both served as missionaries in the South Africa Johannesburg Mission over 6+ years ago.

 Pierre getting connected to the What's App group for the upcoming YSA activities!

  Caught Elder Pickup helping again! 

 More kitchen helpers- Christine Holding with Sister Allred. Please stay in South Africa and don't go home ladies. Both of these dear friends are leaving me at the end of the month.  The Allred's (bleow) have served their 18 months and the time has come for them to go home. We have so enjoyed the journey together. Christine has come for a visit and their timing could not have been better!

  The Allred's have also loved Pierre from the beginning. He showed us all around town over 15 months ago on the red Bus Tour. he has been a great ambassador for Joburg and a great friend to all of us from the beginning of our friendship. I am so glad the Allred's could be here for this event.

The Allred's are saying good-bye in case they do not see Pierre before they leave next week. What a sweet association. We are so thrilled they could be here for this special occasion.