Yesterday, I attended Napoleon’s baptism.  We’ve been working with Napoleon since before April general conference.  That’s when I met him.

His baptism reminded me a lot of my own.  I especially thought about those weeks immediately after my baptism as I had a flood of experiences.  I remember feeling the confirmation that a new Elder’s quorum president was called of divine inspiration. 

I remember receiving the priesthood and how I literally felt it wash over me.

I remember giving my first priesthood blessing.  I said the official words from a card I carried in my wallet and then froze not knowing what would come next.  I then listened as the words poured out of my mouth.  I knew they weren’t my words.

I remember receiving my first priesthood blessing for an injury and watching a 3rd degree burn that doctors had already scheduled surgery to fix heal perfectly with no scar.

I remember reading the Doctrine and Covenants like a novel and feeling the excitement of the early restoration of the church.

I remember learning doctrines and how we knew them for a certainty… doctrines that I had suspected from by studies before… but now confirmed to be facts rather than theories by revelation or known event during the restoration of the church.

Those were exciting times for me.  I can feel that Napolean feels that same excitement and it will be nice to see him grow in the gospel.

He asked me to confirm him a member of the church which I did today in Sacrament meeting.  I had a card taped to my arm which I read in Spanish for the actually confirmation and giving of the Holy Ghost.

As I was preparing to give him a priesthood blessing immediately after the confirmation, Napoleon said something in Spanish to the congregation.  I didn’t follow it, but heard Espiritu Santo, so I knew he said something about the Holy Spirit.

After he finished, I gave him a priesthood blessing.  It was interesting to get to know Napoleon a little better from the perspective of Heavenly Father by listening to the words that Heavenly Father had for Napolean.  It was especially nice to hear that Heavenly Father wants Napoleon to have the joy of an eternal marriage.  I know Napolean wants that as well.

I learned later that was Napolean said was somthing like this…

“I can feel it.  I can feel the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is burning in my bosom.”

Napoleon will be strong member of the church.

This is the first living person I have ever confirmed a member of the church.  It was quite an experience.  I hope it won’t be the last.

-James Brausch

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